Memoir Writing Workshop and 'The Power of Story'

One of the great things about memoir writing is that everyone can "find" something in the genre, either as writer or reader.

The memoir "landscape" can take you beyond the craft of writing into the creative power within  . . . one that lies just beyond the horizon. That's why I'm happy to share what I've learned as a memoirist over the last five and half years.

In some way, I hope that the "power of story" can touch and change you, as it touched and changed me, and many that I have known and loved.

I'll be teaching a free four-week class beginning Oct. 19 at Lower Providence Community Library in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. My goal is that by the end of those four weeks, everyone who takes this class will leave with a rough draft of their own memoir.

I'll also be sharing on this blog the curriculum I devise, as well as the writing prompts for this class. I hope that those who follow this blog and live in all parts of the country - indeed, the world - can join in and partake as well.

Memoir Writing Workshop

Presented by author, journalist and experienced book editor Susan G. Weidener

4-week session includes:

 What is a memoir and how does it differ from an autobiography?

 Plotting out the narrative arc of your story through timeline exercises.

 Avoiding “sidetrips” and getting to the “heart” of your memoir’s message.

 Using writing prompts to find and honor your authentic “voice”.

Leaving with a rough draft.

Susan G. Weidener received her BA in Literature from American University and her MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She joined the staff of The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1991 and worked as a reporter in the Inquirer’s suburban bureau until 2007. Susan started the Women’s Writing Circle, a critique and support group for writers in suburban Philadelphia. She is the author of two bestselling memoirs, Again in a Heartbeat, a memoir of love, loss and dating again and its sequel, Morning at Wellington Square. Her debut novel, A Portrait of Love and Honor, based on her late husband’s memoir, takes the reader from the halls of the United States Military Academy at West Point during the Vietnam War to an inspiring love story between two people destined to meet. Susan offers writing workshops and talks on memoir and has appeared as guest speaker at universities and libraries throughout the Philadelphia region.

To register, sign up at the circulation desk or for more information, contact Barbara Loewengart at 610-666-6640, x25 or email bloewengart@mclinc.org

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.