FIRST MONDAY, FIRST PERSON, ONLINE FOR NOW
Join us on the first Monday of every month ONLINE until the COVID19 pandemic restrictions are lifted.
FREE
Our memories are too important to let a global pandemic get in the way of preserving and sharing them. Until the libraries open again, we will meet online. Prep your own light refreshments and stories and settle in at your computer, iPad or smartphone. Share and critique writing in the first person with like-minded people. Sign up on arrival to read on a first-come, first-served basis, and receive group feedback. Listeners welcome as well as readers.
When: First Monday of every month, 6-8pm
Where: Join me via my Zoom platform. Here’s the link for 2021 salons: https://zoom.us/j/399127706
No advance registration required.
Write Your Selfie Obituary
In-person workshop at Village Cohousing
“If I don’t write it down, who will know what I accomplished?” asked a participant in my first Obituary-writing workshop.
So many people pass through your life—but not one among them will know everything you have done, or felt, or valued. That’s why writing your “Selfie” obituary is so important. Every life story deserves a polished telling, but that seldom happens in the stressful time following a death. With a little planning, you can write a lively, accurate picture of your life suitable for publication when the time comes. Why not have “the last word”? ”
In the first session we will discuss the growing interest in conversations about death as a part of life. You will learn a proven template to draft an obituary for yourself or a loved one, and other considerations related to your legacy at life’s close. In the second session, attendees will read first drafts of their obituaries for discussion and feedback.
This class is suitable for anyone over age 18. Attendees should bring paper and pen/pencils for in-class exercises. COVID vaccination required for participation.
When: This 2-week workshop meets Wednesday afternoons, 3-5pm Central, on July 21 and July 28.
Where: Village Cohousing Common Room, 1104 Mound Street
Fee: $60.00
To register: Email me at sarah.white@firstpersonprod.com or call 608-347-7329.
Guided Autobiography
Presented by Madison College
You have a wealth of memories and stories. It’s time to capture them in writing.
By using the Guided Autobiography method developed by Dr. James Birren, you will do more than start writing down your memories—you will gain insights into how the events of your life have contributed to the person you are today—and may become tomorrow.
Themes include branching points, family history, the role of money, history of one’s life work, health and body, development of sexual identity, ideas about death, spiritual life and values, and changing goals and aspirations.
The objective of this course is to produce about 9 thematic autobiographical essays. The emphasis is on self-discovery rather than writing craft. Expressive writing of this nature has been shown to decrease anxiety and isolation and increase self-esteem, energy, and social connection.
When: This 10-week workshop meets Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 am, Central, from Sept 9th through November 24th. (Note, we’ll take a 2-week hiatus, skipping Oct 6 and 13, while I am traveling in Italy.)
Where: Online (Webex)
Fee: $194.50
To register: https://my.madisoncollege.edu/app/catalog/classsection/MATC1/1224/33663
Creative Writing
Presented by Madison College
Beginning or advanced writers explore the possibilities of writing for fun and publication by practicing specific writing skills that enhance descriptive language usage, story telling, and exposition, including styles, grammar usage, and imagery.
When: This 8-week workshop meets Thursday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Central, from September 9 through November 11. Note, we’ll take a 2-week hiatus, skipping Oct 7 and 14, while I am traveling in Italy.)
Where: Online (Webex)
Fee: $156.50
To register: https://my.madisoncollege.edu/app/catalog/classsection/MATC1/1224/33401