Writing Memoir

“Being in the midst of other memoirists felt good; I felt like I was not alone. I liked how we talked about each piece, and how each piece gave me a sense of community.”

Charisma, December 14, 2019

“I feel re-inspired to write! It was very useful to write alongside others working on similar projects. I felt encouraged and supported throughout the sessions.  I feel better able to continue working on memoir.

After our pieces were read aloud—this was the scary part of the process—hearing the responses from individuals working on their own projects made me feel more capable and prepared to continue what I started. There were many bright and professional people there who helped me to keep going.”

Rosey, December 14, 2019

“During the workshop [the instructor] immersed us in the memoir universe, teaching structure and techniques, alternating between reading published pieces and catalyzing our own creativity. There was a general feeling of safety, and [the instructor] fostered an atmosphere meant to encourage respect and empathy.

Hearing my own lines read was challenging at first, but the instructor’s way of conducting the feedback was so graceful that I felt perfectly comfortable. An experience like this can leave you feeling vulnerable, but because it was done so carefully, I look back and can honestly say it was a positive experience.”

Andreea, December 14, 2019

“I really appreciated understanding the different approaches to the personal essay, which I was not familiar with, and learning about finding the universal in the personal.

How did it feel to let others hear my work? Nice—it was done in a very safe and supportive way.”

Adé, February 25, 2019

“I learnt several different techniques that I can apply to telling my story. In terms of being with other memoirists, it was fun, and I liked how different we all were. I was so nervous about my writing, though, because my story was pretty heavy. But when it came to the feedback, everyone was so lovely about it all; it made me feel so relieved.”

Ashley, February 25, 2019

“What, exactly, did I learn at ‘Writing Memoir’ workshop?

With the help of wonderfully curated models, I learned about different approaches to—and narrative designs for—the personal essay. The ‘checklist’ of elements to look for in the revision of our personal essays was also helpful.

Thank you for creating a safe environment where we can feel entitled to tell our stories.”

Héctor, February 25, 2019

“I was relieved that I was not the only one ‘out there,’ trying to put my experiences into words. Letting others hear my work was nerve-wracking at first, but later, I appreciated it: people talked about what they liked as well as what I could do to enrich my story. I loved the way the group leader conducted the workshop—with sensitivity and respect. Thank you for this.”

Linda, February 25, 2019