Friday, September 18, 2026 • 4-6pm PDT • WORKSHOP

When The Character is You: Curating Persona in Memoir

This workshop helps memoirists take control of their narrative by developing a powerful persona that balances the writer’s dual role: narrator of the story and character within it.

Transform your real-life self into a compelling narrative presence with Jordan Rosenfeld

Ideal for: Memoir and essay writers who want to translate authentic experience into compelling story

Today’s memoirs can’t be long, dull slogs through an entire life—they must be selective, curated glimpses of a potent period, shaped by an evocative voice. This workshop helps memoirists take control of their narrative by developing a powerful persona that balances the writer’s dual role: narrator of the story and character within it.

Memoir often engages with difficult, intimate material that must be carefully shaped and revealed. By curating a persona, you can guide how your story is told—maintaining artistic control while still honoring your truth. We’ll explore what it means to create a written persona, craft a voice that is a stylized yet authentic version of you, and make intentional choices at the sentence level.

What We'll Cover

In this workshop, we’ll explore the core elements that shape a compelling memoir voice, helping you develop a persona that feels authentic while engaging readers on every level.

The foundations of voice and tone, and the personal influences that shape them
How to craft an authentic on-the-page persona through intentional language choices
Techniques for deepening voice through structure, including time shifts, dialogue, and interiority

Memoir and essay writers who want to craft compelling, reader-driven narratives

Writers who want to hook readers from the first page and bring their stories vividly to life

Writers looking to strengthen voice, tone, and “show, not tell” techniques

Writers seeking greater control over their narrative and a stronger path toward publication

When The Character is You: Curating Persona in Memoir

Name: When The Character is You: Curating Persona in Memoir
Brand: Sibyl Writing Craft Workshop
SKU: SWC-09-18-26
Price: 75.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$75.00

Friday, September 18, 2026 • 4-6pm PDT • WORKSHOP

Methods for developing the right voice, tone, and compelling persona for your story

Tools for making stronger word, sentence, and image choices

Essential techniques for translating your lived experience effectively to the page

Practical strategies for revising and strengthening your memoir

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Jordan Rosenfeld

Jordan Rosenfeld is author of the forthcoming guide for midlife writers,Writing Through the Pause: Mining Midlife for Powerful Writing, the novelsFallout,Women in RedandForged in Graceand seven other books on the craft of writing, including TheSound of Story: Developing Voice and Tone in Writing,How to Write a Page-Turner, the bestsellingMake a Scene,Writing the Intimate Character,A Writer’s Guide to Persistence,Writing Deep Scenes, andWrite Free: Attracting the Creative Life(with Rebecca Lawton). Her freelance essays and articles have been published in hundreds of publications, including: The Atlantic, The New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Salon, Scientific American, The Rumpus, Writer’s Digest Magazine, The Washington Post and many more. She is also a freelance manuscript editor, writing coach and teaches online classes. Jordanrosenfeld.net

Ready to craft your writing voice?

Enroll Now!

Sibyl Writing Craft Workshop FAQ

Are the sessions live?

Yes! Most of our workshops are streamed live on Zoom, allowing you to learn in real time and interact with the instructor. If you can't make it, don’t worry—we will send you a link to watch or download the recording within 24 to 48 hours after the session ends.

Will I get a recording?

Yes! If you can’t attend live (or want to revisit the material), you’ll receive a recording after the session. You can watch it on your own schedule.

Can I ask questions during the workshop?

Our webinars and workshops will have built in time for Q&A at the end. Some workshop instructors may respond to questions throughout the session, depending on the workshop format.

Will I receive materials or resources?

Many workshops include slides, worksheets, or resource lists that you can download and keep.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

No preparation is required unless otherwise noted. Some instructors may offer optional prompts or materials to help you get even more out of the session.