How to Write a Memoir with Magical Realism
In this intensive 6-week workshop, students will learn how to shape an effective (and true!) memoir using fantastical elements borrowed from this beloved genre.
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Cost: $495
Student Limit: 10
Magical realism blends fantasy with reality, and though itâs a fiction genre in its own right, it can also be used as a plot device in nonfiction to help emphasize otherwise complicated themes. Itâs an especially fascinating plot device to use in memoir because it has a unique power to cloak otherwise heavy subject matter into fanciful and liberating tales without dampening their poignancy. Itâs why author and poet Jasper âJazâ Joyner used it in their Richard Wright Literary Award-winning work, Pansy: A Black American Memoir.
Pansy is a non-linear, episodic memoir that combines poetry, cultural criticism, and essays. Its magical realist elements allow the author to deeply explore transness, queerness, racism, and other complex themes with a sort of levity that doesnât discount their seriousness. The end result reads like a novel, allowing the reader to feel its themes in a way that is often challenging to do with nonfiction work.
This 6-week class will explore how to infuse magical realist elements in memoir as a plot device by learning how to world-build for nonfiction, as well as highlighting some of its most versatile approaches: personification of a theme or idea, poetic influence in tone, metaphor, and the writing style âbiomythographyâ (a term coined by prolific poet and author Audre Lorde), to name a few.
In session one, weâll explore exactly what magical realism text entails with a lecture, written example read by the author, and time for questions towards the end of class.
In session two, weâll combine both worlds â magical realism and creative nonfiction â in a lesson on worldbuilding that breaks down how the two might best work together.
In session three, weâll prepare to work on our writing assignment, blending magical realism with memoir.
In session four to six, students will have time to share their own writing examples and receive feedback from the instructor and their peers.
This is the right class for you ifâŠ
Youâve started writing your memoir and want to get creative with how to frame certain themes or subject matter.
Youâre excited to get feedback from a published memoirist and from your peers.
You would like a clear path toward how you might complete your memoir.
After this class youâll be ready toâŠ
Have a plan to effectively use magical realism as a strategic plot device in your memoir.
This is a six-week workshop on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm ET, starting on February 24 and ending on March 31. All Narratively Academy classes are conducted online and are accessible to students anywhere in the world. This class will be recorded and shared with all enrolled students in case there are specific sessions you have to miss, but live attendance and participation at a majority of class sessions is required.
About Your Instructor: Jasper âJazâ Joyner is an award-winning Memphis-based Black transmasc author and poet with work in The Offing, Oldster Magazine, StopGap, Teen Vogue, and many others. Along with their memoir Pansy being named one of PWâs BookLife Best of 2024, being a Quill Prose Award finalist, and winning Best Young Adult Nonfiction at the 3rd annual Richard Wright Literary Awards, Jasper has authored the chapbook, A Flamboyance, and YA fantasy novel Juniper Leaves. Their zine Worth the Wage is set to release in spring 2026 with Microcosm Publishing.
âIâve worked with a lot of editors and Jasper has easily been the best, especially with helping me as an academic author to find a voice that would speak to a popular audience.â âKendra Murphy, a professor of Sociology
âJasper is a natural teacher â erudite, relatable, able to think on their feet to fully answer questions, and encouraging.â âLena, former writing student
Registration Details: Seats in this class are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prior to the start of your class youâll receive an invitation to access the virtual classroom and view all class materials.
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund when canceling 7 or more days before the class start date.
50% refund when canceling less than 7 days before the class start date.
No cancellations after the class start date.
Questions? Email us at academy@narratively.com.