Workshop dates: April 11- June 6, 2013

3 PM PDT   4 PM  MDT    5 PM    CDT    6 PM EDT

9 Sessions

$390.00 for NAMW members

Includes audios, feedback, and handouts

Included for free: a paperback copy of my new workbook Journey of Memoir–The Three Stages of Memoir Writing

We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott  

In this workshop, we silence the noise of everyday life and dig into memories, tune into writing our stories, and learn the skills needed to write a satisfying memoir—to get all the way to “The End.” 

It’s important to write freely without worrying about your inner critic or being published just yet—though that may be your ultimate goal. In order to get your memoir done, you need to feed your creative spirit, and have accountability to help get your stories on the page in a first draft. 

The workshop:

1. Send that week’s story to your classmates through email.
2. Workshop members read and write feedback through email—reflecting on what works; offering feedback about what could be different or clarified.
3. At class time, we gather by phone to talk about the stories—discussing what comes up as you write, your inner critic, doubts and dreams about your stories, and questions about structure. Find out in person on the call what you want to know from the group that will help you continue and develop your work.
4. I guide the group, offer writing tips, and teach techniques that help you keep writing and learn how to grow as a writer.

9 Sessions

$390.00 for NAMW members.

April 11, 18,25

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

June 6

The workshop includes: 

• Narrative structure
• The form of a chapter
• Writing scenes
• Weaving scenes and narration
• Grammar
• Memory
• The inner critic and outer critic
• Outlining vs. freewriting
• Exploring layers of truth
• Family and psyche

In different hours, a man represents each of several of his ancestors, as if there were seven or eight of us rolled up in each man’s skin,—seven or eight ancestors at least, and they constitute the variety of notes for that new piece of music which his life is. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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