Author Archives: first person productions
“Put a Little Life Into Your Obituary” workshop in Monona
“If I don’t write it down, who will know what I accomplished?” asked a participant in my first “Obituaries” workshop, which I taught at the Monona library back in 2006. Now I’m back in Monona, teaching “Obits” again! This workshop … Continue reading
My History of Camping Food
I haven’t published any of my own memoir writing recently–time to get back to that! Here’s an essay I wrote while teaching the “Meals and Memories” workshop for Odyssey three summers ago… but first — “a commercial message.” Just a … Continue reading
South Madison “Start Writing Your Memoir” now open for registration
“Start Writing Your Memoir” at the Goodman South Madison Library Branch begins on Monday September 10th – registration is now open. You can register online here, or contact the library at (608) 266-6395. We’ll meet from 5:50 to 7:50 each week. … Continue reading
Good post on writing in scenes
“The Yellow Test” by Lee Gutkind caught my attention when APH member Lettice Stuart posted about it on our association’s listserv today. Why? Because he’s talking about writing in scenes. If you’ve taken any of my writing classes since I … Continue reading
Creative nonfiction and the book proposal: 2 upcoming workshops in Madison
Writers of “true stories well told” will want to mark your calendars for September 22. The UW-Madison Continuing Studies’ Laurie Scheer is leading two workshops: Workshop #1: “Writing compelling creative nonfiction,” 9am-noon Workshop #2: Writing a Nonfiction Book Proposal: Getting Published,” … Continue reading
For every life there’s a story worth saving.
Please fund a seat for a new writer when my next workshop starts at the Goodman South Madison Branch Library on September 10. Why? Play this video to hear our pitch. Click here to go to the project listing on Power2Give where … Continue reading
Win the Story of Your Life—Published!
Madison Magazine and I have teamed up to offer one lucky reader the chance to see your life story become a book. All you have to do to enter is write a 500-word autobiographical sketch about a special memory from your life. You … Continue reading
Writing as a Way of Healing: thoughts from Louise DeSalvo
“The difference between a victim and a survivor is the meaning made of the trauma,” writes Louise DeSalvo in Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives. Earlier this year I made a commitment to deepen my … Continue reading
A virtual “catch of the day” blog tour
I posted today on my First Person blog about my recent writing retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery with my old friend Seth Kahan. Want to read how a book gets birthed? Go here… Meanwhile, today on the Association of Personal … Continue reading
True Stories Well Told 
These Lips Are Finally Unsealed
This essay came to mind after a courageous woman shared her story in one of my writing classes this week. This 2008 essay was accepted for publication on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “This I Believe” website. -Sarah White I believe in the power … Continue reading →