Transform your lived experience into a compelling narrative. Across five two-hour sessions, you will read and analyze memoir excerpts to understand effective techniques, identify your target audience—whether family, community, or potential publication—and strengthen your observational skills to uncover the vivid details that bring personal stories to life. Each session includes structured writing time and targeted exercises that guide you in gathering sensory detail, shaping scenes, and refining your narrative voice. You will draft a partial memoir excerpt and receive constructive feedback from peers and the instructor. No previous writing experience is required—this workshop is designed for anyone seeking to tell their story. The sessions will provide dedicated time to write and receive expert guidance to move toward a polished memoir. After registration, participants will complete a survey so that the instructor can focus the course’s content and design to meet specific needs and interests of the group.
workshop At A Glance
JULY 8 – 29, 2026
AUGUST 5, 2026
Wednesdays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
In-Person
On-Campus
Applied Arts 101
Cost
Varies - See below for details & discounts!
What will you gain?
By the end of this workshop, you will:
- Understand the fundamentals of memoir writing.
- Develop skills to craft a moment into a scene.
- Learn how to use story structures.
- Explore the use of imagery in writing.
- Gain experience working with a writing coach.
Who should enroll?
This course is designed for anyone interested in memoir writing or personal storytelling. No experience is required. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore your voice or someone wanting to shape meaningful life experiences into a narrative, this workshop provides the structure, guidance, and dedicated writing time needed to succeed.
What will it cost?
WorkShop:
Important Notes:
Kate Roberts Edenborg
She teaches journalism and media courses and also mentors students. Edenborg pursues grants that allow her pay students to intern for non-profit community news outlets and collaborates with community members. She also was previously the faculty advisor for the campus news source, the Stoutonia.
Before she came to UW-Stout, Edenborg worked as the patient education communication specialist for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also worked as an editor and reporter for a variety of publications, including the two metropolitan newspapers (Minnesota Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press) in the Twin Cities. Edenborg was also the assistant news editor for the Wausau (Wis.) Daily Herald.
Her academic research focuses on journalism history with particular emphasis on how people, ideas, and concepts have been represented by images, text, and other symbols in mass media throughout American history. She is also very interested in health communication.
The parking lots closest to Applied Arts Building (building 19 in the Campus Map below) are Lot 18, Lot 29 and Lot 34.
Important Note:
Parking is free in all commuter lots after 4 pm on weekdays and on weekends (except reserved spaces).
If you would rather stay in a hotel than in an individual dorm room, consider these local options:
Best Western Plus
To book, contact the hotel directly.
Front Desk: 715-235-5664
Address: 320 Oak Ave, Menomonie, WI
Distance to Campus: 2.1 miles
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
To book, contact the hotel directly.
Front Desk: 715-233-0211
Address: 149 Main St. E, Menomonie, WI
Distance to Campus: .3 miles (five-minute walk to Memorial Student Center)
Hampton Inn & Suites
To book, contact the hotel directly.
Front Desk: 715-231-3030
Address: 2017 Stout St, Menomonie, WI
Distance to Campus: 2.1 miles