“Write naked. That means to write what you would never say. Write in blood. As if ink is so precious you can’t waste it. Write in exile, as if you are never going to get home again, and you have to call back every detail.”

—Denis Johnson

PDX Writers’ Workshop

personal essay and memoir


Via Zoom

Fall 2024 Session
October 19th —
December 14th

Saturdays 10 am to 12:30 pm
8 weeks $400
No class November 30th

Story. Story. Your stories. Fast. Slow. Personal essay and memoir. Fast. Slow. From flash to book length, we’ll be exploring techniques in narrative in all of its forms and glory. Pushing narrative boundaries, utilizing traditional and nontraditional forms. There will be A LOT of outside reading to fuel discussion on technique. Each session, two students will submit up to 20 pages for review by the class. Space is strictly limited to provide a supportive environment designed to allow everyone to explore their work through new techniques and constructive insights and feedback .  

Payment of $400 is due at the start of the session. Other payment plans are available, just reach out to me. No Saturday classes will be held on long holiday weekends e.g. Thanksgiving.


"Lee Montgomery was fantastic. She was an excellent facilitator and structured the discussions so that everyone had a chance to speak in constructive, analytical ways. Her constructive criticism was awesome. At the end of each group discussion, she spoke directly to the writer--so it was like we all got to listen in on a one-on-one conference. This was very enlightening, to hear from an editor's perspective what's working or not in a particular piece.         

—Tin House Summer Workshop Student


Two steps to register

  1. Introduce yourself and share a summary of your project

  2. Register and pay

Please introduce yourself

Register and pay

PDX Writers’ Workshop
$400.00
Register and Pay

Other payment plans are available, just reach out to me.

“Amazing. Freaking love her.”

—Tin House Student