Preserve your memories. Tell your stories.
Everyone has a story. In fact, we have multiple stories that make us who we are. In our culture, we share these stories with friends and family members verbally every day. However, few of us write our stories down, and the stories fade over time. It’s important to get our stories onto paper, so we have records of our cherished memories.
You may have already started writing your stories, but you need help organizing them. Or the process of writing your stories down may feel daunting, and you may wonder where to start.
Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing workshops will provide you with the prompts you need to identify significant life milestones and events. The workshops also focus on the craft of writing—so you will learn how to make your stories compelling for your reader using vivid descriptions and sensory details.
Studies show that writing your life stories may also have a therapeutic effect, and sometimes you will be surprised at the emotions that come up. That’s normal and part of the process. Whether you are writing your life stories for yourself, or to share with friends and family, there is much to gain from creative writing.
"Whether you are writing your life stories for yourself, or to share with friends and family, there is much to gain from creative writing."
Heirlooms Writing Workshops
SDSU Extension has partnered with the South Dakota Humanities Council to offer three Heirlooms workshops on a regular basis. A Creative Life Story Writing workshop is offered in summer and winter; an Obituary Writing workshop is offered in the spring; and a Family History and Genealogy Writing workshop is offered in the fall. The workshops are interactive and encourage sharing with others in the group.
Each workshop is led by Molly Barari, Ed.D. Barari has been teaching life story writing workshops since 2016 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She earned her doctorate degree in adult and higher education from University of South Dakota and her MFA from Wilkes University in creative writing. As a South Dakota Humanities Scholar and a freelance writer, Barari enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for the craft of writing. Her favorite part of leading the workshops is hearing all the incredible stories shared by participants.
All ages of adults are welcome to attend these workshops. You should come prepared to write. You’ll need a pen and paper, or access to word processing software on your computer.
Workshop Notifications
Please complete the form below to be notified about upcoming Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing workshops.
