Two-Hour Class with Linda Joy Myers
May 21, 2026
2-4 PM PDT | 5-7 PM EDT
Many memoir writers want to share their family story, having been inspired by hearing those stories told over coffee or by the fireplace through the years. And some people discover fascinating details that beckon them to capture those stories on the page. Stories that we’ve inherited from previous generations provide threads that weave part of our own identity, and ways we can understand ourselves. You, the memoirist, become a storyteller who guides the reader into scenes from the past, and links up the various layers of their story and your own. Yes, it is a memoir even if you diverge into another person’s point of view—this has to be done carefully. Think about: who told you those stories? Remember, each family member has their own “take” on other family members, whether positive, negative, or ironic. And what is your point of view about the histories running through the generations?
Research is a big part of the family story, whether through documents in the desk, the Bible, diaries, videos, recorded histories, or what you have sorted out on your own. Did you interact with the family member as they told their story? How much of yourself will you be putting into the story? Issues of who the narrator is and the best way to convey the various layers of history are all questions to solve.
This is an interactive class and we’ll talk about:
- When and where in time the stories you’re sharing take place. Why are they interesting to you? What draws you to research and write these stories?
- How you plan to tell the stories: as a memoirist, and bring yourself, your thoughts and feelings about the events of the main characters. Or did you want to write from someone else’s point of view? Do you know enough of their point of view to create a dramatic story—it needs to be more than facts!
- Angles of research, and your own efforts to find out more.
- How you can inhabit the point of view of various characters—essentially creating a lived story, as if it’s fiction, but if handled properly, it’s still memoir.
- Creating timelines and character sketches—we’ll do some writing.
- And more!
Bring your own questions, photos, and histories you want to draw from to share in class.
Please Note: This class will be recorded. All participants will receive the recording following the event.