Post #52 – Women’s Memoirs, Author Conversations – Kendra Bonnett and Matilda Butler
Help Save Someone’s Story While Learning How to Write Your Story
Today, Kendra and I are continuing with our consideration of Alzheimer’s and the ways in which it robs us of our stories.
First, I’d like to share with you part of my interview with memoir author Susan J. Tweit. Susan has just released an audio CD with 28 stories: WildLives: Celebrating the World Around Us. Before WildLives became a commercial publication, Susan developed it as a gift of love for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the fall. In the second half of the video, Susan shares an approach she is using to capture some of her mother’s stories. We hope you’ll share this idea with others who are trying to collect stories from a parent or friend with Alzheimer’s.
[Here’s a link to a sample of Susan’s CD. The sample is near the end of the post.]
NOTE: News just in from Susan J. Tweit. She has established distribution of the CD through her local bookstore — The Book Haven. If you have already sent her a check, she’ll honor that. However, all future orders will be handled by the independent bookstore, which we always like to support. The Book Haven can handle your order over the telephone and accepts credit cards. The number is: 719-539-9629. The CDs are $12 each plus shipping.
Below, I want to share some information about Alzheimer’s. You’ll quickly see why Kendra and I have decided to offer The [Essential] Women’s Memoir Writing Workshop on DVD — an effective way to learn how to write your life stories — for a special price and are giving $10 of each set sold to the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Did you ever find that you learned more from a teacher who could turn a lesson into a story?
- Ever read a memoir and felt somehow connected to the author because her story drew you in?
Now imagine losing all the stories you’ve collected. Gone. Lost forever.
It happens to Alzheimer’s patients every day.
With more than 5 million Americans suffering with Alzheimer’s today, you’ve likely seen the disease firsthand. Few things are more painful than watching an aunt who starts forgetting recent events…a grandmother with a distant, unfocused gaze…a parent who can look you in the eye and not remember your name or relationship.
Memory isn’t all that’s lost. As dementia sets in, the stories of a lifetime are erased. Alzheimer’s patients can no longer find comfort in stories of their youthful antics, first loves, accomplishments, marriage, children…
Of course, the sad memories are lost as well—death of loved ones, financial failures, disappointments, even abuse. You might think that a blessing. You’d be wrong because survival and overcoming loss are important reminders of who we are.
As memory fades, emotions take over. Stories give way to suspicion. Anger. Sorrow. Fear. Followed by…nothing.
Save 55% on The [Essential] Women’s Memoirs Writing Workshop…until December 13
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You can help others while helping yourself. With your purchase of The [Essential] Women’s Memoir Writing Workshop: 21 Steps From Planning to Publication, Kendra and I will give $10 to the Alzheimer’s Association…to help save someone else’s story…while you learn to tell your own.
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But this is only good through December 13, 2010. And if you’ve been waiting until the right time to buy, this is it. When our copies of the 5-DVD set are gone, they will be gone forever. If you want to have your own set of DVDs to refer to any time and as often as you wish, this is your opportunity.
Just CLICK ON THIS LINK for The [Essential] Women’s Memoirs Writing Workshop for more information about our DVD set and how we’re giving some of the proceeds to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Family caregivers, too, risk losing the stories of a loved one’s past. As the disease progresses, caregivers and family lose sight of the memories of a happier time. All they see are the ravages of dementia in the present. It’s hard to remember once being caressed by a strong, reassuring hand that now can’t even button a sweater.
Every 70 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s–a rate projected to double in just 40 years…unless we continue our breakthroughs.
Frightening statistics. And all the more reason to capture our stories while we can and ensure the legacies that are our lives continue. Let The [Essential] Women’s Memoir Writing Workshop be your guide through the process, and you’ll be helping to save someone else’s story…while you learn to tell your own.
For the past 30 years, the Alzheimer’s Association has played a role in every significant advancement. We want to help continue their record and save as many people (and stories) as possible.
Best Wishes for the holidays, and as we tell all our students and readers: Now Get to Writing!
Matilda and Kendra
PS NOTE: The special price and contribution to Alzheimer’s Association is only available until December 13 and only THROUGH THIS LINK to The [Essential] Women’s Memoirs Writing Workshop.
