Most of you know that I write books and short-form stories. But did you know that I also lead memoir workshops and coach memoir writers?
After publishing 3 successful memoirs, I began teaching and coaching others. My church group, below, was the first to ask me to run a course. (Actually, they bugged me till I agreed!)
I teach individuals and groups to write an engaging story, first of all. Then to write a book about their own lives. Below are just a few of my students’ books.
Along the way, I made a surprising discovery: anyone can learn to write – and to write their memoir – well. If they have the interest and commitment, I can help them do it.
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Strangely enough, I had not written anything for years after a car accident. I struggled to think, write and even speak clearly.
One day, my husband searched for and found dozens of short memoirs I’d written over 25 years before the accident. I’d packed them away and forgotten them.
He urged me to read the stories. But I was still struggling, still angry at myself, and very afraid. Who was that woman – the one who wrote all those stories?
My friend Tim, a fabulous writer-editor, called. He put up with my stuttering, the tears, the inability to hold on to a thought, and offered to read and edit some of those stories.
Like my husband, Tim believed I could learn to write again. He coached, pushed, challenged, encouraged. And, with help from him, two other editors (Lesley and Don), and several dedicated beta readers, I completed and published that first book and two others over 10 years.
I was still healing when I started coaching other memoir writers. But the group was wonderfully patient. Week by week, as my students blossomed, I regained my confidence in speaking, giving feedback, and coaching.
The best part? My students were writing powerful stories about their lives! The results astounded them – all adults over 55, most of whom had never done this kind of thing before.
Over the years, many have gone on to publish books and short memoirs – and some have entered and won writing competitions.
They – and I – are all very proud.
FYI:
To enquire about how I may help you produce your own memoir, please fill in the Memoir Coaching Services form on this site or contact me at:
cynthia@cynthiasreyes.com – don’t forget the ‘s’ in the middle!
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Bravo Cynthia. You are also the successful author ( with your daughter as co- author) of the Myrtle the Turtle series.
Thank you so much!
My pleasure. I call them as I see them ( usually).
Thank you for this uplifting post, Cynthia! I needed it.
I’m glad to hear it uplifted you. We all need that sometimes.
We sure do.
Remarkable Cynthia.
Kudos to you, Cynthia! It’s wonderful to know that you offer memoir writing workshops. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll need your gentle push! 🙂
And I’ll be glad to help, Khaya! I’ve never forgotten your beautiful review of my second book.
An excellent path you have taken
Thanks, Derrick.
Congrats to you and your fellow writers for soldiering on and reaping the success of writing not only for yourself but others.
Thanks so much, Judy.
Such a moving story! And what a gift those journals are for future generations, who will not only get family history but also a sense of how things have changed.
Thanks, Laurie. A valuable gift indeed.
What a wonderful accomplishments your student had with your help. Even if they are not published, the stories will be nice to pass down through their families. I do genealogy and only get the facts. I always wondered what my ancestors everyday lives were like.
Me too. Memoir calls for stories, but also for us to imagine – based on available information – what things may have been like for others.
I am so glad you that are mentoring other people to write and finding ways to keep engaged. Kudos Cynthia.
Brad, you are always so supportive of other bloggers and writers. Thank you.
The power of others belief in you lifted you up, and in return, you have belied in others and lifted them up. You are an inspiring person, an example to others. Much love to you as you continue mentoring.
Thanks so much, Lavinia. Much love to you too!
I’m glad that I got to read your memoirs Cynthia, it doesn’t surprise me at all that you’ve used your experience to support others to tell their stories, you must have found it very rewarding.
Wonderful Cynthia! Hugs