What is Memoir?

The last decade has seen a rise in memoir stories, topping best seller charts and filling our libraries. If you’re curious like me, you’re wondering what the 3 best selling memoirs in the last few years include. They are:

• Becoming, by Michelle O’bama (2018)
• Educated by Tara Westover (2018)
• The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls (2005)

I have copies of each of these books in my library. In fact, I have three copies of The Glass Castle. One copy is filled with a zillion notes, another is for the times when I want to re-read, and the third copy is for the friend I’ll inevitably look at one day and say, “You just HAVE to read this!”

What is it about memoir that moves us? Why do these books sell? and What is the significance of memoir?

For me, the answer is tri-fold:

1.) Human beings are consistently fascinated by individual stories

2.) Memoirs have become a way to discuss, examine, and bring light to complex issues like trauma, addiction, and mental health, thus becoming a tool for advocacy

3.) Memoirs allow us to reflect on our own lives, finding similarities and differences between ourselves and those whose lives we can see on the page

Memoir matters! Memoir feeds our collective need for connection, understanding, and storytelling.

That’s why I’m so thrilled to offer a memoir workshop in The Studio this January.

If you’ve been meaning to write your story but have not known how to do it, Susan Weidener’s workshop is for you!

We’ll meet Mondays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., beginning January 6th. Come enjoy learning, writing time, discussion, and light fare (to stimulate our brains, of course!)

To learn more, see the flier below, and shoot me a message to reserve your space.

Don’t forget our Early Bird pricing of $179 ends December 1st!

I can’t wait to hear your stories. I can’t wait to workshop them, learn from each other, and find our voices.