Writing – Cynthia Reyes

Yes – I’m a Coach!

October 9, 2024October 19, 2024 Cynthia Reyes

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.

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!

~~~

A Good Home

Checking In – Again

July 16, 2024August 14, 2024 Cynthia Reyes

Hello, Friends.

Sorry, but the grandchildren and my teaching are winning. Not enough time to blog often – just enough to read some posts, often in the wee hours.

Sharing a rare update:

The Grandchildren

The grandchildren are doing well, thank God. The usual colds, etc. which we’ve come to expect.

The older one is the only 4 year old I know who spends huge after-school time writing and doing her math. She plays a lot, but also badly wants to learn.

The younger one is climbing everything – and trying to become an escape artist in the process. They both melt our hearts daily with their smiles and antics.

Teaching Writing

Teaching has also been rewarding. Not financially – the pay is so small, it’s almost like volunteering. But it delights me to watch my students become skilled writers. Three have had their short stories chosen for a respected anthology, and 4 have already completed the first drafts of their books (memoirs), and sent them to Beta readers. Talk about growth!

The rewards are mutual. I’ve grown alongside the groups I’ve taught.

Lunch with my Writing Students

An Important Lesson

The first year I started teaching writing, I was having a very rough time after a car accident. I wrote in my journal:

“On the first day with (the) group, I decided to reveal my issues that could affect my performance.

“They could already tell I had walking difficulties, so it was easier to address the pain which afflicts me when I stand or sit for long. But it took courage to tell them about the invisible stuff. All have been obvious at different times – the stuttering, strange talking, extreme forgetfulness at times, difficulty getting the words out, and completely losing it if sounds come at me from different directions.

“I also take pre-emptive steps to help me through potential problems. Each agenda is very clear and detailed to keep me on track and to help them help me if I lose my way.

“I don’t remember their names each week, so I started out giving name cards. Those disappeared quickly, so now I wait for the other participants to call each other by name, and I write it down, indicating where they are sitting that day.

“Each week, I remind them to let me know if I’m not being clear. I also stop and ask them: ‘Does that make sense? If it doesn’t, please tell me.’

“I think they are deciphering my intent in the rough spots.”

~~~

I’ve shared the above as a reminder to me, and anyone who needs it, that even when times are really bad, there’s still something we can do, and still people who will support you because they see how hard you’re trying.

My very best to you,

Cynthia.

A Good Home

New Stuff to Tell You About

December 12, 2023 Cynthia Reyes

Hello Friends:

First, let me share some uplifting news:

After publishing nothing new for a few years, my co-author Lauren and I have just released two things that we hope will delight anyone who loves the colour purple, or notebooks.

Or, (for the young ones in their lives), the Myrtle the Purple Turtle book series because you’ll see a purple turtle on the cover below! Perfect Christmas present – wink, wink, nudge, nudge!

My Purple Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0991837967

My Purple Sketchbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPBYZ51L

Second, I returned to teaching writing this fall after 4 years away. It was only 1 course of 8 weeks, once a week, focusing on Memoir Writing. And what a joy my group was! 8 persons over 50, none of them with writing experience, but hungry to learn. Members of previous groups have won writing competitions and published books and stories after the course, so I know that writing can be learned. The group both amazed and uplifted me.

As you and anyone who follows this blog knows, it’s been a tough couple years and I’ve blogged very little while trying to support my family and improve my own health. I have more appointments than I can count!

But life does go on, and as, always, I give thanks for the key blessings of love from family and friends. That, by the way, includes the friends I’ve made here through my blog, who have checked in on me and my family or replied to my quite rare blog posts. Blessings come in many different forms, and I thank you for yours.

I’m determined to post again soon so will send my Christmas greetings then. But for now, I wish everyone who celebrates Hanukkah, Advent, Winter Solstice (or other sacred days) the best of the season. And if that doesn’t apply to you, I hope you will find something to celebrate.

Blessings come in many forms. Some are tiny – like the amaryllis bud above that we accidentally severed from the plant, but which grew and grew in water and is blooming like crazy on a day when it’s cold and grey outdoors.

My best,

Cynthia.