What are Short-Form Memoirs and Why Write One?

This genre is a safe and enjoyable way of transforming your experiences into narrative—at last!

Have you ever participated in a writing group where, after sharing your story, sometimes people clap with delight or recognition? Or the writer cries tears of sorrow or joy? This happens with regularity in our workshops where emphasis is placed on safety in the writing process, relaxing writers who more often than not have had to steel themselves against criticism. This simple but highly effective format coupled with careful facilitation produces amazing memoirs.

We typically write for 20 minutes in response to a carefully thought-out prompt. The beauty of the writings speak for themselves (please see memoir examples.) The workshop design, inspired by nationally known author Nancy Slonim Aronie (“Writing from the Heart” and “Memoir as Medicine”) helps participants avoid self sabotage so common in writing, whether that be writer’s block or rumination. Barbara has studied in person extensively with Nancy. Some participants might use these short writings as the bones for longer essays or books. Frequently, these heart-scraping memoirs are perfect as is, poignant and often funny.

Barbara draws on her wealth of writing experience as a licensed Ohio attorney, a federal court law clerk, past faculty member of Miami (Ohio) University’s journalism program and former Cincinnati Post reporter.

Importantly, her rock-solid foundation in various forms of writing has expanded to this creative genre, inspired by numerous in-person workshops she has taken with memoir expert Nancy Slonim Aronie of Martha’s Vineyard, who has won accolades from Harvard and from The Omega and Esalen Institutes.

Who attends these workshops?

Our workshops are curated to reflect diversity and have drawn participants ages 10 through 95 together for a special space in time as they craft their stories. Barbara’s corporate and private workshops have served AI marketing star Helium SEO, The Seasons Retirement Community, both in Cincinnati, and groups in San Francisco, Tucson, Costa Rica and Loretto, Ky.

How does this work?

Participants write with paper and pen or use their laptops. All is voluntary, including the decision to share your story with the group. Barbara facilitates the giving and receiving of only positive feedback, so the flow of conversation is kept focused on the writing and cross-talk does not interfere, nor take up time. Barbara is mindful of Nancy Slonim Aronie’s description of the process as sometimes “therapeutic but not therapy.” With this in mind, Barbara imposes gentle discipline to keep participants on track.

Why prompts? Why 20-minute exercises?

The use of prompts and limited writing periods eliminate the struggle for start-up ideas and provides focus, although writers can take their ideas anywhere and do! This creative freedom makes for extremely interesting writing and the empathy and joy created within the group is palpable.

The time flies. Typically, writers leave with two memoirs. Here are a few comments:

“I really appreciated the 20-minute writing time. At first, I wondered how much I could write in that period and if I would be able to make a coherent story. But the time was perfect (flew by for one and felt so long for the other.) It shows that time is always relative. I am so grateful for the chance to express myself and feel seen — it’s an absolute gift!”
— Jordan Edelheit, Minneapolis

“Interestingly, the time limits help prevent writer’s block because you have to run with your first idea. The one rule [only positive feedback] creates an atmosphere where people feel comfortable and safe sharing while also being cathartic for the writer. “
— Paul DeMott, Jr., Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO, Cincinnati

“Such freedom. I loved the time of only 20 minutes to write! And without the baggage of fear, nor negativity about your writing, the words flow. No way to do it wrong. You can only do it right. “
— Connie Smith-Monahan, J.D., CincinnatiSometimes people clap!

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MEET WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS and READ THEIR STORIES