The Art of Memoir with Dan Wakefield

Instructor: Dan Wakefield
Date: 6 Tuesdays: October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 11, 18
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: IWC
Cost: $228 nonmembers, $156 members, $132 student members/teacher members/senior members/military members

With simple writing exercises that evoke memory, we write out of the deep well of our own experience. Reading aloud what we write is part of the process, but no one is required to do so – all participation is voluntary

Meaningful events from childhood and adolescence, turning points in our life path, and the role of friends, mentors and guides who helped us on our way, provide sparks for ideas and stories. A final exercise in evocation will provide you with a continuing source of subjects to write about.

This course is for everyone who is interested in writing. If you have written as much as a postcard you are qualified; if you have written five novels, a few memoirs and a hit movie or two, you are still qualified! Age, race, education, gender, dietary and/or musical preferences are no barrier. Nice people are especially welcome. Acknowledgement and appreciation are offered rather than criticism. Limited to 14 students.

Dan Wakefield's best-selling novels Starting Over" and "Going All The Way" were produced as feature films. His memoirs include "New York in the Fifties," which was the basis of a documentary film that aired on Showtime, and "Returning" A Spiritual Journey"which Bill Moyers called "One of the most important memoirs of the spirit I have ever read." He edited and wrote the introduction for the ebook "If This Isn't Nice, What Is?: Kurt Vonnegut's Advice to The Young."