memoir + motherhood writing workshop
“If you want to understand any woman you must first ask about her mother and then listen carefully.” ― Anita Diamant
MEMOIR AND MOTHERHOOD WRITING WORKSHOP … $55
NEXT OFFERING: TBD
DESCRIPTION:
In this 3-hour workshop, I walk participants through a unique story discovery process that identifies key memories and themes as you write about your experience with motherhood, whether that’s being a mother or being mothered. We explore the emotional resistance and limiting beliefs that come up when writing personal stories, and the power of overcoming those factors to end generational cycles of silence. Registration includes a pre-workshop discovery exercise, a 3-hour virtual session including discussion and storytelling exercises, and participants will come away with a recording and copies of all materials. Please note that this workshop is open to individuals who identify as a woman.
Whether you are a daughter, mother, or both, you can find deeper meaning in the events of your life, and benefit future generations by writing your stories.
I often study photos of my mother to visit with all the women she’s been through her life. She stares back at me — smiling at a party with drink and cigarette in hand, glowing while barefoot and pregnant, beaming at Niagara Falls while curled up against my dad — evolving through the years, illness undetected, the future full of promise.
My favorite one is a black-and-white photo of her sitting with my grandma, rocking a fitted blazer, dark sunshades, and feathered hair. She looks bored and impatient in the photo like there is somewhere else she wants to be. This is the woman I never got to know. The one who evolved from a quiet girl to a mysterious woman to a reclusive elder. I wish I knew the secrets that shaped her.
Over the years, I’ve found growth and healing by writing about my childhood growing up with a schizophrenic mother. In 2014, I self-published my first book, a free-verse story called The Beautiful Disruption, an autobiographical story of awakening that explores the dynamics of family mental illness, self-prophecy, and transformation through the lens of a heartbroken woman. My Shondaland essay, “Choosing My Mental Health Over My Mother,” tells the story of our estrangement. Of all the healing practices that have helped me reclaim my life, storytelling has been the most healing and energizing of all.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Pre-workshop:
Once you register, you will receive a download that includes the pre-work and details to access the online workshop. You will also receive a reminder the day before the workshop.
Live Session:
The session will include reading samples, storytelling exercises, discussion, and Q+A.
Post-workshop:
The day after your session, you will receive access to the replay video and all workshop materials.
CONTACT ME:
If you are interested but not sure if this workshop is right for you, please feel free to contact me with questions. If you’d like to be notified the next time this course is offered, please fill out this form.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS:
There are no refunds if you register and are unable to attend the workshop, but if you have a problem or concern about your purchase, please contact me and we can discuss your situation. In most cases, I offer a credit that can be used at a later date for another workshop.
I have a minimum enrollment requirement of 5 registrants. If enrollment is not met 3-5 days before the workshop date, the workshop may be canceled a minimum of 3 business days prior to the workshop. In this case, all registrants receive a full refund.