I believe in the power of story—to entertain, to teach, to heal. That’s why I publish this blog–and why I teach writing workshops.

In my workshops, I take my writers through a curriculum of discussions about the craft of writing, and I assign suggested topics to write on. But the part of the workshop people really come for is the story-sharing. We take turns reading our stories, and receiving the feedback and suggestions of our fellow writers. Over the course of several weeks, we get to know each other, trust each other. The stories become more intimate and honest.

I witness again the power of writing in small groups. I see my participants gaining satisfying skill at a craft, discovering joy and perspective as they explore the meaning of their life experiences. I observe friendships forming, often at a stage in life when we lose more friends than we make.

Make this the Fall you fall into writing your life story. Or get playful with some creative writing, exploring forms like flash fiction, essays, and more. It’s all welcome in the workshops I’m teaching through Madison College. Because I’m taking some personal time in September, both workshops start in the first week of October.

Creative Writing – online

Beginning or advanced writers explore the possibilities of writing for fun and publication by practicing specific writing skills that enhance descriptive language usage, story telling, and exposition, including styles, grammar usage, and imagery.

When: This 8-week workshop meets Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Central, from 10/4 through 11/22.
Where: Online
Fee: $165
To register: Click here and follow the link to register for Class #33541, or call 608.258.2301, Option 2.

Guided Autobiography I – in person, in Madison

You have a wealth of memories and stories. It’s time to capture them in writing.

By using the Guided Autobiography method developed by Dr. James Birren, you will do more than start writing down your memories—you will gain insights into how the events of your life have contributed to the person you are today—and may become tomorrow. Themes include branching points, family history, the role of money, history of one’s life work, health and body, development of sexual identity, ideas about death, spiritual life and values, and changing goals and aspirations. The objective of this course is to produce about 9 thematic autobiographical essays. The emphasis is on self-discovery rather than writing craft. Expressive writing of this nature has been shown to decrease anxiety and isolation and increase self-esteem, energy, and social connection.

When: This 10-week workshop meets Thursday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Central, from 10/6 to 12/15.
Where: Truax-Foundation Centre
Fee: $205
To register: Click here and follow the link to register for Class #33569, or call 608.258.2301, Option 2.

Don’t want to wait until October?

Join my monthly online memoir writers’ salon, First Tuesday, First (Zoom) Person. We meet on the Tuesday of every month, via Zoom. FREE.

Share and critique writing in the first person with like-minded people. Let us know if you have something to read during the check-in round. Read and receive group feedback. Listeners are welcome as well as readers.

When: First Tuesday of every month, ~ new time! ~ 6:00-7:45 pm

Where: Online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83146852755

Next meeting: September 6th

Thanks for reading this far, and I hope to see you online or in person.

And if workshops aren’t for you? I offer individualized memoir coaching. I’ll help you write and share your life stories, coaching you as you write a compelling story from your memories. Throughout, I’m at your side to help you get started and stay motivated. Print-on-demand makes it possible to share your story with just a small circle or offer it to the world. Intrigued? Got questions? I have answers! Let’s talk. sarah.white@firstpersonprod.com