It’s taking me some time to get my workshop schedule updated on my website. In the meantime, I’ll share that information here. Sorry, distant friends, all scheduled workshops right now are in the Madison, Wisconsin area. I do plan to teach online for Story Circle Network later this year and will announce once that is scheduled.

Meanwhile…

Madison-Area Memoir Writing Programs Winter/Spring 2012

To register or for more information about a workshop, contact me at 608-347-7329 or whitesarah@charter.net.

“One-shot” Workshops

Tuesday, January 3, 1:30-3:30–Start Writing Your Memoir, Fitchburg. Get fresh ideas on how to start writing your personal memoir. What’s the secret to writing stories others will find compelling? Attend this short talk to find out. Free, no registration required. Hyland Park Senior Community, 5440 Caddis Bend, Fitchburg

Wednesday, February 29, 6-9pm. Start Writing Your Memoir. In this three-hour UW Mini Course workshop we’ll do exercises to increase memory recall, practice writing, and discuss issues unique to autobiographical writing, such as “what if I can’t remember?” and “what if my writing upsets someone I care about?” We’ll practice writers’ techniques for discovering themes, writing stories others will find compelling, and finding meaning in life’s experiences. You’ll have an opportunity to share what you’ve written in a supportive environment. You’ll leave with three original “story starters” and a plan for turning them into the start of your memoir. $24.50. To enroll, click here.

Multi-week “Start Writing Your Memoir” Workshops

For every life there’s a unique story. Start writing yours. Whether you want to share your own life experiences or pass on your family’s stories, this class will help you get started and stay motivated.

Each week we’ll discuss aspects of crafting memoir, including structuring your stories, organizing your project, and dealing ethically with writing about living people.

We’ll practice writers’ techniques for conveying mood, action, and perspective. Each class includes time to share what you’ve written in a supportive environment. You may write on suggested topics or choose your own themes.

What’s the secret to writing stories others will find compelling? You’ll leave this class with a better idea of the answer. You’ll also have an outline for your memoir based on branching points that reveal your core values and life lessons. Over the weeks you’ll produce several essays (3-5 pages) and a plan for writing more.

Beginning and continuing writers age 14-114 welcome. Choose a location and time convenient for you.

1/12 South Madison: Meets for 6 Thursday evenings, 5:50-7:50pm. (No class 2/2.) Goodman South Madison Branch Library, 2222 South Park St. Free.

2/22, Near Hilldale: Meets for 8 Monday lunchtimes, 11:00-12:50. (No class 3/7.) Brown bag lunches welcome. Westside Senior Center, 602 Sawyer Terrace. $40.

“Put a Little Life in Your Obituary”

How will you be remembered? Every life story deserves a polished telling, but that seldom happens in the stressful time following a death. With a little help, you can write a lively, accurate picture of your life suitable for publication when the time comes. Make the task enjoyable by working on it in a group. In these workshops we’ll explore the revival of interest in obituaries in America, then draft obituaries for ourselves or loved ones, minus only the final details of life’s end.

Wednesday, April 25, UW Mini Course. Campus location TBA, 6-9pm. $24.50. To enroll, click here.

Wednesday, 4/11 and 4/18, Oregon Senior Center. Meets for 2 Wednesday afternoons, 2:30-4:00, Oregon Senior Center, 219 Park Street, Oregon, Wisconsin. $30.