Post #112 – Memoir Writing News – Matilda Butler
Making Progress on Writing Your Memoir
Many of you may know Judy Mandel, award-winning author of Replacement Child: A Memoir
Women’s Memoirs: Hi Judy. Writing a memoir is a lonely activity. And while solitude is needed most of the time, I am intrigued with your concept of a memoir writing retreat where people with a common interest come together to make progress on their manuscripts and to learn from each other. And while I’m excited, I imagine that some people might wonder why they would go to a memoir retreat. What do you say to them?
JUDY MANDEL: Thanks Matilda for letting me share news about an upcoming memoir retreat. I like your question about why people want a retreat and what they might get out of it. When people tell me they want to write their story, some common issues come up. Here are a few of the ones I hear frequently:
Let me say that all writers of memoir ask themselves these questions at one time or another. Looking for the answers sometimes stops a writer from pushing on, from writing one scene after another to find the thread of their theme.
No one can tell you how to write your memoir, but people who have done it successfully can point the way to finding your own path. They can show you techniques for narrowing your focus, ideas for structuring your story and tools to find your theme. In teaching memoir I’ve found that just one new perspective can send writers on their way to unraveling the stories they were meant to tell.
Women’s Memoirs: Judy, I know that you’ve spent a lot of time in the memoir world from writing your own memoir to successfully marketing it to coaching others on writing their own memoirs. I’m interested in learning more about your upcoming retreat. Where are you holding it?
JUDY MANDEL: The place is part of what’s special about this retreat. There will be lots of emphasis on writing, but I’m including time to relax as well. Time to get to know the other participants. Time to share experiences. We’re holding the memoir retreat at Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, which is set along the Long Island Sound. This is a premier New England beach resort offering luxurious accommodations, private beach and a full service spa experience located in Westbrook, Connecticut.
Women’s Memoirs: I heard great things about your last memoir writing retreat and am sure that this next one will be equally successful. Is there still time for people to sign up?
JUDY MANDEL:: Oh sure. The writing retreat is October 2-4, 2015. We just want to get the word out now because we have a $100 discount for everyone who registers by December 31, 2014. Besides this makes a perfect Christmas present. Give the retreat to yourself or ask your family to give it to you.
Matilda, thanks again for inviting me to share with your readers. For those who are interested, just go to: Write Your Memoir Retreat. I’ll be glad to answer any questions.
