Life Takes Detours: Writing a Compelling Memoir will have two sessions at the Villages College on Mondays from August 31st to December 6th.
You have a story to tell! It’s time to think about writing your memoir as a gift to family members or friends. Include humorous or poignant chapters about them and memorable incidents you shared. Invite them to jog your memory and brace yourself for tales they remember from your past. Weekly lessons, instructor critiques, and “gentle suggestions” from your classmates will make the final product shine!
With 27 years in education, the instructor has MA+30 in writing and technology.
Writing for Profit: Submitting Your Work to Paying Markets will have two sessions at the Villages College on Mondays from August 31st to December 6th.
It's time to earn money for all those half-written, half-forgotten files falling off your desk or stored on your computer. Instructor will work with you to submit your poems, essays, short stories, and longer works to paying markets.
You can register by calling the college at 352-753-3035.
Also
Book editing and publishing services are now available.
Query by e-mail to lifetakesdetours@yahoo.com
Writing a Compelling Memoir
By Julie McGlone
Decide on a snappy working title. Even if you do not intend to publish it, use words that will come up readily in a Google or Yahoo search. Someday you may want to tell the world.
Stumped for an idea? Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry about writing chronologically. Just get your story down on paper and then place all the chapters in a logical order.
Life is made of Firsts and Lasts
and All the Good Stuff in Between
These writing prompts will give you a nudge.
First pet
First school year I can remember
First childhood friend
First bike/wagon/roller skates/ice skates, etc.
First car
First kiss
First love
First home
First teacher who made me feel special
First sport I played
First year of high school
First high school dance/prom
First part-time job that made me realize I didn’t want to do THAT the rest of my life
First year of college
First year living away from home
First year of marriage
First year as a parent
Child’s first haircut
First death of a family member or close friend
Last day of high school as I walked out the door
Last time I spoke with an old friend/ family member
Last time I felt really good about something I accomplished
Last vacation I planned
Last good tip someone gave me
Last contest I entered
Last serious miscalculation I made
Last gift I received
Last time I felt afraid
Last person who inspired me