I’m thrilled to offer Nora-Lyn Veevers’ beginner memoir writing class for older adults for the second time. This is a low-tech, high-reward program for those who are ready to go deeper with their writing but don’t want to spend their time on a computer in an online course environment. I’m grateful to Nora-Lyn for making this offering possible — she has created something truly special.
xo,
Bring your stories to life.
In this course you will learn how to shape your memories into stories on the page. Lessons are designed in print and audio formats and will be delivered to your inbox weekly, accompanied by a weekly conference call to share stories you write in a confidential and trusting atmosphere.
We hope you will be inspired to use this productive and innovative phase of life to capture the moments from your private library of memories.
It doesn’t take superhuman skill or extraordinary life experiences to write in this way. It takes permission.
This is an seven-week program beginning on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, and running until Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Each Tuesday*, students will participate in a 60–90 minute conference call. Immediately following the call, students will receive the week’s lesson by email as a PDF and audio recording.
*date and time for weekly calls will be finalized in accordance with the group’s preferences
Here is the simplified course outline:
Week One: Introduction
Week Two: Why Write Memoir
Week Three: Memory & Remembering
Week Four: Telling the Truth & Portraying Character
Week Five: Brain Food: Description & Details
Week Six: Word Art
Week Seven: Bonus Week (Sharing & Feedback)
“Nora-Lyn has a warm and welcoming manner that draws you in and makes you feel safe as you share memories, some of which may be, and in fact for me, were, surprisingly emotional. Her warmth and kindness made sharing memories and perhaps even vulnerabilities feel safe, like you were sharing with a dear friend. In turn, the rest of the group connected, and we are staying connected with a Facebook writing group.”
MaryAnne Roberto
“I was looking for a boost, something to jump-start my writing practice, and this class provided it. Nora-Lyn is wise and nurturing and the small size of the class made it feel intimate and supportive. I am delighted that I happened to stumble across the course just when I needed it.”
Ailisha O’Sullivan
“The course gave me an opportunity to think about the history of my life and what my family may want to read when I get it written. Important memoirs may be forgotten if they are not recorded somewhere or somehow. I felt like it would be an adventure to try this writing activity and that it would give me pleasure to leave these writings for my family. I plan to continue, and look forward to doing so, hoping that my writing may achieve its intended purpose.”
Margaret Starchuck
Nora-Lyn Veevers writes creative nonfiction/memoir in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Her essays have appeared in essaydaily.org, After the Art, and other places. Her flash nonfiction piece received Honourable Mention for 2019 Crossroads International Writing Contest in Mexico and her story won Honourable Mention in for the 2020 Wind and Water contest for writers in Quinte, Ontario. After a career in education as teacher, program coordinator, and principal, she began writing and is now hooked on the writing life. Nora-Lyn has B.A in modern languages, an M.Ed in curriculum development, and has taken many courses and workshops on creative writing, including the Story Course with Sarah Selecky Writing School.
Our school welcomes people of all identities, races, abilities, and interests. We share an inclusive, generous, and heart-centered point of view, and are committed to cultivating a culture of empathy and insight.