Three reasons, well, four really, why I love talking with Jerry Waxler about memoir writing

Linda Joy Myers

I have known Jerry Waxler for over four years—but I have never met him. Still, I would call him one of my best friends. Such is the magic of the internet! I wrote my first email to Jerry shortly after starting the National Association of Memoir Writers—after I found his Memory Writers Network blog—and saw how adept he was at capturing the essence of a book or an author in his interviews and book reviews.

1. Jerry goes into depth about memoir writing, and asks the tough questions.
2. Jerry explores the psychological implications of memoir writing. There is no way to avoid self-exposure and the psychology of writing a memoir, so the more skills you have, the easier it becomes.
3. Jerry is sweet, accepting, and full of compassion for writers—he understands how challenging it is to put our hearts on the page.
4. One more reason: Jerry is smart and tuned in, and a very warm person. I love talking with him because he understands the many layers of meaning in our conversation—which is so satisfying!

Special Memoir Workshop at the National Association of Memoir Writers

Four Elements for Writers

Jerry Waxler, Workshop leader

Mondays, 4 weeks starting March 19, 2012

90 minute workshop

We are pleased to offer this workshop with Jerry Waxler, one of our most popular teachers Four Elements for Writers. It will offer aspiring memoir writers a system to overcome blocks and acquire life skills. Check out this page for details and sign up link:

http://www.namw.org/resources/the-four-elements-for-your-memoir-writing-journey/

Jerry says this about the workshop:
In the class, we are going to review the strengths needed to write your life story. Then in exercises, you can tap into similar strengths in your own memory. By the way, this is one of the hidden benefits of memoir writing. By writing the narrative of your life, you can see your strengths and wisdom emerge on the page.

Jerry Waxler M.S. is a workshop leader and writing coach, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He is the author of the blog, Memory Writers Network, which contains hundreds of essays, book reviews, and writing prompts about reading and writing memoirs and is on the advisory board of the National Association of Memoir Writers.