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Writing Family Histories – Fall ’26
Uncover the stories that shaped you.
What do we inherit from the people we come from? Whose stories are you still carrying? In this six-week memoir class, writers explore family stories, cultural memory, identity, and belonging through personal narrative.
Through guided prompts, readings, and workshop discussion, we focus on the craft elements that bring family histories to life: voice, scene, memory, characterization, structure, and emotional truth. Writers experiment with shaping family anecdotes, inherited stories, and lived experience into compelling narratives, approaching memoir as a space for personal discovery, self-expression, and preservation as much as publication.
Together, we approach memoir as both creative practice and personal inquiry. Ideal for writers, artists, and thoughtful beginners interested in exploring the emotional texture of family history.
Read Michele’s essay “Writing Family Histories” in The Imprint to learn more about what inspired this class.
In-Person: PWN’s Maple Ave Office
252 Maple Ave, Red Bank, NJ
This class is also available virtually in Spanish. Learn more here.
Price range: $250.00 through $275.00
"I come from a long line of storytellers whose love was expressed through sharing meals and unforgettable stories. Some of these stories were true, some were imagined, and many others were something in between. They taught me that storytelling belongs to everyone, not just those with formal training. Their influence is why I love memoir writing and why I’m passionate about helping others preserve family stories in playful, exploratory, and nonjudgmental ways."
Michele Cantos Garcia is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Hispanic Executive, Next Gen Collective, and The Brevity Blog. She has profiled Kamala Harris and other leading figures in business, politics, and culture. Michele is currently revising a memoir manuscript, drafting a novel, and teaching memoir with Project Write Now and book inc, where she also writes the craft-focused column titled, the Book Writing Diaries.
Here’s what some of our writers are saying…
Project Write Now offers no refunds or credits once registered, except in the unfortunate case a class or event is cancelled. We reserve the right to change instructors if necessary. We reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any class, workshop, or event because of low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us at info@projectwritenow.org or call 908.675.0467 for more information. Please note that when you register for a class you are reserving one of a limited number of spots available. Your registration also counts toward our consideration of class minimums.
Our organization was founded to help amplify the voices of those who are often not heard—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. We have witnessed how writing and sharing stories has the power to effect change by generating greater love, compassion, and empathy in the listener. In all of our programs, we provide an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment. We do not tolerate writing and/or behavior that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or fuels hate. Failure to align with our philosophy can result in your removal from class.