Our Programs

Each year, our November Writer's Retreat features a guest writer with a specific expertise. This year, we are honored to have Brenda Hudson as our guest for a retreat weekend and workshop titled:

Capturing Your Stories: Fast, Fun, & Easy Ways to Write Memoir

Have you always wanted to write your life stories but have never gotten around to it or don’t know where to begin? Perhaps you have started but are stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you want to pen your stories just for yourself, without any intention of sharing. If any of these scenarios ring true, this workshop is for you. You will examine your past and construct written vignettes or “captured moments” of your life. Brenda will also show you how to look for themes in your life, as well as your values and beliefs, as a way to organize your work. The main focus of this workshop is to provide practical and creative ways to help you write through effective journaling techniques. At the end of this workshop, you will have a collection of stories and the know-how to continue your memoir.

Brenda Hudson, PhD, is a teacher, author, creative writer, and certified journal facilitator. She leads writing workshops where participants create unique stories and books of themselves using journaling and book arts techniques. Brenda loves helping individuals and families capture their stories across generations. Her how-to book Story by Story: 15 Projects to Write Your Family Legacy is based on her successful legacy writing and memoir workshops. She regularly teaches at the Loft Literary Center, where she also provides writing prompts and facilitates live writing sessions as part of their new online community Lit!Commons.

Guests will spread throughout the Nancy Nelson Lake House for their writing and spend time enjoying the inspiration of nature.