Community Collaboration--Memoir Writing Workshop

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$890
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
April 2014
End Date
July 2014
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Rice
Rice
Project Overview
The Northfield Public Library held a Memoir Writing Workshop, conducted by writer and editor Emily Urness. The goals of the class were for students to learn memoir writing techniques, connect with each other and build community, and to publish a collection of stories for the preservation of local history and the enjoyment of all library patrons. The class met for six weeks in the Northfield Library from April 24 to May 29, 2014, with a final class reading on July 17, 2014. Each week, the instructor covered different aspects of writing memoir, including how to generate ideas, characterization, place, dialog, and rewriting. Students participated in class exercises. The class was a great success. Classes were limited to 15 people, and had a waiting list with an equal number. All students contributed to a class book, which was published at Carleton College and distributed at the final reading.
Project Details
142 attended
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$890
Other Funds Leveraged
$73
Direct expenses
$963
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.01
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Participants will learn a new skill set in writing techniques through writing exercises, build community through shared interests and participation in the class and contribute to the local history of the area through the collection of writing that will be produced. Outcomes will measured in a written survey given out to class participants and also during the public reading to community members in attendance.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The students learned new techniques for writing memoir, as well as general writing and revising techniques. All but three of the participants were able to attend the final reading. The students, ranging in age from 23 to mid 80's, were enthusiastic and enjoyed sharing their ideas and writing with each other. All participants contributed to the final book. A small group from the class has formed a writing group to continue sharing their writing.

Source of Additional Funds

Northfield Senior Center

Project Manager
First Name
Ann
Last Name
Hutton
Organization Name
Southeastern Libraries Cooperating
Street Address
2600 19th St. NW
City
Rochester
State
MN
Zip Code
55901
Phone
(507)288-5513
Email
ahutton@selco.info
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200