This is a 10-week workshop, starting on February 23, 2017.
Moderator: Zina Tillona
Co-Moderator: Ellen Peck
Day and Time: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30AM
Location: Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst
(free parking on site)
Autobiographical Writing
Long one of the most popular LIR seminars (previously called Autobiographical Writing), Writing to Remember offers its members the opportunity to get to know themselves and each other a little better. It is a chance to share your life experiences with fellow LIR members and, at the same time, record them for yourselves and your family.
Many participants have taken advantage of this seminar to write their family story for their children and grandchildren. The writing takes all forms, from rough drafts to polished pieces, and all are welcome. The writer gets feedback and, if desired, the group will offer suggestions for revisions and/or possible additions, as well as clarification. This seminar is not a course in how to write; it aims, rather, to stimulate and encourage you to continue writing your own story. Your writing can center on the events of family life, career experiences, or anything else you would like to tell about yourself.
Format: Each participant has two opportunities to read aloud from his or her prepared texts during the semester. Sometimes these texts are distributed in advance (often via e-mail), allowing more time for discussion. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the serious efforts of all concerned help to make this a rewarding experience for everyone.
Role of participants: Prepare and present two original pieces.
About the Moderators:
Zina has been writing all of her life – papers, reports, memos, legal briefs, nasty letters, etc., etc. – as university professor of Italian, as university administrator and as a practicing lawyer; now she writes for fun about herself and her life journey. Ellen has been an English professor at Mount Holyoke but instead of doing academic analyses of others’ writing, she much prefers writing about her own family and personal experiences.