TELLING THE UNTOLD STORIES with Marian Exall
We are the recipients of family stories handed down by a generation now deceased: what our
fathers did during the War; how our mothers got through the Depression; crazy Aunt Jane, and
what made her crazy. These personal stories—the inspiring as well as the amusing—are valuable
and should be preserved for future generations.
In this two-hour workshop, we will explore the concept of memoir through anecdotes handed
down in our families. The aim of the workshop is to give participants the tools to write these
family stories in an engaging way that will hold the interest of a younger generation. No previous
writing experience is necessary.
What we will cover:
What is “memoir”?
Using a writing *prompt to elicit description, context, and significance
The story arc: beginning, middle, end/resolution
*Prompts: bring a photograph of your parent(s). It might be a family group with you in it or a
picture of your parent as a child; a candid snap or a formal portrait. Through describing and
developing context for this image, we may evoke a significant moment in the past.
Bring pen and paper, or laptop/tablet—the workshop includes quiet time for writing. There will
be an opportunity to share your work out loud with other participants, but sharing is purely
voluntary. We will conclude the session with a discussion of how to continue the work we have
started.
