Category Archives: writing workshop
The “Always” vs. the “Once”
I just wrapped up another workshop on “Start Writing Your Family History”. In the course of teaching it, I found myself burrowing for memories of the oldest ancestor I hold in living memory, my stern-but-fun Hoosier grandfather, known as Pop. Attempting … Continue reading
Let Your Writer Self Be With You
As I prepare for my “Write in Nature: A Day Away” retreat on January 28th, a line from the closing of Sheila’s essay (below) resonates with me. Sheila wrote, “I believe that when we are stuck, if we can adopt … Continue reading
In the new year, how about some new writing?
Ready for some consciousness-raising about ageism? Fancy fashioning a family history? Want to write in wintery beauty? It’s time to check out my upcoming workshops. At a glance: “First Monday, First Person” memoir writers’ salon, South Madison Branch Library, every first … Continue reading
Finding “The Once”–advice from Alan Gelb, author of Having the Last Say
As a writing coach, I have found myself focusing more and more on encouraging people to GO SMALL. Keep it concrete, specific, situated in one uninterrupted run of time. Give us one moment that stands for the larger whole, one afternoon in your mother’s … Continue reading
Tricks memory plays…
My memoir writing workshop spring season continues… and so does my learning and growing, because I get as much from my students as they (I hope) get from me. In class we’ve been discussing the tricks memory plays on us. … Continue reading
Who doesn’t love a good reading list?
Submissions to “True Stories Well Told” have slowed recently (hint, hint) so perhaps its time for some inspiration. Who doesn’t love a good reading list? Here’s my suggested reading for memoirists. Good books on writing memoirs: Your Life As Story: … Continue reading
To improve your writing, get specific
My memoir writing workshop spring season starts up this week. (If South Madison is convenient for you, there are still a few seats in the house for Thursday 6:00-7:45, 8-week workshop.) I will share some writing tips here to complement the workshop … Continue reading
Upcoming workshops in Madison
Make 2015 the year you write! Chris Wagner, the World’s Greatest Librarian, asks me to let you know that a six-week FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP STARTS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 8th from 6:30-7:30 pm at Goodman South Madison Library! “Get your creative … Continue reading
First Monday, First Person, First Anniversary Oct 6th!
“First Monday, First Person” – A Memoir Writers’ Monthly Salon – celebrates its First Anniversary on Monday, October 6th, 6pm – 7:45pm, at the Goodman South Madison Branch Library, 2222 S Park St, Madison. Enjoy light refreshments, then share and critique writing in … Continue reading
True Stories Well Told 
Looking Forward, Looking Back
The second anniversary of my salon for memoir writers, “First Monday, First Person” is coming up on October 5th. The fifth anniversary of True Stories Well Told is coming up at the end of 2015. This has put me in a … Continue reading →