Native NYC writers share thoughts on their story-filled childhoods and how growing up in the city has shaped their lives and work. You'll hear from three boroughs and three generations: the illustrator Joana Avillez, who grew up by the Fulton Fish Market and has a fantastic new edition of Joseph Mitchell's essay collection The Bottom of the Harbor out in May; Collier Meyerson, author of the essay "I Was a Teenage Subway Terror,"raised on the Upper West Side and creator of the Crown Heights podcast Love Thy Neighbor; Alvin Eng, from Flushing, Queens, but educated by the downtown punk scene of the 1970s (and author of the memoir, Our Laundry, Our Town; Vincent Coppola, whose poignant new memoir about his 1960s childhood: Gowanus Crossing: A Brooklyn Boyhood, is out this June (we get a preview!). Moderated by St. Marks Is Dead author, native East Villager, and Tompkins Square Library regular Ada Calhoun.

This five day class (three full days, two half days) is for writers of memoir and personal essay at every stage of their process and at every level, from newcomers to those who have published multiple books. Each day will feature lectures on craft, lively group discussion, and many prompts with lots of time to write, and the opportunity to share your work—all in a warm and nurturing environment. I've taught at Omega three other summers, and the class is usually capped at about 24 people, so sign up as soon as you can! I think most people stay on campus (there are all sorts of cabins, and a cafeteria for meals) and make it a five-day retreat, but there are also options for those staying locally and commuting over. Hope to see you there!