Crafting Narrative Arc in Memoir 

When:  Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 to 8:00 pm PST

Where: Online through Zoom

Cost:    Editors Canada members, free; non-members, $10; student non-members, $5

Narrative arc describes the way most stories in English-language cultures flow: exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, resolution. Creative nonfiction uses the same structure, but whereas fiction authors create a compelling arc for their stories, CNF authors must find the arc in their stories. This can be particularly problematic in memoirs. With historic nonfiction or self-help, there can be more latitude to shape the story. But memoirs are about life, and life rarely happens along a neatly defined arc. What if the inciting incident is the most exciting part of the story? What if the climax is known at the outset—where's the narrative arc in that? In this presentation, we'll explore how editors can help shape the narrative arc in creative nonfiction.

About the speaker

Lynne Melcombe has been writing and editing professionally for nearly 40 years. Her experience covers the map from freelance journalism to media relations, conference note taking to marketing communications, copy editing web materials to coaching emerging nonfiction writers. She has certificates in writing, editing, and publishing from SFU's Writing and Publishing Program and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing from University of King's College in Halifax.