Writing from the Heart: Your Memoir

Come ready to write about your life. In our weekend workshop, we will delve into memory and write about what our memories tell us. We will do this in a supportive and safe environment. As a group, we will share our stories and explore the creative process of writing from memory.

We are not looking to create the great American memoir, but as writer Natalie Goldberg reminds us: “We all have a dream of telling our stories…. writing is a path to meet ourselves and become intimate.”

All we need is a pen, paper (or laptop) and the human mind. We want to tell the truth and trust our own voice.

A memoir is how one remembers one’s own life. With that in mind, we will explore how real writers open themselves up to self-discovery.

Yes, writing can have a therapeutic effect. But we will go beyond that to find meaning in our memories. When we do, we will practice ways to narrate these memories.

We will learn to trust ourselves – what our heart tells us – and transfer these thoughts clearly to the page. We will find ways to make these stories interesting to a reader.

We will do this in a beautiful setting – Forest Studio. Sunlight filters through the upper windows of the studio, with views of oak branches and the sky. Just outside the studio, walking trails await. You will have some down time to relax and enjoy the woods, the streams, the ferns and more.

In this weekend retreat at Elohee, we are going to take this journey together. My goal is for you to continue writing after our time together, and for you to trust yourself and your thoughts every time you sit down to write.

THIS WRITING RETREAT IS LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS, SO PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY TO HAVE YOUR SPACE GUARANTEED.

Testimonials

“Billy’s support and encouragement created the relaxed, supportive environment to get me writing. The subject matter – the memoir – got me thinking about significant people and events in my life. It also created a unity in the class as we shared simple moments in each others’ life experiences. A delightful workshop in many ways.” – Carolyn Bralley

  “Three things make a top-notch teacher: 1. love for their students, 2. expertise in their field, and 3. ability to share such expertise. This may seem quite simple, but few folks possess all three. Billy has these in spades. His class enabled me to see a life-long goal as possible. I am now writing as opposed to talking about writing for the past 30 years. Blessed be.” – Elizabeth Wells

 “I’m so grateful to you for opening this door. I don’t know when I’ll get the stories out, but your guidance has shown me that writing is inspiring, cathartic and fun.” – Denise Hartzell