Library offers memoir writing workshop

NORWAY — Norway Memorial Library is currently taking registrations for "Memoir Boot Camp: Working Through the Perils and Pitfalls of Personal Narrative" with Elizabeth Peavey on Saturday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Telling our life stories is easy. We do it every day - over coffee, on the phone, via e-mail. But turning those stories into something more substantive is a challenge. Where do we start - and end? How do we discern fact from memory? How honest do we need to be, especially when the "truth" involves others? And how do we make the drama of our lives as compelling to the reader as it is to ourselves?

Author and teacher Elizabeth Peavey will address these and other concerns in this workshop. The first meeting will be lecture and discussion, where a writing assignment will be given for the next meeting. During the second, the manuscripts will be critiqued and the revision process will be discussed. Instruction on constructive and supportive critiquing techniques will be given.

Elizabeth Peavey is the author of "Outta My Way: An Odd Life Lived Loudly" and "Maine & Me," which was awarded the 2006 Maine Literary Award for Best Maine-themed Book. She has been a contributing editor at Down East magazine since 1997 and was selected to be Writer in Residence at MWPA's 2009 "Blackfly" writing retreat. She has taught public speaking at the University of Southern Maine since 1993 and has also taught creative nonfiction at the University of Maine at Farmington. Her current humor column, "Outta My Yard," can be found in the Portland alternative monthly, The Bollard, and at thebollard.com.

Registration for this workshop is limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration is required by 5 p.m., Monday, January 31. There is no charge to participate. To register, stop by the Information Desk at the library, or call 743-5309 extension 2.