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Dates: 4 Wednesdays, March 11-April 1 Time: 6-8pm (Pacific Coast Time) Format: On Zoom Ages: Adult Class Description: We understand the sheer power of our respective childhood and adolescent memories. But how can we harness this power to propel a narrative as well as capture a reader’s attention? In this four-week seminar, we will delve into the neuroscience behind memory (Dr. Lisa Genova) and the basic psychology of memory and expressive writing (Dr. Kevin Leman and Dr. James W. Pennebaker). With childhood memories as the creative foundation, come and explore notions of self-awareness, emotional vs. factual truth, image and imagination, character and voice, and form and meaning. By seminar's end, you will have multiple hard-wrought memoir sketches or at least the grace and gumption to meet head-on that long-neglected project. So, whether your childhood/adolescent memories are heartbreaking or ironically humorous, whether you are a seasoned writer or a novice, this seminar's weekly readings (Mary Karr, Joan Didion, Ben Miller, Jeanette Walls, Charles M. Blow, Natasha Trethewey, among others) and discussions, writing exercises, and informal workshops will leave you inspired and invigorated. Come and write (and share) your memories with us—all their joys, failures, and mysteries. LEFT MARGIN LIT'S CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: If you find that you can't take a class for which you registered, you may request a refund, less a $25 administrative fee, at least 48 hours prior to the start of the first class session. After that threshold, refunds are not possible. If a class doesn't reach its minimum enrollment, it will be cancelled, and all students will receive full refunds.