“A memoir grows from the wild desire to make sense of what has happened to you.”

The Truth of Memoir: How to Write About Yourself and Others with Honesty, Emotion, and Integrity

Intensive memoir critique group

  • Memoir Workshops for Beginners

    Do you want to write your story but don’t know where to begin? Do you have little experience with writing? New writers work with me to find and understand the story that calls them to the page. Learn how to find your story’s shape, write evocative scenes, and complete a memoir-based project.

    $2,500 for 10 week program, which includes downloadable lessons, prompts, and weekly virtual meetings with Kerry

  • One-on-One Memoir Mentoring*

    This opportunity is intended for established writers, writers who have been working on their memoir for a while, or/and people who believe they are past the beginner stage and are ready to take their memoir/ideas to the next level.

    $500 per month, which includes monthly intensive feedback and virtual meetings with Kerry

    *Applications are required for this program

  • writing in notebook with photos and computer

    Memoir & Personal Essay Workshop - Invite Only

    Intensive memoir & personal essay critique group for intermediate to advanced writers. No more than 6 members per group. For more information, please use the Contact page.

    $750

  • ocean at Playa Escondida Sayulita, MX

    Writing About Grief - Día de los Muertos

    5-DAY WORKSHOP IN PARADISE

    OCTOBER 30, 2024 – NOVEMBER 3, 2024

    LOCATION

    Sayulita, Mexico (watch the video to learn about Día de los Muertos in Sayulita), which is about a 1-hour drive from the Puerta Vallarta airport.

    WHERE WE’LL STAY

    Playa Escondida is a beautiful, welcoming boutique hotel that is set into a cliffside just outside the center of Sayulita. We have a private beach, a saltwater infinity pool, bars in the main area and on the beach. The hotel’s food is exceptionally good, but expensive. A few of the casitas have their own kitchenettes, which can keep down costs. Plus, Sayulita has many fantastic restaurants, cafes, and street food. Sayulita is a 20-minute walk away via a walking trail along the beach and through a tropical forest, or by walking on the street. You can rent golf carts for $35 per day. Ubers are also plentiful for getting back to the hotel at night.

    WORKSHOPS

    We’ll meet in the mornings for writing discussions, prompts, and critique groups. Afternoons and evenings are free for lounging by the pool or exploring Sayulita and el Día de Los Muertos festival. Prepare to dig deeply emotionally and spiritually/existentially.

    PRICING

    Shared room with another participant - $1380

    - Rooms will have 2 Full- or queen-sized beds & 1 private bathroom

    - Workshop each morning and individualized feedback

    - Cost does not include flight or meals

    - You can request a kitchenette, and we’ll do the best we can to place you in a room with one.

    - You can request a private jacuzzi, and we’ll do the best we can to place you in a room with one.

    Private room - $2130

    - Rooms might include 1 queen- or king-sized bed & private bathroom

    - Workshop each morning and individualized feedback

    - Cost does not include flight or meals

    - You can request a kitchenette, and we’ll do the best we can to place you in a room with one.

    - You can request a private jacuzzi, and we’ll do the best we can to place you in a room with one.

    To secure your spot, a deposit of ½ cost of full package is due May 31, 2024. Remaining amount will be charged 60 days before the event. Please email kerrycohenwrites@gmail.com to submit a deposit.

    *Space limited to 6 participants

    *You’re welcome to bring another adult