The Inn Along the Way will host a free six-week workshop beginning Thursday, April 13 titled “From Memory to Memoir” at the Chapman Farm, 741 Main St., Damariscotta. Designed for anyone, not just people who consider themselves writers, the workshop will give participants the opportunity to take a personal reminiscence and craft a story to share with family and friends. The workshop facilitator will be Barbara Burt.
“I’ve long worked with writers — as a magazine editor, tutor, workshop coordinator, and fellow workshop participant — and have recently become involved in the Transformative Language Arts Network,” said Burt. “I’m continually inspired by the way writing can empower people to realize their strengths.”
Burt’s interest in stories has been lifelong. She studied children’s acquisition of narrative skills at Harvard University, has directed communications for nonprofits, has worked as an editor for several publishers, and is an award-winning author.
Right now, Burt is focusing on helping others tell their stories. “The way we talk about ourselves and our past is very powerful,” she said. “Everyone has valuable stories to share. Research shows that you can heal old wounds through narrative. And, of course, you can deepen your connection with family and friends by giving them a window into your life.”
At the end of six weeks, participants in the “From Memory to Memoir” workshop will have written and polished a story to share. A similar workshop will be offered at the Boothbay Region Community Center in Boothbay Harbor, beginning in May. Enrollment in both workshops is limited.
For more information, go to memory2memoir.net/chapman-farm. To enroll, contact Burt at barbarasburt@gmail.com.
