First, you have a vision
On writing workshops + June 10 Meet the Author Amanda McCracken, When Longing Becomes Your Lover
If you had told me five years ago when I left my corporate career that I would someday be teaching memoir writing, I would have said…
Maybe.
I knew I wanted to publish my story. Once it was out in the world, after countless drafts and edits, I wanted to share what I had learned with other memoir writers.
In April I taught my workshop ‘Write Memoir - Tell Your Story’ at the Bournemouth Writing Festival, a weekend of events dedicated entirely to writers, both established and budding. Unique in the UK (as far as I know), it’s an encouraging, inspiring and joyful experience.
I had attended two years earlier and loved the experience of learning from other writers, writing my ‘author story’ and considering different writing avenues. So when my pitch to offer a workshop this year was accepted, I was elated.
On the morning of the workshop I arrived close to an hour early. The assigned room overlooked the Bournemouth Pleasure Gardens. I settled into the space and benefitted greatly from the help of Pete, the volunteer who sourced a music stand for my notes when there was no lectern and guided me to reset the auto-lock on my screen so it wouldn’t shut off every couple of minutes.
Looking out at the clear blue sky and radiant gardens was enchanting.
When participants began to stream into the room, I felt at ease. I had no idea how many had signed up. At close to thirty it was my largest group yet.
I had prepared an opening (the most challenging part of a talk), and once I had delivered it, the workshop took on its own rhythm.
My goal is to offer a space for participants to focus on their passion, insights to help them with their project and an open environment to discuss memoir.
When participants engaged directly with each other in discussion, I knew the workshop had taken off. When it was done, their feedback was heart-warming.
This workshop was the first of four in close succession. I enjoy the novelty of teaching; you never know who will be in the room, what aspirations they bring and what questions will come up.
The second was in Hastings, also on the south coast of England, for Carolyn’s MacLeod’s project, ‘Still Becoming: Stories of the Mature Woman’, to showcase and celebrate the lives and creative work of women over sixty.
The oval conference table was full and included three men. It was wonderful to engage with creative people, their artwork adorning the space around us.
Writing and publishing my first memoir changed my life. I love teaching and encouraging others to write their personal true stories because I know it will change theirs, too.
How did your writing change your life? Or where do you hope your project might take you?
I can’t wait to meet new groups of writers at my upcoming workshops.
Saturday, May 9 - Guildford Institute
Tuesday, May 12 - Cranleigh Arts Book Fest
Meet the Author: Amanda McCracken, When Longing Becomes Your Lover on June 10!
We are excited to welcome Amanda McCracken at the Empowered Women Book Club on June 10, 2pm EST/6pm UK time, to chat about her memoir, When Longing Becomes Your Lover.
Her story of overcoming limerence captured me from the first pages. I can’t wait to speak with her about her experiences in life and with her book.
Join us! We’d love to have you with us.
Reading Corner: The Story behind the Fastest Marathon
After hearing about Sebastian Sawe winning the London marathon with a sub-two-hour race, I wanted to learn more about him beyond the headlines and found this moving and enlightening short-form biography about the man behind the medal.
The last book I read wasn’t a memoir; it was a mega best-selling novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures. I found it endearing, especially the end, but a slow read. Time to return to the excitement of memoir.
How exciting! Love how your workshops allow for so much connection!
Excited to speak with your club!!