Instructor: Carolyn C. Foster
Dates: 3 Sundays: December 20, 27; January 3
Time: 1:00-4:00pm EST
Location: Zoom
Cost: Nonmember: $225; Writer/Reader Member: $144; Senior Member, Student Member, Librarian Member, Teacher Member, Military/Veteran Member: $126

From Memory to Manuscript: Writing Your Personal Story

Everyone has a story worth telling, but how do you transform a meaningful personal experience into a compelling narrative?

In this interactive, three-week creative nonfiction workshop, participants will explore the art of personal storytelling through guided writing exercises, discussion, and constructive feedback. Participants may bring an existing nonfiction draft they wish to improve or begin a new story through writing prompts and exercises.

Throughout the workshop, participants will develop their stories while learning techniques to strengthen narrative structure, descriptive details, authentic voice, and emotional impact. The workshop will conclude with a brief introduction to exploring
publication opportunities and understanding submission guidelines.

This workshop welcomes beginning and emerging nonfiction writers, including those who have a personal story in progress and would like to strengthen it, as well as individuals who are curious about creative nonfiction and eager to explore their
storytelling potential.

No previous publication experience is required.

About the instructor:
Carolyn C. Foster, MA, is a published writer and experienced adult educator with a background in family life education, personal development, and community education. As a member of the Indiana Writers Center, Carolyn participated in several writing classes and workshops, as well as an invitation-only spoken poetry presentation held virtually through IWC. She was featured in IWC’s June 24, 2025, newsletter as a Member Success Story, highlighting her journey as a writer and the publication of her nonfiction story, Divine Intervention on Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicken Soup for the Soul:
Tales of Christmas (October 2024).

Her writing experience also includes poetry published in anthologies and through poetry competitions, as well as educational articles for Michigan State University Extension. She is currently developing another nonfiction story while teaching intermediate and advanced English Language Learners in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. A longtime advocate for lifelong learning and personal growth, Carolyn brings her experience as both an educator and a published writer to helping emerging writers discover, develop, and strengthen their own stories.