• Members of Independent Writers of Southern California: Free
• Non-Members: $15
• May 18, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Personal essayist and memoirist Sue William Silverman covers select topics from her new book to enrich and deepen your writing of true-life stories

For WPN's May Westside Satellite meeting, 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.

There will be opportunities during the program for attendees to submit questions through the chat and at registration. Be prepared to work on a writing prompt near the end of the program. Some participants will also be able to volunteer to share what they wrote. 

A drawing for three copies of Acetylene Torch Songs and three of How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences will be conducted at the end of the session.

Registration and submit questions

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