Memoir Writing

We are meeting on ZOOM! Meetings are still formatted to allow 15 minutes of sharing, one hour of writing, and a 15-minute wrap-up chat at the end. We are currently offering writing sessions online Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 PM and Sundays from 1:30 to 3 PM. • What we'll do We'll be meeting for an hour and a half to write our own personal projects, starting and ending with 15-minute discussions. • What to have with you Pen, notebook, laptop, whatever suits your fancy!

A low-pressure writing meetup for all! We welcome new writers, published authors, and everyone in between. This weekly meetup is great for people who want to write but find it hard to commit to a regular time. Currently our meetups are hosted on Discord. You can join our server, The Bleeding Typewriter, here: https://discord.gg/b6xjAfU. Meetups are hosted on the General Voice Channel. Everyone works on their own writing for an hour, and then discusses with the group. We do not have group prompts, but we have wonderfully creative members who can come up with a prompt if you make a request. Rough Schedule: 8-8:15 pm EST - Introductions, catching up 8:15-9 pm EST - Everybody writes! We mute our microphones and turn off our cameras at this time. 9-9:30 pm EST - Discussion/critique time! Tell us how you did; if you want to read a piece and receive some feedback, this is the time. Because this is an online meetup, it's easy to just log in and out whenever. So, if you join late, or need to bounce early, no worries!

20 minutes of movement + 20 minutes of journaling + 20 minutes of reading = All the Energy You Need to Enjoy a Great Day as You Create Your Best Self - One Morning at a Time. Let's try this morning routine: Schedule: 5:15 AM Wake Up 5:30 AM Join Zoom Call (sometimes I’m a few minutes late) Link to meeting: https://meet.google.com/jvr-hhvh-tyr 5:30 AM Exercise/Movement 5:50 AM Stop Exercise and take a 5 minute cool down 5:55 AM Journal 6:15 AM Read 6:35 AM Go have an amazing day Inspired by the book, "The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma, we will meet on a 5:25 AM zoom call less to interact but more to create accountability and a community to support a common goal of getting up early and starting our day with energy, reflection and great intentions. (and perhaps a Super Big Gulp of Strong Coffee) Below, are some links that will educate you on the book and give you ideas for exercises you can do in your apartment, prompts for journal writing, and books you may want to read. Email me with any questions (kvolandes@volandeslaw.com) and see you bright and early! 5 AM Club Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGAUDm4PyEo&feature=youtu.be Home exercises - https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/strength-training-plyometrics Journal Prompts - https://jour.com/blog/journaling/morning-journaling-prompts Reading - Read a memoir of someone you are interested in learning more about Call me with questions 917-699-4558. Kenny

I will read two creative writing prompts from the book "1,000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More." You will choose between two creative writing prompts, and work on one for around 60 minutes. Then whoever would like to share their work will read it out loud. This event will be held on Zoom. The link should become visible when you RSVP. If it's not, please message me. Meeting ID: 811 0881 6477 Passcode: 411957

Join us for writing sprints and camaraderie! Be prepared to turn on your camera for introductions at the beginning.

***\*PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR ATTENDEES DO NOT RSVP ON MEETUP.\**** ***IF THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST TIME ATTENDING OUR CRITIQUE GROUP, PLEASE CONTACT US AT THECRITIQUERY@GMAIL.COM TO ARRANGE A DATE TO OBSERVE ONE OF OUR UPCOMING MEETINGS.*** Greetings, fellow writer. Do you seek to someday have a short story published in a literary magazine? Do you dream of finally finishing that novel that’s been living in the back of your head for the past few years now? Congratulations, because you’ve found what you’ve been looking for, and it won’t cost you a dime. We’re The Critiquery, an online home for writers who want to have live discussions of submitted work. Instead of a giant, impersonal critique forum, we offer weekly workshops of no more than 15 people where you can ask specific questions and get specific answers. All workshops are held over ZOOM so you can participate from anywhere in the world. We’re open to any narrative prose, fiction or nonfiction. Learn how to receive and give the feedback that is so essential to the success of any author. Whether it’s the first step in your literary journey or the thousandth, take the next one with our trained facilitators and dedicated community of writers. For more information on The Critiquery, please visit our website - thecritiquery.com. We look forward to seeing you!

Thanks for joining us, writers! Because of COVID-19, we are hosting this with Zoom. When life returns to normal then we will be meeting again in downtown Portland. For now, we will be sending out the Zoom link with the stories that are sent by email the Saturday before the workshop. Please understand that we limit attendance to 15 or 16 writers to allow all the writers a chance to critique and have a voice during the workshop. Before you come: New? Send us your email so we can get the week's stories to you. pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com Please read the stories before coming to the meeting. (We don't read stories out loud.) Some of us print out the stories and make comments on the hard copies to give to the writer, but this is not obligatory. We always start with something we like about the story and then move into talking about what needs work. Writers must attend at least once before submitting a story to get a feel for the group. Submission guidelines: • 5000 word cap (excerpts of longer works OK) • Double-spaced • First line indention • No extra space between paragraphs • Drafts should be fairly polished • Narrative fiction and non-fiction only • Feel free to let us know if there's an aspect you'd like us to focus on, but please minimize any preamble • Stories should be submitted (pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com) no later than the SATURDAY at noon before the meeting • Send stories in Word or PDF All members should get in touch with the organizers and provide an email address so we can get you the week's story submissions. pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com How the group works: We encourage the submitting writer to listen while her/his story is discussed by other members and then ask questions or offer explanations at the end. If it's a novel, we don't need to know the ending. We like suspense. Many of us have beer/tea/wine and/or food while at the meeting. Feel free to eat or not. Please bring $2 to contribute to the group each meeting. These funds go towards our Meetup fees. Ask us about this if you have questions. Please contact us with other questions or concerns: pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com

**This event is hosted on the Shut Up & Write website, so please [sign up here](https://shutupwrite.com/series/shut-up-write-online-with-lorraine-s/7480) for your writing event.** **ABOUT THE EVENT** Welcome! I will email passcode to those who register. Be sure to enable email on MeetUp! Then, please check your email! Join us virtually for an hour + of writing using Zoom. Let's keep together as much as we can during these uncertain times and keep on writing. Look for the schedule online and join us. We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 3pm on Friday afternoon. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. JOIN US! 1. RSVP - space is limited to 12 people. (registration closes at one half hour before the event starts). You will receive the link to access the event at that time. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR PASSCODE! 2. Before or at 3pm join the meeting with the link you receive AND ADD PASSCODE. Please note: 1. If you don't have Zoom set up on your computer yet, leave 15-30 minutes ahead of time to get it set up! 2. If you have difficulty with audio (don't have a microphone set up), as long as you have a speaker, you can call in (you'll see phone numbers when you log in). 3. If you are late, you won't be able to intro with us, but you are still welcome to join in. 4. If you won't be able to make it, please cancel so that the space is available to another writer. SCHEDULE: 3:00 - quick intros. around 3:10 - timer starts: write for 70 mins. 4:20 - (the end) wrap up Wherever you are, we hope to see you online! Keep on writing... Regards, Lorraine Segal

Details We are close to our creative source when the child within - the creative unconscious - speaks its mind and ignores any critical or editorial voices. In the morning we will let that "Crazy Child" write. And when the exercise is shared, the workshop as a whole will likely repeat many of your lines and say, "Those images are striking!" or "That scene is full of power!" These are clues for the afternoon's exercise. Or we may go wherever the energy is and write freely and wildly again. This is proprioceptive writing - dealing with the stories contained in our psyches and nervous systems - and it gives texture, flair, and power to all kinds of writing. We are usually surprised by how much writing we do in these workshops, and by its high quality. This is aside from the fun we have, and how the journey satisfies our souls! All workshops are being offered via Zoom. Write on paper with pen or write on a laptop, your writing preference. Fee: $80 sliding scale. This event is included in the 10-week workshops, if you have signed up for one of them.. Now the Crazy Child workshop is offered via Zoom. Usually this workshop is offered the second Saturday of the month. For the link and password phone 510-508-5149 or message me.

We are close to our creative source when the child within - the creative unconscious - speaks its mind and ignores any critical or editorial voices. In the morning we will let that "Crazy Child" write. And when the exercise is shared, the workshop as a whole will likely repeat many of your lines and say, "Those images are striking!" or "That scene is full of power!" These are clues for the afternoon's exercise. Or we may go wherever the energy is and write freely and wildly again. This is proprioceptive writing - dealing with the stories contained in our psyches and nervous systems - and it gives texture, flair, and power to all kinds of writing. We are usually surprised by how much writing we do in these workshops, and by its high quality. This is aside from the fun we have, and how the journey satisfies our souls! This is a monthly workshop usually presented the second Saturday of the month. All workshops are presented via Zoom. Write with paper and pen or a laptop, your writing preference. Fee: $80 or any donation. One hour lunch break included. This event is included free in the 10-week workshops. Phone 510-508-5149 or message me for the Zoom link and, of course, with any questions. Attendees (1) Manage Go

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: This workshop will now be taking place via Zoom. Please phone Clive at 510-508-5149 or email him at clive@matsonpoet.com for more information on the workshops. He'll answer your questions, ask a few of his own and give directions. And perhaps give you an exercise to get you up to speed. Take advantage of social isolation by focusing on creative endeavors! These workshops are a wonderful way to stay inspired and connected from the safety of your home. If you're curious about writing, now is the time to join our workshops. We have openings in two groups, one meeting Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm and the other Friday mornings 10 am to 1 pm. Until this pandemic passes we will be meeting via Zoom. You are invited to come to a meeting, for free, and find out how well it works for you. These groups have been meeting for forty years. We combine insights from Dorothea Brandt's Becoming a Writer (1934) and Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers (1973). We use inspired guidance from Diane di Prima's "Rant" from Pieces of a Song (2001), which proposes that we, each of us, come into this world with our own cosmology. This cosmology is a birthright and needs no alteration. Our writer's journey involves finding our view of the world, giving it respect, developing it, and expressing it in its own terms. Much inspired writing comes from these workshops. Many writers have opened doors into huge arenas of vivid stories, poems, essays, and novels they had no idea exist. Many of our writers have become published, including an American Book Award winner. Why do these groups work? Because we embrace the creative unconscious as the source of our inspiration, in accordance with Carl Jung's vision. And we give it simple appreciation. In these groups your first drafts, even very rough drafts, are read as portals into vivid, energetic writing. Our job is to help you go through the portals and gain confidence that you are the right person to do this - to delve into your own creativity. Your unique way is the way that's best for your material. Clive began his writing career among the Beat Generation in 1960s New York City, mentored by Allen Ginsberg, John Wieners and Diane Di Prima, who published his first book, Mainline to the Heart. Clive’s foundation in Modernism, and his MFA from Columbia University, have supported a 40+ year career as one of the premier creative writing teachers that is unrivalled. He is among the last writers who lived the experience of the culmination of Modernism and will bring that experience to the workshops. You will be the creator as Clive elicits your response to the prompts that will unleash your own writer’s muse. And you will get feedback and advice with far more understanding and support than is usual in writing classes. As one participant has written, "Thank you, Clive, for creating and holding the sacred space where decomposition of creative self-doubt can occur, and up-lifting, cultivation and refinement of one’s voice can rise up." Honoring the Source of Creativity, Clive Matson Author of Let The Crazy Child Write! (1998)

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: Take advantage of social distancing by focusing on creative endeavors! These workshops are a wonderful way to stay inspired and connected from the safety of your home. They will now be taking place via Zoom and an RSVP will give you the link to join. If you're curious about writing, now is the time to join our workshops. We have openings in two groups, one meeting Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm and the other Friday mornings 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. In our healthy future we will meet at my home in Temescal District, Oakland as well as long distance participants online. You are invited to come to a workshop, for free, and find out how well it works for you. These groups have been meeting for forty years. We combine insights from Dorothea Brandt's Becoming a Writer (1934) and Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers (1973). We use inspired guidance from Diane di Prima's "Rant" from Pieces of a Song (2001), which proposes that we, each of us, come into this world with our own cosmology. This cosmology is a birthright and needs no alteration. Our writer's journey involves finding our view of the world, giving it respect, developing it, and expressing it in its own terms. Much inspired writing comes from these workshops. Many writers have opened doors into huge arenas of vivid stories, poems, essays, and novels they had no idea exist. Many of our participants have become published authors, including one American Book Award winner. Why do these groups work? Because we embrace the creative unconscious as the source of our inspiration, in accordance with Carl Jung's vision. And we give it simple appreciation. In these groups your first drafts, even very rough drafts, are read as portals into vivid, energetic writing. Our job is to help you go through the portals and gain confidence that you are the right person to do this -- to delve into your own creativity. Your unique way is the way that's best for your material. Clive began his writing career among the Beat Generation in 1960s New York City, mentored by Allen Ginsberg, John Wieners and Diane Di Prima, who published his first book, Mainline to the Heart. Clive’s foundation in Modernism, and his MFA from Columbia University, have supported a 40+ year career as one of the premier creative writing teachers that is unrivaled. He is among the last writers who lived the experience of the culmination of Modernism and will bring that experience to the workshops. You will be the creator as Clive elicits your response to the prompts that will unleash your own writer’s muse. And you will get feedback and advice with far more understanding and support than is usual in writing classes. As one participant has written, "Thank you, Clive, for creating and holding the sacred space where decomposition of creative self-doubt can occur, and up-lifting, cultivation and refinement of one’s voice can rise up." Phone Clive at 510-508-5149 or email him at clive@matsonpoet.com for more information on the workshops. Check out Clive's website, www.matsonpoet.com to learn more about Clive and his writing.

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: This workshop will now be taking place via Zoom. Please phone Clive at 510-508-5149 or email him at clive@matsonpoet.com for more information on the workshops. He'll answer your questions, ask a few of his own and give directions. And perhaps give you an exercise to get you up to speed. Take advantage of social isolation by focusing on creative endeavors! These workshops are a wonderful way to stay inspired and connected from the safety of your home. If you're curious about writing, now is the time to join our workshops. We have openings in two groups, one meeting Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm and the other Friday mornings 10 am to 1 pm. Until this pandemic passes we will be meeting via Zoom. You are invited to come to a meeting, for free, and find out how well it works for you. These groups have been meeting for forty years. We combine insights from Dorothea Brandt's Becoming a Writer (1934) and Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers (1973). We use inspired guidance from Diane di Prima's "Rant" from Pieces of a Song (2001), which proposes that we, each of us, come into this world with our own cosmology. This cosmology is a birthright and needs no alteration. Our writer's journey involves finding our view of the world, giving it respect, developing it, and expressing it in its own terms. Much inspired writing comes from these workshops. Many writers have opened doors into huge arenas of vivid stories, poems, essays, and novels they had no idea exist. Many of our writers have become published, including an American Book Award winner. Why do these groups work? Because we embrace the creative unconscious as the source of our inspiration, in accordance with Carl Jung's vision. And we give it simple appreciation. In these groups your first drafts, even very rough drafts, are read as portals into vivid, energetic writing. Our job is to help you go through the portals and gain confidence that you are the right person to do this - to delve into your own creativity. Your unique way is the way that's best for your material. Clive began his writing career among the Beat Generation in 1960s New York City, mentored by Allen Ginsberg, John Wieners and Diane Di Prima, who published his first book, Mainline to the Heart. Clive’s understanding of the current template – from earning an MFA at Columbia University in 1989 – plus his foundation in Modernism have supported a forty-plus year career as one of our premier writing teachers. He is among the last writers to experience the culmination of Modernism in the Beat Generation and he brings that knowledge to the workshops. You will be the creator as Clive elicits your response via prompts that will unleash your own personal muse. Clive will give you feedback and understanding far beyond what can be found in other writing classes. As one participant has written, "Thank you, Clive, for creating and holding the sacred space where decomposition of creative self-doubt can occur, and up-lifting, cultivation and refinement of one’s voice can rise up." Honoring the Source of Creativity, Clive Matson Author of Let The Crazy Child Write! (1998)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**