MEMOIR CLASS-PART II

 

The last spring class for Memoir Writing 101 took place on Wednesday, April 13, 2016

At least I had intended it to be just that but life takes funny turns. After I received some notes from students and listened to their crediting me for giving them the impetus and skills to begin to write I feel guilty that I won't continue with those few students who have not been with me for six, five, four, three years.  The majority of then have not finished their memoirs on paper,

they say most of it is in their heads.  I feel, in some respects I have let them down.  

So, I have decided to teach a shorter memoir class this fall.  As it looks now, I will take and hour's break after the Wednesday class of "Memoir To Fiction" and hold class from 1:00 to 2:30.  I hope this will fit into the students' schedules.

Remember everyone has a story and they need to learn to tell it well.

Have a wonderful summer,

Darlene Eichler                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

My Memoir Class

I am always talking or writing about my memoir class.  Not only are they great writers but they are compassionate, sympathetic and concerned about one another and their teacher.  In my experience of groups of similar backgrounds -same ethnic groups, live in the same locale, have many things in common, have few problems "getting along." (Unless of course they are family!) Just kidding!  This class negates that theory.  They are an eclectic group, several from New York City, others from Update New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina,   Texas, Ireland, and England.  There are retired educators, nurses, business people, librarians, artists, social workers, therapists, and others.

I don't remember any disagreements,  although their experiences are so different.  Their writing tends to bond the group together as a family. They write for different purposes--some to record family history. Others write for healing, some for the pure pleasure of writing and a few as the first step to expand their writing into novels. No matter the reason they come every Wednesday morning from 10-12.  I am thankful. I believe I receive more than they do. Eachonevin their own way has given me courage and strength to fight the battle over Parkinson's and RA,  these two tough foes, add to that recent gallbladder surgery and I began to think I would have to give up teaching.  Then I remembered my mantra in my book "You Don't Look Sick. Get up, dress up, show up and never give up.  I'm giving it my best and I think  we will have another great session beginning on March 9, 2016.

Thanks to each of you for being there for me.

Darlene






Darlene Eichler