Bronx Memoir Project (BMP) Workshop Series: Crossroads of Coming-of-Age

BCA's Bronx Memoir Project (BMP) Workshop Series continues with Series IV: Crossroads of Coming-of-Age: Memoir Writing with Mariposa Fernández. This free online workshop series is open to all regardless of writing experience.

Join poet and educator Mariposa Fernández in this dynamic workshop exploring the pivotal moments that shape identity through coming-of-age memoirs. Participants will map out key moments of their own journeys, engage in reflective life-writing exercises, and learn storytelling techniques to craft narratives that capture the complexity of growth and self-discovery. The workshop will feature examples from Bronx writers such as Tony Medina, Sandra María Esteves, Fat Joe, Sonia Manzano, and Sonia Sotomayor.

Session I: An Introduction to Writing Memoir

Memoir is often described as a standalone genre, but can also be viewed and treated as a genre within a genre, blending elements from various literary forms. This introductory session will focus on what makes memoir distinct, compare it to other genres, and engage in exercises that tap into memory and intertwine mixing genres namely personal narrative with poetry.


Session II: Sankofa | Part 1: Memory, Meaning & the Hero/Heroine’s Journey

Through the act of revisiting the past, we uncover the power of self-discovery and reclaim our role as the hero of our own lives. Writers will also use the model to identify and write about transformational moments in their own journey


Session III: Sankofa | Part 2: The Multifaceted Ways of Going Back

How can we journey back through memory from the present moment to craft a compelling story? In this session, participants will explore storytelling techniques, narrative structures, and methods used by memoirists to create impactful and engaging stories.

Session IV: Story Beats and Revision in Memoir Writing

Discover how the revision process can breathe new life into your work and uncover hidden layers in addition to revealing story beats that can help inspire new directions. This session will focus on refining your narrative while exploring how revisiting your work can spark fresh ideas and deeper storytelling.