Memoirist Mary Karr asks, “What would you write if you weren’t afraid?” Implicit in the question is that we’re all afraid of writing something. But what? And why? Join nonfiction writer B.J. Hollars for a conversation on writing within—and through—the complexities of our lives. How can we write toward our deeper truths, even when it hurts to do so? This interactive workshop will ask participants to engage with a variety of curated writing prompts geared toward crafting the opening pages of a memoir or short essay.

We will meet at and host mini sessions at the large table in the back (near the beverage station). If you are not interested in a particular session, you are invited to find your own spot to settle in and write. 

Schedule

8:45-9:30 Arrive and settle in

9:30-10:00 Dialogue with Heidi Blanke

10:00-10:30 Kidlit Tips with Amanda Zieba

10:30-11:00 Memoir with Mary Alexander

11:00-11:30 Setting with Tracy Helixon

11:30-12:00 Final writing sprint

At 12:00 people can stay to grab lunch with one another or head out. If you really get in a writing rhythm, you can feel free to stay at Panera and keep working for as long as you’d like!

$30 gets you TWO writing workshops PLUS a laundry basket full of Christmas/Holiday gifts WRAPPED by our guild member PLUS helping out the Mississippi Valley Writer’s Guild.

Local authors Amanda Zieba and Christy Wopat will be tackling fiction and nonfiction writing, with a holiday twist!