For our May Westside Satellite on Zoom, we bring back a popular guest, personal essayist and memoirist Sue William Silverman. The author’s newest book, Acetylene Torch Songs: Writing True Stories to Ignite the Soul, was published in January. It is a rich and very helpful resource.

In the first half of the program, satellite host Robin Quinn will interview Silverman about how she developed as a memoirist and personal essayist, and the inspirations and development of her previous essay collections. In the second half, the author will cover select topics from the new book to enrich and deepen your writing of true-life stories. She will also do a related short reading.

Silverman’s presentation will include:

• Techniques for accessing and developing memories for storytelling, including music, locations, and other sensory details
• Using details from memories to access other memories
• Reflecting on and speculating about your memories
• Invigorating memories through metaphor
• Approaching topics that haunt you
• Addressing controversial or disturbing topics
• The importance of confessional writing as resistance

Whether you write personal essays, longer forms such as memoirs, or other true-life material, this program will add to your writer’s toolbox for fiery writing. For more information and to register go to https://iwosc.org/events/westside-satellite-may-18-2024/