Memoir-Writing Workshop

with Lisa Napoli

June 23, 2022

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Memoir 101, Writing the Life Story:

You've been living an intriguing life. How do you capture your story--for future generations, the likeminded, or even for possible publication?

In this day-long workshop, we'll talk about the process of life-writing--yours or that of a treasured family member or friend. We'll cover these and other questions:

  • What are various forms a memoir can take?
  • How do you get started?
  • What are prompts (questions) to get you focused?
  • How do you sift through your archive--or those boxes of photos and papers discovered in your family member's attic? And how do you deal with the archival material you don't have?
  • What's the benefit of a start to finish memoir versus a "slice-of-life."

Please bring a notebook or laptop computer and a photo that tells a bit of personal history.

The Mount's general COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines may be found here.

The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact The Mount at 413-551-5100 or by email, info@edithwharton.org, to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event.

  • $200 tuition
  • The workshop is limited to 20 participants.
  • Sample schedule: 10 am - 12:00 pm, morning session; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, bring lunch or visit The Mount's Terrace Café; 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, afternoon session.
  • Beverages and snacks are provided and included with the workshop.

Biography

Author's Website

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lisa Napoli has had a long career in journalism, including staff reporting jobs at public radio’s Marketplace, the pioneering New York Times CyberTimes, and as a columnist/correspondent at MSNBC. She is the author, most recently, of Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR. Her previous books include Up All Night: Ted Turner, CNN, the Birth of 24-Hour News, a biography of NPR benefactor, the McDonald’s heiress, Joan Kroc, Ray & Joan, and a memoir about media’s impact on the tiny kingdom of Bhutan, Radio Shangri-La. She lives in Los Angeles.