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"WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL."

Margaret Allyn Greene Best

WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, TEACHER, AUTHOR

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Record Your Life’s Stories

You are invited to attend a memoir recording workshop at

Christ Lutheran Chuch
15699 S.E. 80th Avenue
Summerfield, Florida

Tuesday April 29th, 2025
from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Come as you are. Open to all people regardless of beliefs
Child care is not provided.

I wrote this small book to guide aspiring memoirists as they embark on their storytelling journey. When I first began writing, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information I wanted to put on paper. My initial attempt started with, “I was born on September 11, 1947.” Then I thought, Who cares? I needed a more compelling beginning.

Seeking guidance, I attended a workshop led by Patricia Charpentier and an online workshop with Marion Smith. I devoured every “how-to” book and read numerous published memoirs.

Work sheets will be provided for the workshop. Purchase of my book is not required for the memoir workshop.

Memoir Writing with Peggy

Available on Amazon. paperback $10.78
Kindle free with Kindle unlimited membership
or $5.99

Every essay needs a hook.

When I wrote my first sentence, “I was born on September 11, 1947.” I began an autobiography, not a memoir.

What’s the difference between a memoir(s) and an autobiography?

Memoir(s)

A memoir is a personal essay that focuses on a specific theme from a person’s life. Unlike an autobiography covering an entire life story, a memoir is a collection of thematic reflections. Memoirs often resemble scrapbooks, preserving meaningful moments and memories. A memoirist not only recounts life events but also reflects on their significance. In contemporary memoirs, retrospection is key, creating a conversational tone that engages the reader. Modern literary memoirs often incorporate techniques found in fiction.

Autobiography

A significant difference between a memoir and an autobiography lies in their scope. An autobiography tells the entire story of a life, while a memoir highlights selected experiences. Both are accurate accounts from the author’s perspective, but a memoir requires the writer to choose themes that unify the narrative. As Gore Vidal noted in

Palimpsest, “A memoir is how one remembers one’s own life, while an autobiography is history requiring research, dates, facts, double-checked.”

Focus

Before the author writes the first sentence of a memoir, he needs to decide on the theme or focus of the story.

The Hook

The first sentence of an essay or any piece of writing needs a hook. A hook presents a part of the story that keeps the reader engaged and makes the reader want to read more.

After much thought, I wrote about an incident in my classroom. This is the hook. The morning started like any other—bell ringing, the Pledge of Allegiance recited, announcements droning over the intercom. But the routine shattered the moment Tremain strode into my third-grade classroom, scanned the room, and, without a word, swung his fist straight into Joel’s back.

Any Questions?

Please Reach out to us! Just fill out the brief form to the right, submit and let us know where your interests in writing are. We promise to respond to you as soon as possible. Look forward to hearing from you.