I teach life writing.
Life Writing happens in multiple genres, usually taking the form of memoir, personal essay, or autofiction—a work that blends memoir and fiction. In my teaching, I use lectures on theory and craft, close readings of published works, generative exercises, and group workshopping to guide writers in telling their stories in whatever genre they choose. Sometimes, a writer discovers which of these vehicles is right for their work-in-progress by taking one of my classes.
After completing a debut novel based on the real lives of several broken people, myself included, and a series of tragic events I previously covered in a memoir, I felt inspired to create a class for writers on a similar writing journey. In the eight-week course that became When Memoir Becomes Autofiction, I take a small group of memoirists through the unique creative process of fictionalizing their own lives. Said another way, I help authors mine both memory and imagination in order to find, and write, a deeper truth.
Offered for the first time in Spring of 2023, I’ve taught When Memoir Becomes Autofiction three times since then, with each class helping me hone the curriculum and refine the workshop process for this unique genre. You can read student writer reviews in the testimonials on this page.
Next offerings of this workshop and a new, Advanced Autofiction course will be announced soon. For information contact Victoria at: vcostelloteacher@gmail.com
Use this form to ask Victoria questions about workshops or developmental editing and writer coaching services.
My consulting services.
In addition to teaching seminars and courses, I’m also available as a consultant, working with individual writers, on a short or long term basis, to help them move a manuscript to the next stage.
Use the contact form below to inquire about my consulting availability and rates.
testimonials from former writing students and authors I’ve worked with as a developmental editor.
“As a memoirist, this introduction to autofiction inspired me to fictionalize pieces of my book that I had been struggling with writing. I had such a great time learning new techniques that Victoria taught in addition to reviewing some foundations of writing a full length novel. Victoria helped me turn an idea into a well thought out book in an interactive and inspiring way. I highly recommend this course, no matter where you are on your writing journey.”
-Holly Whiteknight, naturopathic physician and memorist
“It is not easy to take complex ideas and competing theories about form and create clarity from them, but Victoria Costello has managed to do just that in her course on autofiction. My writing has benefited greatly from her capacity for synthesis, her generous spirit of feedback and sharing of resources, and her belief in the possibility of the work. What a fabulous course!”
-Patti Digh, author of Life is a Verb and seven other books.
“ I would recommend this class for anyone who wants to bring a memoir to life by turning it into auto-fiction. Victoria is skilled at seeing the possibilities because she has personal experience of turning a memoir into auto-fiction.”
-Kanu Kogod, diversity consultant.
“Only a few sessions into Victoria’s autofiction class, I recognized her as uncommonly insightful—not just about the mechanics of writing but about character and motivation. I knew I wanted to continue writing the piece I began in her class, and I knew I wanted to work with her on it. So she’s now coaching me privately and I’m thrilled with the progress I’m making. If you’re ready to look honestly at your writing, work with Victoria Costello.”
—Elaine Bennett, award-winning speechwriter
Victoria Costello’s critique of my science memoir was fabulously helpful, thanks to her wide experience, her ability to see big picture patterns and manuscript shape, and her attention to fine detail and shadings. Victoria’s insightful questions steered me away from rabbit holes and toward profound connections, and allowed my book to find a wonderful agent and publisher. I’m deeply grateful to Victoria for her critique skills and support.
—Jacqueline Haskins, Author of Kickass Healthy LADA, a memoir of diabetes (Hachette 2023).
“Victoria Costello is an intelligent, empathetic, and responsive teacher and mentor. Not only does she provide excellent instruction and feedback on writing, but she is also very skilled at guiding writers along their individual paths to personal discoveries. Since taking Victoria's class, I am now more confident in my writing and well on my way to completing my first novel!
—Diane Gorczyca.
“I had a really monumental class experience. I walked away with a solid start to a first chapter, and, for the first time, concrete ideas on how to plod forward.”
—Sonya Caesar.
“Victoria is dedicated to instructing her students. She offered honest, valuable feedback along with a personal touch. Her insight and sense of humor made the group comfortable and rewarding. I appreciate the encouragement she gave me and others throughout the course.”
—Paul Booth
“I got so much out of the class. It was informative and so much fun! It really infused some life back into me, which was the hope.”
—Alison Lyons
“As the author of an autobiographical novel in process, I've been greatly helped by Victoria's teaching on questions like how to portray living people, how to maintain dramatic tension, and who this story belongs to. She is a perceptive reader whose taste encompasses literary fiction and more popular work. As an instructor, she provides specific constructive suggestions on framing and word choice as well as pacing. She develops an esprit de corps within the class and encourages supportive yet discerning feedback on one another's work.
—Diane Crothers. Brooklyn, New York
Our lives hold stories waiting to be told, and Victoria is helping me tell mine. She brings her professional experience as a memoirist and novelist and empathy born of her own life’s experiences to her teaching. With an eye for innovative details and suggestions for new approaches to bring a character to life, Victoria skillfully guides her students through the storytelling process, whether they be seasoned writers or newcomers to the craft.
Deborah Rothschild. Talent, Oregon
—Victoria obviously knows her stuff! I found that the space she created in our class, and her guidance, to be supportive, insightful, and very helpful. As an author of memoir trying out new material, the class was invaluable.
Donna M. Thomas. Ashland, Oregon
“I had no idea what to expect from this class and was very pleasantly surprised when it felt like the right fit. The depth of the classes and the feedback from the classmates and your critique was insightful and helpful.”
—Jonette Smart
“Thank you, Victoria. You have given me the encouragement I needed to feel like this is a worthwhile project.”
—Pat Stafford