At a Glance Archive – 2024
The week of December 15-21, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study of Bird by Bird, pages 103-121, “Broccoli” through “Jealousy.”
Discussion Question: In the chapter, “Radio Station KFKD,” Lamott talks about writing rituals, a practice she says is a “good signal to your unconscious that it is time to kick in.” Do you have a writing ritual that tells your writing self it’s time to shine? If so, what is your writing ritual? How does it prepare you to write? If you do not have a writing ritual, what is something you can do consistently to prepare yourself to write? Are you willing to try using a writing ritual for a month to see if it makes a difference? If you’d like to learn more about writing rituals, watch episode fifty-four of the Life Writers Vlog, aptly called “Writing Rituals,” which features our own Dave Godin.
Our early Monthly Feedback Group starts on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others with new stories. Use this Feedback Form to help gather your thoughts.
Please note: This is a different link from the one we usually use. Tuesday night, we will use our book study link for the feedback group, so we do not need to log off and log back on with another link. Make sure to use this link and not one you have saved, or you will receive a message saying there is another meeting in progress.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Watch the replay of our Book Study on pages 52-102, “Plot” through “Moral Point of View” in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of John Roche’s story, “Labor Day, Part I.” Here is a copy of the story notes for this session.
Watch the replay of Inside Life Writers where we briefly discussed the next Life Writers anthology on Micro-Memoir: The Art of Writing Short. Here is the anthology calendarthat shows when stories/bios/headshots/pictures are due.
I added the Six-Word Memoirs page to the dashboard dropdown menu in case you want to add additional entries before I select ones for the anthology.
See if you can guess this week’s teenage Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a teenager, please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Reviewsessions.
The week of December 8-14, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study of pages 52-102, “Plot” through “Moral Point of View” in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
Discussion question: Lamott dedicates two chapters in this section of assigned text to an aspect of writing we don’t often discuss—plot. Plot is the sequence of events in a story, how the story develops and moves through time. Many of our life stories tend to be character- or event-driven, not plot-driven, but focusing more on plot can greatly enhance our stories. What did you learn about plot in these chapters? How can you apply this new knowledge to your writing?
Member Story Review after our Book Study. We will review part one of John Roche’s story, “Labor Day, Part I.” Read through this story several times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
We’ll have a brief Inside Life Writers session to talk about the next Life Writers anthology on Micro-Memoir: The Art of Writing Short. Here is the anthology calendar that shows when stories are due.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
If you missed last week’s live First Tuesday Write & Read, click here to view the prompt.
Read pages 103-121, “Broccoli” through “Jealousy” of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
Submit a story for our Monthly Feedback Group, which will be held on December 17, 2024. The deadline to submit your story is this Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
You can find your six micro-memoir stories, which we’ll use for the anthology in the course on Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind.
If you are looking for a great holiday gift, I’ve reduced the price of all five-year journals on my website to $29.99. That’s a savings of $10. Buy one for everybody on your holiday list at the Writing Your Life shop.
See if you can guess this week’s teenage Life Writer. If you have a photo of yourself as a teenager, please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on the Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of December 1-7, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the December 2024 Calendar.
Watch the replay of our book discussion of Bird by Bird – Pages 27-51.
Watch replay of our November Q&A Help a Member session and a few questions following our November feedback group.
Read pages 80-102, “Plot Treatment” through “Moral Point of View” of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. If you had a win, small or large, please share your success with us.
Our current Life Writers photo exhibition focuses on your amazing teenage self. Send your best shots to patricia@writingyourlife.org and any details to help describe the photo.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of November 25 – December 1, 2024, at a glance…
LIFE WRITERS EVENT NAMES, TIMES, AND DESCRIPTIONS
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on pages 27-51, “Perfectionism” through “Character,” of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird.
Discussion Question: Lamott’s chapter on perfectionism includes many ways to define that ailment and several solutions to neutralize it. Is perfectionism something you struggle with? How does it manifest in your writing life? What can you take from Lamott’s chapter to help perfectionism not paralyze you? Point to specific passages you connected with.
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others with new stories. Use this Feedback Form to help gather your thoughts.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
If you did not submit a story in advance for our monthly feedback session, bring a story, and you’ll be paired with others who also have stories to read.
Watch our Book Study replay of Bird by Bird, pages 3-26, “Getting Started” through “Shitty First Drafts.”
Watch this month’s workshop/craft class, Add Photos to Your Stories, and learn how to enhance your text with pertinent photographs. This workshop is also on the dashboard dropdown menu.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of November 18-24, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study of Bird by Bird, pages 3-26, “Getting Started” through “Shitty First Drafts.”
Discussion Question: The first three chapters of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird zero in on her most important teachings—how to get started, narrowing your focus to a one-inch frame, and permitting yourself to write “shitty first drafts.” What will you take from Lamott’s instructions and apply to your own writing practice? Point to passages that give you this guidance.
In this month’s Craft Class, we will learn how to insert photographs into your stories and then crop and size them.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read pages 27-51 of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird.
Watch the replay of our Book Study on the front/back covers, front matter, and introduction to Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life pages i-xxxii.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of Linda Peterson’s story, “The Amazing Maizey.” Here is a copy of the story notes for this session.
Watch the replay of Inside Life Writers where I showed you how to find your previously posted stories and all the micro-memoir content.
Submit a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s teenage Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a teenager, please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of November 11-17, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study of the front/back covers, front matter, and introduction to Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life pages i-xxxii on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: A book’s introduction is a promise the author makes to the reader, but it usually includes much more than that. What other purposes do you see Lamott accomplishing in her introduction? Why do you think she included this information? Be specific with your answers and point to passages that support your thoughts.
Member Story Review after our Book Study. We will review Linda Peterson’s story, “The Amazing Maizey.” Read through Linda’s story several times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
We’ll have a quick Inside Life Writers session to show where you can find the micro-memoir information now that it’s been removed from the main menu.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
If you missed last week’s live First Tuesday Write & Read, click here to view the prompt.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on the Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Read pages 3-26, “Getting Started” through “Shitty First Drafts,” of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s teenage Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a teenager, please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions. We have no stories on deck once we discuss Linda’s piece this month, so take advantage of this opportunity.
The week of November 4-10, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET. I know it’s a big election night for US citizens, but most of the results won’t be in until well after we’re finished.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the November 2024 Calendar.
If you’re still in the mood, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Watch the replay of our book discussion on Heating & Cooling, pages 102-111 on the Session Six – Heating & Cooling Pages 102-111 page.
Watch the replay of our book discussion on Heating & Cooling, pages 102-111 on the Session Six – Heating & Cooling Pages 102-111 page.
Watch the replay of our Micro-Memoir Recap Session.
Watch the replay of our Buddy Group Assignments for November 2024 through February 2025.
The course page for the book we’re studying through February 2025, Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: Some Lessons on Writing and Life, is now available. Click here to access the page where you’ll find background information, a TED Talk she gave, the reading schedule, and more.
If you still have the itch, use the More Micro-Memoirs page to post a piece of 300 words or less on any of the topics listed on the page or a subject of your choice. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
Study the cover, front matter, and introduction, pages i-ixxxii of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. If you had a win, small or large, please share your success with us.
Our next Life Writers photo exhibition focuses on your amazing teenage self. Send your best shots to patricia@writingyourlife.org and any details to help describe the photo.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions. We have a story for this month but none after that. Now is a great time to submit your story. I know you’ve been writing.
The week of October 27 – November 3, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on pages 102-111, “Salvage” through “Acknowledgments” in Heating & Cooling.
Discussion question: In the last six weeks, we’ve read stories about Beth Ann Fennelly’s many experiences. A theme in a book is the central idea, underlying message, or universal truth the author is trying to convey throughout the story, and books often contain one major and many minor themes. What do you see as major and minor themes in Heating & Cooling? What micro-memoirs support that theme?
Right after the book discussion on Tuesday night, participate in our micro-memoir recap session. Here are some questions that may stimulate your thoughts:
What do you think of micro-memoir as a genre?
Did you find writing micro-memoirs easy or difficult? Why so?
What do you like or dislike about writing micro-memoir?
Is it a genre you will continue to write?
What did you learn from the micro-essays and the two micro-memoir books we studied in the last sixteen weeks?
How did what you read and studied impact your writing?
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Complete this short Buddy Group Assignment Survey before Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. If you do not complete the survey, I will assume you do not wish to be in a buddy group.
If you want to get one last micro-memoir in, use the More Micro-Memoirs page to post a piece of 300 words or less on any of the topics listed on the page or a subject of your choice. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
If you want another dose of micro-memoir, consider attending Darien Hsu Lee’s free online session, Using Micro Memoirs to Tell Your Story, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Watch the replay of our book discussion on Heating & Cooling, pages 85-101 on the Session Five – Heating & Cooling Pages 85-101 page.
Watch the replay of our very interesting Q&A/Help a Member session, which turned into something unexpected but useful to all.
Obtain a copy of the next book we’ll study, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
Revise your story based on feedback received last week in our Monthly Feedback Group.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
We’re now viewing photos of our teenage Life Writers, so if you haven’t sent one in yet, please do so. Email them to patricia@writingyourlife.org with your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions. I have only one story for November left, so now’s a great time to submit a piece and receive feedback from me and the entire group.
The week of October 21-26, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on pages 85-101, “What I Learned in Grad School” through “A Reckoning of Kisses.”
Discussion Question: On pages 95-96, Beth Ann Fennelly writes “The Grief Vacation” in Heating & Cooling. It is one of only two micro-memoirs in the book written in the third person. Who do you believe this third person is? Why do you think Fennelly wrote this story in the third person? What did you learn from this third-person micro-memoir that you can apply to your own writing?
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories. You can use this Feedback Form to help gather your thoughts.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Complete this short Buddy Group Assignment Survey before Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. If you do not complete the survey, I will assume you do not wish to be in a buddy group.
Schedule personal writing time.
Use the More Micro-Memoirs page to post any additional micro-memoirs of 300 words or less on any topic listed or a subject of your choice. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
If you did not submit a story in advance for our monthly feedback session, bring a story, and you’ll be paired with others who also have stories to read.
Watch the replay of our book discussion on Heating & Cooling, pages 49-65 on the Session Four – Heating & Cooling Pages 66-84 page.
Watch this month’s master class on Book Printing with Sandy Gould and learn everything you need to know before printing your book.
Obtain a copy of the next book we’ll study, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of October 14-20, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study of Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs pages 66-84, “Married Love, III” through “Sweet Nothing.”
Discussion Question: In her micro-memoir, “Now I Glance Up the First Time They Call My Name” (page 83), Fennelly uses a literary device to describe her total immersion in reading. It’s definitely not a figure of speech like simile or metaphor. The best description I can come up with is an extended figurative analogy, which is defined as drawing a comparison between two unrelated things to highlight a certain characteristic. Here she uses the ocean as a figurative analogy. Point out ways she does this and what each instance tells the reader. Do you think this is effective in helping you understand the type of reader she was?
This month’s Master Class welcomes Sandy Gould of Color House Graphics, who will talk about printing basics, what’s good to know about printing should you publish your own book, and more.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write a micro-memoir of 300 words or less on the topic of a trip to the dentist or any topic you choose. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less. Post your piece on the Heating & Cooling Session Six page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
Review Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs in its entirety for our discussion in two weeks.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Watch the replay of our book discussion on Heating & Cooling, pages 49-65 on the Session Three – Heating & Cooling Pages 49-65 page.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of Dar Lamb’s story, “Good Night, Mystery.” Here is a copy of the story notes for this session. I also included a fillable editing checklist you can use to begin creating your own list of editing checks.
Submit a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of October 7-13, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the October 2024 Calendar.
Read Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs pages 85-101, “What I Learned in Grad School” through “A Reckoning of Kisses.”
Write a micro-memoir of 300 words or less on the topic of a chance encounter or any topic you choose. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less. Post your piece on the Heating & Cooling Session Four page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Micro-memoir Feedback Group on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Read all about it here: Micro Memoir Feedback Sessions.
Work on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Our next Life Writers photo exhibition focuses on your amazing teenage self. Send your best shots to patricia@writingyourlife.org and any details to help describe the photo.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of September 30 – October 6, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the October 2024 Calendar.
Read Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs pages 85-101, “What I Learned in Grad School” through “A Reckoning of Kisses.”
Write a micro-memoir of 300 words or less on the topic of a chance encounter or any topic you choose. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less. Post your piece on the Heating & Cooling Session Four page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Micro-memoir Feedback Group on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Read all about it here: Micro Memoir Feedback Sessions.
Work on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Our next Life Writers photo exhibition focuses on your amazing teenage self. Send your best shots to patricia@writingyourlife.org and any details to help describe the photo.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of September 23-29, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on pages 28-48, “I Was Not Going to Be Your Typical” through “Heating and Cooling.”
Discussion Question: The book’s title essay appears on pages 44-48, one of the longest pieces in the book. Why do you think this is the title story? How might this story represent the content of the rest of the book? What does this piece tell you about the author? Do you think it’s a fitting title for what you’ve read of the book so far?
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories. You can use this Feedback Form to help gather your thoughts.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write a micro-memoir of 300 words or less on death as you choose to interpret it or a topic of your choice and post your piece on the Heating & Cooling Session Three page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Read pages 66-84 of Heating & Cooling, “Married Love, III” through “Sweet Nothing” by Beth Ann Fennelly.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of September 16-22, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on pages 9-27, “Contents” through “Safety Scissors,” of Beth Ann Fennelly’s Heating and Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs.
Discussion Question: A great thing to do before you ever crack open a book is to study its cover and formulate questions as to what the cover might say about the contents. I’ve been intrigued by the cover of Heating & Cooling since I first saw the book. What do you think this cover is telling us? Based on this design, what do you believe you’ll find in the book? Why do you think the publisher chose this image? Come prepared to talk about the cover. Then, we’ll discuss any other items of interest you find on pages 9-27.
This month’s Master Class welcomes book designer Joan Keyes, who will talk about how she approaches designing a cover and interior, what’s good to know about design should you publish your own book, and more.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write a micro-memoir of 300 words or less on the topic of weather or any topic you choose. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less. Post your piece on the Heating & Cooling Session Two page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Read Heating & Cooling, pages 49-65, “If You Were Born Catholic…” through “The Neighbor, the Chickens, and the Flames.”
Submit a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of September 9-15, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Final Book Study of Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 125-149, “Off Balance” through “Foreign Language Translation” on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Book discussion question: We have been introduced to many different writing devices in reading Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind. What device(s) do you plan to incorporate into your writing? How do you intend to use this device(s)? Point to one specific example of this device in the text and explain why you think it works well. Also, if there’s time, you can point out anything of interest from pages 125-149.
Member Story Review after our Book Study. We will review Norma Beasley’s story, “Thought, Will, Action.” Read through Norma’s story several times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
Bring a micro-memoir on which you’d like to receive feedback in our Micro-Memoir Feedback Session after our member story review. Read all about this new addition to our lineup.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write a micro-memoir of 300 words or less on the topic of decisions or any topic you choose. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less. Post your piece on the Heating & Cooling Session One page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on the Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Read pages 28-48 of Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs.
If you weren’t able to attend the First Tuesday Write & Read last week and want to take a crack at the prompt given, click here.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s baby Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a teenager—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of September 2-8, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the September 2024 Calendar.
Watch the replay of our book discussion of Places We Left Behind, pages 105-123, on the Part Five page.
Watch the replay of the interesting discussion we had in our Q&A/Help a Member session last Tuesday.
Read Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 125-149, “Off Balance” through “Foreign Language Translation.” Then, look through the questions in the reader’s guide on pages 151-153 and see if anything simulates any thoughts.
Book discussion question for September 10, 2024: We have been introduced to many different writing devices in reading Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind. What device(s) do you plan to incorporate into your writing? How do you intend to use this device(s)? Point to one specific example of this device in the text and explain why you think it works well. Also, if there’s time, you can point out anything of interest from pages 125-149.
Write the last installment of a six-part micro-memoir on your selected topic, 300 words or less, and post your piece on the Part Six page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
If you have not done so already, obtain a copy of Beth Ann Fennelly’s book, Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs. We will begin discussing this book on September 17, 2024. Here’s the revised Heating & Cooling reading schedule.
Check out the new page about Beth Ann Fennelly and Heating & Cooling. It has links to a number of interviews and other items of interest about the author and her work.
Work on a micro-memoir you’d like to receive feedback on in our Micro-Memoir Feedback Group on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Read all about this new addition to our lineup: Micro Memoir Feedback Sessions.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Our next Life Writers photo exhibition focuses on your amazing teenage self. Send your best shots to patricia@writingyourlife.org and any details to help describe the photo.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions. I have no stories beyond our session for September. Here’s a great chance to receive help with your writing.
The week of August 26 – September 1, 2024, at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on pages 105-123, “On Some Stranger’s Bed” through “Sacred” of Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind.
Discussion Question: Titles of stories serve many purposes, primarily to capture the reader’s attention and tell something about the content. I find Jennifer Lang’s titles fascinating. Pick of couple of titles from stories we’ve read so far in the book and tell us what about each title intrigued you, what the title did for the story, and what you believe was Lang’s purpose in writing it. You need not consider only titles from this week’s reading assignment.
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories. You can use this Feedback Form to help gather your thoughts.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write the fifth installment of a six-part micro-memoir on your selected topic, 300 words or less, and post your piece on the Part Five – Pages 105-123 page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Watch the replay of last week’s Book Study of pages 79-104, “Predicament” through “2.1.3” of Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind.
Watch the replay of last week’s master class, Editing with Teresa Bruce.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Can you guess who this budding Life Writer is? Tune in on Tuesday night to find out if you’re right. Last week’s young Life Writer was Sandra Cifelli. If you have a photo of you as a teenager—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions. I have no stories past September, so here’s your chance to get great feedback on one of your pieces.
The week of August 19-25 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Story Study on pages 79-104, “Predicament” through “2.1.3” of Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind.
Discussion Question: A turning point is defined as a time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, and these times are powerful moments to write. Identify the turning points in this section of text and be ready to talk about how Lang describes each turning point and its significance.
This month’s Book Craft Class welcomes editor extraordinaire Teresa Bruce, who will talk about how she approaches editing stories and how you can better edit your pieces.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write the fourth installment of a six-part micro-memoir on your selected topic, 300 words or less, and post your piece on the Part Four page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Post your story for our monthly feedback group on the Share Stories page by Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Watch replays of last week’s two book study discussions at Part Two – Pages 27-52 and Part Three – Pages 53-78.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of Judy Fink’s story, “Aunt Polly.” Here is a copy of the story notes for this session. I also included a fillable editing checklist you can use to begin creating your own list of editing checks.
Can you guess who this budding Life Writer is? Tune in on Tuesday night to find out if you’re right. Our last baby Life Writer was Thierry Lagarde. If you have a photo of you as a teenager—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions. I have no stories past September, so here’s your chance to get great feedback on one of your pieces.
The week of August 12-18 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
This week, we will have two book studies on Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind, each covering different pages with different discussion questions.
Part Two – Pages 27-52 Book Study of Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 27-52, “Him, Me, Us” through “Cocoon” on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Discussion question: We often hear we need conflict in memoir, but conflict need not be a physical fight or high-speed car chase. Conflict occurs when someone wants something and someone or something gets in the way of that person obtaining his/her desire. What conflict do you see conveyed in these pages? Conflict can also be internal or external. Identify the conflict as internal or external. What techniques does Jennifer Lang use to describe this conflict?
Part Three – Pages 53-78 Book Study of Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 53-78, “Semantics” through “Flow” after our discussion of pages 27-52.
Discussion question: In this section of text, Jennifer Lang introduces or builds on a number of different topics. What are these topics, and how does she braid them into her overall story?
Member Story Review after our book study. We will review Judy Fink’s story, “Aunt Polly.” Read through Judy’s story several times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
Bring a micro-memoir on which you’d like to receive feedback in our first-ever Micro-Memoir Feedback Session after our member story review. Read all about this new addition to our lineup.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write the third installment of a six-part micro-memoir on your selected topic, 300 words or less, and post your piece on the Part Three page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Read pages 79-104 of Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on the Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s baby Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a teenager—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions. I have no stories past September, so here’s your chance to get great feedback on one of your pieces.
The week of August 5-11 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the August 2024 Calendar.
Review the book discussion question on the Part Two page, which we will discuss on August 13, 2024.
Read Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 53-78, “Semantics” through “Flow.”
Write the second installment of a six-part micro-memoir on your selected topic, 300 words or less, and post your piece on the Part Two page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Work on a micro-memoir you’d like to receive feedback on in our first-ever Micro-Memoir Feedback Group on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Read all about this new addition to our lineup: Micro-Memoir Feedback Sessions.
Watch the replay of our Book Study of pages 1-25 of Places We Left Behind.
Watch the replay of our awesome Open Mic Night where we heard some amazing stories.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Our next young Life Writers photo exhibition focuses on the amazing you between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. Send your best shots to patricia@writingyourlife.org and any details to help describe the photo.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of July 29 – August 4 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study of Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 1-25, “Praise” through “Never ever” on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Discussion question: Micro-memoir is a versatile form open to much experimentation, and we observe that in this section of Lang’s text. We see her utilize unique spacing, strikeouts, illustrations, and more not usually found in memoir. What purposes do these devices serve? Are they effective? Why or why not?
Sign up to participate and join our Open Mic Night on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, right after our book study, or just show up with a story in hand. Maximum reading time is five minutes.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write the first installment of a six-part micro-memoir on your selected topic, 300 words or less, and post your piece on the Part One page. Once you’ve posted your story, read some of your fellow Life Writers’ micro-memoirs and give them a bit of encouragement.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on the Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Read pages 27-52 of Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang.
Watch replay of last week’s Story Study of Postcard Memoirs.
Watch replay of last week’s The Plan – July 30–September 17, 2024.
where we spelled out what’s expected and what we’ll study over the next six weeks.
Revise your story based on feedback received last week in our Monthly Feedback Group.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
We’re reaching the end of our baby Life Writers photos, so if you haven’t sent one in yet, please do so within the next week. Email them to patricia@writingyourlife.org with your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of July 22-28 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Story Study of postcard micro-memoirs focused on those appearing on the PostSecret and PostSecret Exhibitions websites. Our discussion will be a bit different this week.
Read some of the secrets on PostSecret or PostSecret Exhibitions and find a few that resonate with you. Then, if you’d like, share one with us and tell us what you think about postcard micro-memoirs in general.
This month, we will use our Q&A/Help a Member session to review the book we’ll read for the next six weeks, Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang. We’ll also discuss the plan for you to write six related stories, one each week, of 300 words or less each on a theme, topic, experience, timeframe, etc., of your choosing. If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. It won’t once we review the particulars in this session.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories. You can use this Feedback Form to help gather your thoughts.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
If you haven’t done so already, obtain a copy of Places We Left Behind: A Memoir-in-Miniature by Jennifer Lang. You can read more about this book and how we plan to use it on this page. Read pages 1-25, “Praise” through “Never ever,” in anticipation of our book discussion on this section July 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. before our open mic night.
Write a postcard micro-memoir of thirty (30) words or less on the topic of a Parent’s White Lies. Read more about this assignment, its source, where to find examples of postcard micro-memoirs, and our writing prompt on this week’s lesson page.
For extra credit, write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Watch the replay of last week’s Story Study where we discussed “Taste” by Judith Beck and other micro-memoirs.
Watch the replay of last week’s Craft Class on how to Write & Edit Micro-Memoir.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Sign up to participate in our Open Mic Night on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. ET, or just show up with a story in hand. This would be a perfect time to share one or two micro-memoirs you wrote. Maximum reading time is five minutes.
We’ve had great fun guessing the identity of our baby Life Writers. Can you identify this budding Life Writer? Tune in on Tuesday night to find out if you’re right. Our last little Life Writer was Kit Dwyer, who was not happy about not being allowed to ride the horsey. Email me a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—at patricia@writingyourlife.org, and let’s see if we recognize you.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of July 15-21 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Story Study on the micro-memoirs listed on Week Three – Food lesson page.
For our discussion, we’ll focus on “Taste” by Judith Beck. Beck does an amazing job communicating emotions in so few words. Identify the emotions portrayed in “Taste” and be ready to tell what she did to convey each feeling.
Story Craft Class on the ins and outs of writing micro-memoir.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Would you like to replace either our Inside Life Writers or Q&A/Help a Member sessions for the next few months with a micro-memoir feedback session?
For this, you’d bring any one of your micro-stories to read and receive feedback.
You’d be placed in groups of two or three people, similar to what we do in our monthly feedback session, but with this one, you would not need to submit your pieces in advance. Please complete this two/three-question survey, and let me know your thoughts.
Write a micro-memoir on the topic of food using a maximum of 300 words. Then, post your story on week three’s page.
Write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Read micro-memoirs on the topic of food and prepare for our discussion as described on week three’s page.
Read examples of the list micro-memoir structure on week three’s page.
Upload a story by Tuesday, July 16, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the July Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Add your writing wants to the Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Watch the replay of last week’s story study.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of Julie Folkert’s story, “Chapter One – Memories.” Here is a copy of the story notes for this session. I also included a fillable editing checklist you can use to begin creating your own list of editing checks.
Watch the replay of last week’s Inside Life Writers session on the setup of our micro-memoir session and where to find what you need.
Can you guess who this budding Life Writer is? Tune in on Tuesday night to find out if you’re right. Our last two young Life Writers were Judy Fink and Dave Godin.
If you have a photo of yourself as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org. Provide your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of July 8-14 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study where we will discuss last week’s Close to a Crime micro-memoirs, “Wide Open Spaces” by Kathryn Miller and “Alive” by Laurie Lynn Drummond, and the found micro-memoir structure in “Women These Days” by Amy Butcher, all in Brevity.
Member Story Review after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. We will review Julie Folkert’s story, “Chapter One – Memories.” Read through the story a few times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
Inside Life Writers—Come and learn where to find everything you need for our micro-memoir session. Then, ask questions about all things related to Life Writers.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Write a micro-memoir on the topic of love/relationships, a maximum of seventy-five (75) words. Then, post your story on week two’s page.
Write a six-word memoir on the topic of your choice and post it on the Six-Word Memoirs page.
Read micro-memoirs on the topic of love/relationships listed on week two’s page.
Read super-short structured micro-memoirs in Beth Ann Fennelly’s Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs listed on week two’s page.
Add your writing wants for this week and what you hope to accomplish on our new Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s baby Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of July 1-7 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET. The new link has been tested, so you should not have any problem accessing the session.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the July 2024 Calendar.
The Micro-Memoir: Small Stories, Big Messages course is now on the dropdown menu.
Read authors’ definitions of micro-memoir on the page Micro-Memoir: Authors on the Genre.
Write a micro-memoir on the topic of close to a crime, a maximum of 500 words. Then, post your story on the week one page.
Read micro-memoirs listed on the week one page.
Watch the replay of our brief Q&A/Help a Member session.
Watch the replay Book Study replay of our last discussion of Solito, pages 367-384.
I found an interesting episode of Latino USA that features Javier Zamora. It’s a recording he made of his grandparents and himself when he returned to El Salvador in 2017 to get a visa, not knowing if he would ever be able to return to La USA. The episode is called “The Return.”
Revise your story based on feedback received in our Monthly Feedback Group last week.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, July 18, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s baby Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
Watch the replay of our brief Q&A/Help a Member session.
Watch the replay Book Study replay of our last discussion of Solito, pages 367-384.
I’m having a difficult time letting go of Solito and Javier Zamora. I found an interesting episode of Latino USA that features him. It’s a recording he made of his grandparents and himself when he returned to El Salvador in 2017 to get a visa, not knowing if he would ever be able to return to La USA. The episode is called “The Return.”
Revise your story based on feedback received in our Monthly Feedback Group last week.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, July 18, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s baby Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of June 17-23 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 367-384 on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: Where we end our stories, chapters, and books is critical to the reader’s experience. We need to end in the right place and know what feeling we want to leave the reader with. What do you think about how Javier Zamora ended his memoir on page 375? Do you believe he ended it in the right place? Why or why not? What feeling did you have after finishing the last page of the memoir?
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
For our next session, obtain a copy of Beth Ann Fennelly’s book, Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs.
If you have not already done so, watch the last episode of Inside Life Writers where I described how our upcoming session will work.
Watch the replay of last week’s Book Study where we discussed pages 346-367 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Watch the replay of our Book Craft Class last week where we reviewed many micro-memoir structures.
If you did not attend Javier Zamora’s live interview with the California Book Club last Thursday evening, watch the replay here.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
We’ve been having great fun guessing the identity of our baby Life Writers. Email me a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—at patricia@writingyourlife.org, and let’s see if we recognize you.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of June 17-23 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on the first half of chapter nine of Solito, pages 346-367.
Discussion question: This is the third try the Four make to cross into La USA. Some of what they see and do is the same, but this try is different in many ways. What stands out in contrast to previous attempts? What does Zamora include that’s unlike their first two tries?
This week’s Book Craft Class will introduce you to some of the many different approaches to writing micro-memoir, which you may choose to practice in the upcoming session.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Closely read pages 367-384 of Solito.
Upload a story by Tuesday, June 18, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the June Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Watch the Book Study replay of last week’s discussion of Solito, pages 300-345.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of Barbara Gardner’s story, “Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink.” from last week. Here is a copy of the story notes for this session. I also included a fillable editing checklist you can use to begin creating your own list of editing checks.
If you did not attend last week’s Inside Life Writers session, you will want to watch the replay. In it, you will learn about our upcoming micro-memoir session, what we’ll be reading, a micro-memoir challenge, our next anthology, an in-person reading, and more.
Can you guess who is our budding Life Writer for this week? Tune in Tuesday night to find out if you’re right. Our last two young Life Writers were Norma Beasley and Julie Folkerts. If you have a photo of yourself as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org. Provide your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of June 10-16 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 300-345 on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: The desert in this section is a character as well as the setting. How does Zamora uniquely describe the desert? Identify specific references in the text where Zamora makes the desert a living, breathing entity.
Member Story Review after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. We will review Barbara Gardner’s story, “Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink.” Read through the story a few times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
Inside Life Writers—Come and learn all about the upcoming micro-memoir session in which we’ll spend several months writing and reading micro-memoirs. Then, we’ll celebrate our efforts by creating an anthology and having an in-person reading. Plus, I have a special challenge built into the session, so you don’t want to miss this informative Inside Life Writers discussion.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read pages 346-367 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Consider attending the virtual California Book Club, where Javier Zamora will read and speak on Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. ET. It’s free, but registration is required. Click here to register.
Add your writing wants for this week and what you hope to accomplish on our new Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
We’re starting a new photo feature in At a Glance in May, so if you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me. Let’s see if we can guess who those budding writers are. Email them to patricia@writingyourlife.org with your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of June 3-9 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET. It will be slightly different this month but just as much fun.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the June 2024 Calendar.
Read pages 323-345 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Revise your story based on feedback received last week in our Monthly Feedback Group.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
See if you can guess this week’s baby Life Writer. If you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org for a future At a Glance page. Give me your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of May 27 – June 2 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 280-300 on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: On pages 297-300, Zamora uses imagery of the ocean to describe the Sonoran Desert they are currently crossing. What elements of the desert does he liken to the ocean? Why do you think he chose an underwater landscape to paint a picture of a desert?
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read pages 300-323 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Watch the replay of last week’s Book Study where we discussed pages 199-279 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Watch the replay of last week’s Dr. Lezlie Laws’ wonderful master class: Moving In & Moving Out with Your Characters.
We’re starting a new photo feature in At a Glance, so if you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of May 20-26 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on the entirety of chapter seven, pages 199-279 of Solito.
Discussion question: Pages 236-242 depict a dramatic scene in Javier Zamora’s epic journey to reach La USA. What devices does Zamora use to create tension, conflict, and drama in this moment? How might you apply these techniques to your own writing?
Master Class with Lezlie Laws on Tuesday, May 21, at 5:45 p.m. Please be sure to read Lezlie’s essay, “Seven Minutes,” and review the questions in advance Lezlie will be addressing.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Closely read pages 280-300 of Solito.
Upload a story by Tuesday, May 21, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the May Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Watch the replay of the awesome Open Mic Night from April 30, 2024.
Watch the book study replay of the characterization of the coyote, Pedro, pages 105-198, from last week. Here is the chart the group completed.
Watch the replay of our Member Story Review of Dave Godin’s story, “Christmas BB Gun” from last week. Here is a copy of the story notes specific to this session.
Can you guess who this budding Life Writer is? Tune in Tuesday night to find out if you’re right. If you have a photo of yourself as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me at patricia@writingyourlife.org. Provide your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of May 13-19 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito and how Javier Zamora characterizes Pedro the coyote. Hopefully, you’ve reviewed chapters four through six and completed the characterization chart. See project details below.
Member Story Review on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. We will review Dave Godin’s story, “Christmas BB Gun.” Read through the story a few times and be prepared to discuss it following our usual format as outlined in the Feedback Form.
Canceled – Inside Life Writers.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
PROJECT
Since we won’t have another Book Study until Tuesday, May 14, 2024, I thought I’d provide a project to keep you busy.
Other than Zamora’s grandfather and the Six, who have been on this journey together since April 6, 1999, the coyote named Pedro has been a major character in Solito. He appears in chapters four through six and dominates pages 105-198, covering April 29 to May 29, 1999.
Please review those pages and use this characterization chart to describe Pedro.
Add what you learned about the coyote to the boxes in the appropriate columns and enter the page numbers where you found the information. If necessary, use more than one chart.
I’m giving you this discussion question early so you will have two weeks to work on it.
Also, if you need a characterization refresher, watch Writing About People. This video has not yet been turned into a minicourse, but you can use the jump links below it to access specific sections that discuss appearance, actions and gestures, disposition, way of speaking, and background information.
We will discuss all of chapter seven, pages 199-279 on May 21, 2024.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read pages 253-279 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on our new Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
We’re starting a new photo feature in At a Glance in May, so if you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me. Let’s see if we can guess who those budding writers are. Email them to patricia@writingyourlife.org with your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of May 6-12 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET. It will be slightly different this month but just as much fun.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
PROJECT
Since we won’t have another Book Study until Tuesday, May 14, 2024, I thought I’d provide a project to keep you busy.
Other than Zamora’s grandfather and the Six, who have been on this journey together since April 6, 1999, the coyote named Pedro has been a major character in Solito. He appears in chapters four through six and dominates pages 105-198, covering April 29 to May 29, 1999.
Please review those pages and use this characterization chart to describe Pedro.
Add what you learned about the coyote to the boxes in the appropriate columns and enter the page numbers where you found the information. If necessary, use more than one chart.
I’m giving you this discussion question early so you will have two weeks to work on it.
Also, if you need a characterization refresher, watch Writing About People. This video has not yet been turned into a minicourse, but you can use the jump links below it to access specific sections that discuss appearance, actions and gestures, disposition, way of speaking, and background information.
We will discuss all of chapter seven, pages 199-279 on May 21, 2024.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read pages 236-253 of Solito by Javier Zamora
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
We’re starting a new photo feature in At a Glance in May, so if you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me. Let’s see if we can guess who those budding writers are. Email them to patricia@writingyourlife.org with your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of April 29 – May 5 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Sign up to participate in our Open Mic Night, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET, or just show up with a story in hand. Maximum reading time is five minutes.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
PROJECT
Since we won’t have another Book Study until Tuesday, May 14, 2024, I thought I’d provide a project to keep you busy.
Other than Zamora’s grandfather and the Six, who have been on this journey together since April 6, 1999, the coyote named Pedro has been a major character in Solito. He appears in chapters four through six and dominates pages 105-198, covering April 29 to May 29, 1999.
Please review those pages and use this characterization chart to describe Pedro.
Add what you learned about the coyote to the boxes in the appropriate columns and enter the page numbers where you found the information. If necessary, use more than one chart.
I’m giving you this discussion question early so you will have two weeks to work on it.
Also, if you need a characterization refresher, watch Writing About People. This video has not yet been turned into a minicourse, but you can use the jump links below it to access specific sections that discuss appearance, actions and gestures, disposition, way of speaking, and background information.
We will discuss all of chapter seven, pages 199-279 on May 21, 2024.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on the Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Read pages 216-236 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Revise your story based on feedback received last week in our Monthly Feedback Group.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Watch replay of last week’s Book Study of our discussion of pages 186-198 of Solito.
We don’t have a replay of this month’s Q&A/Help a Member because I totally forgot to do it last week. Oops. If you had a question or an issue you needed help with, please bring it up next month. Sorry.
We’re starting a new photo feature in At a Glance in May, so if you have a photo of you as a baby—vertical or horizontal—please email it to me. Let’s see if we can guess who those budding writers are. Email them to patricia@writingyourlife.org with your age at the time and any other info we might want to know.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of April 22-28 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 186-198 on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: Personification is a literary device in which human characteristics are given to animals, abstract concepts, and inanimate objects. Reverse personification, on the other hand, gives animal characteristics to humans. On pages 186-198, we find examples of Javier Zamora using this device. Identify these passages and be able to discuss what his use of reverse personification accomplishes.
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Complete the Buddy Group Assignment Survey and click submit by Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Sign up and claim your spot for our Open Mic Night on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Read pages 199-216 of chapter seven of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week.
Watch replay of last week’s Book Study where we discussed pages 171-186 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Watch replay of last week’s Dr. Lezlie Laws’ wonderful master class: Revisit, Review, Remix, Revise—How to Creatively Revisit Your Old Work to Represent Who You Are Today.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of April 15-21 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 171-186 on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: On pages 174-183, we see emotions of nine-year-old Javier Zamora we’ve not seen before or often. What emotions does he display? How does he communicate these emotions? What is Zamora doing to show this young boy’s emotions? Point to specific examples in the text.
Special master class with Lezlie Laws after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Lezlie just released a book of poetry and prose titled Perfectly Still. The title of Lezlie’s workshop is Revisit, Review, Remix, Revise: How to Creatively Revisit Your Old Work to Represent Who You Are Today. You do not want to miss this.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Closely read chapter four, pages 186-198 of Solito.
Upload a story by Tuesday, April 16, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the April Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Complete the Buddy Group Assignment Survey and click submit by Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Watch replay of Book Study of Solito, pages 134-170 from last week.
Watch replay of Member Story Review of Linda Peterson’s story from last week, and here is a copy of the story notes for this session.
Watch replay of our Inside Life Writers session last Tuesday.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of April 8-14 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 171-186 on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: On pages 174-183, we see Javier Zamora’s emotions we’ve not seen before or often. What emotions does he display? How does he communicate these emotions? What is Zamora doing to show the nine-year-old boy’s emotions? Point to specific examples in the text.
Special master class with Lezlie Laws after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Lezlie just released a book of poetry and prose titled Perfectly Still. The title of Lezlie’s workshop is Revisit, Review, Remix, Revise: How to Creatively Revisit Your Old Work to Represent Who You Are Today. You do not want to miss this.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Closely read pages 186-198 of Solito.
Upload a story by Tuesday, April 16, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the April Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. We’d love to cheer you on.
Watch replay of Book Study of Solito, pages 134-170 from last week.
Watch replay of Member Story Review of Linda Peterson’s story from last week, and here is a copy of the story notes for this session.
Watch replay of our Inside Life Writers session last Tuesday.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of April 1-7 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available to all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the April 2024 Calendar.
Read first half of chapter five, pages 134-152 of Solito by Javier Zamora
Watch new minicourse, Scent & Memory.
Watch Book Study replay of pages 105-133 of Solito.
Watch replay of Q&A/Help a Member where we discussed whether Julie Folkerts should add location details to her chapters and answered numerous writing questions.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Work on a story to read at this month’s Open Mic Night on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Reserve your spot here.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of March 25-31 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 105-133 on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: We were first introduced to Patricia on page fifty-one in Solito. We learned more about her as their trip unfolded and saw different sides of her personality. What does this section of text reveal about her? How does it compare or contrast to what you’ve learned in previous mentions? Show examples that illustrate your point.
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we can help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read the first half of chapter five, pages 134-152 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. I added my want for this week. Do the same, so we can cheer you on.
Watch replay of Book Study from March 19, 2024, where we discussed pages 91-104 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Watch last week’s replay of Book Craft Class on how Javier Zamora paces his story in Solito.
I hope to release a minicourse on Scent & Memory this week, so keep an eye out for it.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
The week of March 18-24 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 91-104 on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: Studying how an author sculpts a section of text and focuses on one moment and/or topic and the next is a great exercise. Zamora is on the boat, heading to Mexico, throughout these pages, but he features a variety of different moments/topics. Identify each moment/topic and be ready to discuss what he accomplishes in each.
Book Craft Class after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
This is not a Life Writers event, but if you live in the Central Florida area, come by and say hello at The Enrichment Academy Learn & Grow Expo in The Villages on Friday, March 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – noon, at Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL, 32163. Maybe we can grab lunch afterward. Spouses welcome.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Closely read chapter four, pages 105-133 of Solito.
Upload a story by Tuesday, March 19, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the March Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week. We only have three stories uploaded so far. Ticktock!
Add your writing wants to our Wants & Wins page and then follow up with how you did at the end of the week. I kicked off the week by adding my want. Do the same, so we can cheer you on.
View and add to Terms & People in Solito to help us grasp the Spanish in this book.
Watch replay of Book Study of Solito, pages 59-91 from last week.
Watch replay of Member Story Review of Norma Beasley’s story from last week.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of March 11-17 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 59-91 on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: We talk a lot about how to show emotion rather than telling it because it raises our writing to the next level. On pages 71-73, we have a great example of Zamora showing emotion when he boards the bus in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, and leaves his grandfather behind. What is the author doing to create this emotion? Point to examples in the text.
Member Story Review on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET, we will review Norma Beasley’s story, “Africana Connoisseur.” Read through the story a couple of times and be prepared to discuss it.
Inside Life Writers on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read second half of chapter three, pages 91-104 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
If you’d like to visit or revisit the Free Five-Day Writing Challenge, Landscapes of Your Life, you can find it on the drop-down menu off the dashboard for the rest of March or in the content library under Prompts/Challenges permanently.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on our new Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. All months are now available on the Share Stories page, so please post your story for the correct month.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of March 4-10 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available for all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Print the March 2024 Calendar.
Read first half of chapter three, pages 74-91 of Solito by Javier Zamora
Watch replay of Book Study of pages 42-59 of Solito.
Watch replay of Q&A/Help a Member where we assisted Dave Godin with a tricky conversation.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of February 26 – March 3 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 42-59 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: In this section of text, Zamora used the device of listing several times. How is he using this writing device? What does it accomplish? What is an instance where you might use this device in your writing?
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we might be able to help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Read pages 59-73 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
We have a new feature in Life Writers, Wants & Wins, a place for you to make yourself accountable for what you want to accomplish each week and then share wins, large or small.
Watch replay of Book Study from February 13, 2024, where we examined the front and back covers and front and back matter of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Watch replay of our last Member Story Review session where we discussed Kit Dwyer’s delightful story, “The Biggest Backyard.”
Watch last week’s replay of Book Study on pages 3-41 of Solito.
Watch last week’s replay of Book Craft Class on the voice Javier Zamora uses in Solito.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of February 19-25 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, pages 3-41 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: In this first chapter of Solito by Javier Zamora, we are introduced to his family in El Salvador and Don Dago, the coyote charged with taking him to La USA. What does Zamora use to characterize these people?
Book Craft Class at 5:00 p.m. ET after our Book Study.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET. We are inviting Landscape of Your Life challengers to join us for the write-in.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
If you’ve not yet signed up for the Free Five-Day Writing Challenge: Landscapes of Your Life, don’t delay. Registration closes tonight (Monday) at 11:59 p.m. ET, and you don’t want to miss the fun.
Closely read pages 42-59 of Solito.
Upload a story by Tuesday, February 20, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the February Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Watch replay of Book Study of Solito’s front/back covers and matter from last week as soon as I get it edited and posted. The challenge has put me behind on everything. Check back later this week.
Watch replay of Member Story Review from last week as soon as I get it edited. Ditto, excuse above. Check back later this week.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of February 12-18 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Solito, front/back covers, front/back matter, and pages 2-19 on Tuesday, February 13, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: Close reading of the front/back covers and front/back matter helps you formulate questions about a book before you begin reading the text. Examine the covers and front/back matter and be ready to discuss what you find. If you need a refresher on what close reading involves, watch the video Read Like a Writer. This is what we will practice in our book study.
Member Story Review after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET, we will review Kit Dwyer’s story, “The Biggest Yard.” Read through the story a couple of times and be prepared to discuss it.
Inside Life Writers on Tuesday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m. ET. We’ll welcome new member Harvey Loew with a quick look at the Life Writers website and its features and ask you to tell him what’s worked for you.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly session at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
The challenge is on! Sign up for the Free Five-Day Writing Challenge, Landscapes of Your Life, which starts with a kickoff party/orientation this Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Please share this link, LifeWriters.us/Challenge, on social media or with anyone you think might be interested.
Read pages 2-19, if you have not done so already, and pages 20-41 of Solito by Javier Zamora.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on our new Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. All months are now available on the Share Stories page, so please post your story for the correct month.
Have a photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of February 5-11 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available for all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET this Tuesday.
For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly Wednesday Write-In at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Watch the replay of our awesome Open Mic Night.
Check out photos of our get-together in The Villages
Obtain a copy and begin reading our next memoir, Solito by Javier Zamora, print a copy of the reading schedule, and closely examine the front/back covers and front/back matter.
Print the February 2024 Calendar.
Watch videos in the new Edit Your Dialogue mini-course released recently.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Registration for the Free Five-Day Writing Challenge, Landscapes of Your Life, February 18-23, opens soon.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of January 29 – February 4 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Sign up to participate in our Open Mic Night, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET, or just show up with story in hand. Maximum reading time is five minutes.
For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly Wednesday Write-In at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Add your writing wants for this week, what you hope to accomplish on our new Wants & Wins page in the dropdown menu off the dashboard. Then, at the end of the week, tell us about your wins, what you achieved, what you feel good about doing, etc.
Obtain a copy and begin reading our next memoir, Solito by Javier Zamora, print a copy of the reading schedule, and read and/or watch some items on Zamora’s website.
Revise your story based on feedback received last week in our Monthly Feedback Group.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Watch replay of Book Study with jump links of our last discussion of Rick Bragg’s Where I Come From from last week.
Watch replay of Q&A/Help a Member with jump links from last week.
Watch videos in the new Edit Your Dialogue mini-course released last week.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of January 22-28 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Where I Come From, pages 217-237 (end) at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: Throughout our discussions of Rick Bragg’s Where I Come From, we’ve talked about various writing devices Bragg uses in his essays. Flip through the book and find at least three writing devices he uses. Identify the device and give us an example where it can be found.
Q&A/Help a Member begins after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET. Come with a question and/or a writing situation or issue we might be able to help you with.
Monthly Feedback Group starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Be prepared to discuss your feedback group members’ stories at that time. If you did not turn in a story in advance, you can bring one to the feedback group and be paired with others who also have stories.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
Obtain a copy of our next memoir, Solito by Javier Zamora, print a copy of the reading schedule, and read and/or watch some items on Zamora’s website. Here’s a link to our new course page where all our book study and book craft classes will reside.
We have a new feature in Life Writers, Wants & Wins, a place for you to make yourself accountable for what you want to accomplish each week and then share wins, large or small.
Sign up for our Open Mic Night on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Watch last week’s replay of Book Study on pages 202-216.
Watch last week’s replay of Book Craft Class on describing place in “Old Florida Found.”
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions and see what stories are scheduled for future months.
The week of January 15-21 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Where I Come From, pages 202-216 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: We’re discussing only two stories this week in our book study on pages 202-216–one about a place and one about a person. On page 212, Bragg explains his work as “taking people’s memories, making something from them that is more than just a window dressing of life.” What do you think he means by that? How do you do this in your writing?
Book Craft Class at 5:00 p.m. ET after our Book Study.
Wednesday Write-In for some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Schedule personal writing time.
New buddy groups and everyone’s contact information have been emailed to you today. This list will not be posted online. Make sure you save and/or print out a copy. Please contact your buddies. You can use this form to help facilitate a conversation about what you want from your group.
In this season of giving, I set up a scholarship fund to cover membership fees for those who are unable to cover the expense. If you feel inclined to help, go to this page to donate any amount. Every dollar helps.
Closely read pages 217-237 of Where I Come From and determine the theme/topic/central idea of each essay.
Upload a story by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. on the January Share Stories page to be reviewed in our Monthly Feedback Session next week.
Sign up for our Open Mic Night on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET
For your viewing pleasure, if you haven’t gotten enough of me already, here’s a podcast I did recently for Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, Florida.
Watch replay of Book Study of pages 173-201 from last week.
Watch replay of Member Story Review from last week.
Watch replay of Inside Life Writers from last week where we welcomed a new member and reviewed the Life Writers website.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for our Member Story Review sessions.
The week of January 8-14 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
Book Study on Where I Come From, pages 173-201 on Tuesday, January 9, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Discussion question: Most of the essays for our discussion come from a section titled “Institutions.” We often think of institutions as banks, colleges, courts, etc. Merriam-Webster also defines an institution as “a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture.” What are the institutions Bragg writes about in this section? Did any topics labeled as institutions surprise you? What institutions might you write about?
Member Story Review after our Book Study at 5:00 p.m. ET where we will review Judy Fink’s story, “Dad.” Read through the story a couple of times and be prepared to discuss it.
Inside Life Writers on Tuesday, January 9, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Wednesday Write-In – For some dedicated writing time, join our weekly at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
TASKS
Something to think about—We’re getting together on January 27-28 in The Villages. Read more here, and let us know if you’re interested.
Schedule personal writing time.
Can’t think of what to write about? Check out last week’s First Tuesday Write & Read prompt.
Read pages 202-216 of Where I Come From by Rick Bragg and determine the theme/topic/central idea of each essay.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, January 16, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of January 1-7 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS
First Tuesday Write and Read is available for all Life Writers who care to join us at 6:00 p.m. ET this Tuesday.
Wednesday Write-In this and every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET
TASKS
Something to think about—We’re getting together on January 27-28 in The Villages. Read more here, and let us know if you’re interested.
Schedule personal writing time.
Please complete the Buddy Group Assignment Questionnaire by Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Read pages 188-201 of Where I Come From by Rick Bragg and determine the theme/topic/central idea of each essay.
Watch replay of our Book Study of Where I Come From by Rick Bragg, pages 156-172.
Watch last week’s replay of our Q&A/Help a Member session.
Print the January 2024 Calendar.
Begin working on a story for the next Monthly Feedback Group, deadline to submit, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Have a vertical photo or two you’d like featured on At a Glance? Email them with a short description to patricia@writingyourlife.org.
Upload a story for possible review for future Member Story Review sessions.
The week of March 14-20 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS:
- Monday Check-in Call (Monday, March 14 at 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET) – use Weekly Goals Check-in Sheet to prepare
- The Invisible Wall master class on foreshadowing (Tuesday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Wednesday Write-In (Wednesday, March 16 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET)
- REPLAY AVAILABLE: Writers CAFE: What to Do When You Don’t Want to Write
TASKS:
- Schedule personal writing time this week
- Read The Invisible Wall, pages 115-138, chapter 6 (view reading schedule here)
- Register for Feedback Group – post feedback story to Share Stories – March page by Tuesday, March 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Participating in Feedback Group? Visit Share Stories – March to learn your group assignments (to be posted Wednesday, March 16)
- Review your feedback group members’ stories on Share Stories – March page (if participating in Feedback Group)
Cairns at Sunset, Oregon submitted by Kelly Marie Dawson
The week of March 7-13 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS:
- Monday Check-in Call (Monday, March 7 at 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET) – use Weekly Goals Check-in Sheet to prepare
- Writers CAFE (Tuesday, March 8 at 5:00 p.m. ET)
- Topic: How do you get yourself to write when you feel like doing anything but write?
- VIPs only: Feedback Group (Tuesday, March 8 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Wednesday Write-In (Wednesday, March 9 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET)
TASKS:
- Schedule personal writing time this week
- Writing Well course – Verbs Are Our Friends, Part Two: watch video and complete assignment
- Read The Invisible Wall, pages 95-113, chapter 5 (view reading schedule here)
- Work on a story for feedback if planning to participate (Tuesday, March 22)
- Register for Feedback Group – post feedback story to Share Stories – March page between Tuesday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET
The week of February 28-March 6 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS:
- Monday Check-in Call (Monday, February 28 at 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET) – use Weekly Goals Check-in Sheet to prepare
- Optional: Writing Your Life’s First Tuesday Write and Read event (Tuesday, March 1 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Wednesday Write-In (Wednesday, March 2 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET)
TASKS:
- Schedule personal writing time this week
- Writing Well course – Dialect: watch video and complete assignment
- Read The Invisible Wall, pages 71-93, chapter 4 (view reading schedule here)
- Begin working on a story for feedback if planning to participate (Tuesday, March 22)
- Catch up on assignments or writing work
- VIPs only: if you signed up to share a story for VIP Feedback, post your story on VIP page by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 1
- VIPs only: review the stories posted on the VIP page for VIP Feedback
The week of February 21-27 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS:
- Monday Check-in Call (Monday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. ET) – use Weekly Goals Check-in Sheet to prepare
- Writers CAFE (Tuesday, February 22 at 5:00 p.m. ET) – Come prepared to share how you organize both your digital and printed stories.
- Feedback Group (Tuesday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. ET) – If you did not submit a story in advance, it’s not too late. Bring a story to the feedback session to read and receive first impression feedback, providing there are others who do the same.
- Wednesday Write-In (Wednesday, February 23 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET)
- REPLAY: Master Class with special guest Helen Fremont, author of After Long Silence and The Escape Artist
TASKS:
- Schedule personal writing time this week
- Writing Well course Verbs Are Our Friends – Part One: watch video and complete assignment
- Read The Invisible Wall, pages49-70, chapter 3 (view reading schedule here)
- If participating in Feedback Group, finish reviewing your group members’ stories in the comments section of Share Stories – February
- VIPs only: work on a story for VIP feedback
The week of February 14-20 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS:
- Monday Check-in Call (Monday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. ET) – use Weekly Goals Check-in Sheet to prepare
- Check out our beta member directory on the main menu. This is a permanent directory, so introduce yourself and upload your photo. The directory is in development, so send me details about any issues or requests for improvements in the Support tab.
- VIP Special Session – Feedback for Susan (Tuesday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m. ET)
- Rescheduled: Master Class with special guest Helen Fremont, author of After Long Silence (Tuesday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- please prepare any questions or comments you have for Helen Fremont in writing ahead of time and read your questions/comments when called on. No ad-libbing. You can also write your questions in the chat, and I will ask you question for you.
- Wednesday Write-In (Wednesday, February 16 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET)
- Rescheduled: Rock Star Writers Coaching (qualified participants only – you would have received an email invitation) – (Thursday, February 17 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- REPLAY: Buddy Group Orientation
- REPLAY: Sample Feedback Session – use jump links below the video to navigate the replay
TASKS:
- Upload your story to register for Feedback Group (if you plan to participate) – post story to Share Stories – February by Tuesday, February 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET
- If participating, review your feedback group members’ stories this week using the Feedback Form
- groups will be posted on Share Stories – February by Wednesday night, February 16
- locate your group members’ stories in the comments section of Share Stories – February
- Read through chapter 2 (page 48) of The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein (view reading schedule here)
- Writing Well course: Perfectionism – watch video and complete assignment
- Schedule personal writing time this week
The week of February 7-13 at a glance…
LIVE EVENTS:
- Spring 2022 Session Kickoff and Orientation meeting (Monday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Practice Feedback Session (Tuesday, February 8 at 5:00 p.m. ET)
- VIP-only Feedback Group (Tuesday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Wednesday Write-In (Wednesday, February 9 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET)
- Buddy Group Orientation (Thursday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m. ET)
- Prepare for your buddy group to meet during the session: please complete this form in advance and bring it with you to the meeting.These questions and answers will guide your conversation.
TASKS:
- Returning Life Writers (not new members): Please complete the Buddy Group Questionnaire by February 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET
- New Members: Please complete the New Member Survey by February 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Order The Invisible Wall: a Love Story that Broke Barriers (2008 edition) by Harry Bernstein for the Spring 2022 session
- Complete the Get Started Roadmap (good for all but especially for new members)
- Plan to join the Sample Feedback Session on Tuesday, February 8 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Read about it here.
- Get acquainted with the upcoming Spring Session 2022 course, Writing Well.