Creative life writing workshops back

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BROOKINGS – SDSU Extension and Molly Barari, professional writer, will hold several Heirloom Creative Life Writing Workshops over Zoom throughout 2022. 

Back by popular demand, the workshops will focus on life story, obituary and genealogy writing.

A core outcome associated with each Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing Workshop is a written piece of South Dakota history that can be passed down as family heirlooms. Participants will learn skills to write autobiographies, obituaries and ancestor stories, and by the end of each workshop, participants will have strategies to approach each type of writing. Capturing these stories is critical for preserving the history of the people, places, cultures and traditions of South Dakota.

“We were astounded by the popularity of these workshops in 2021,” said Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension gerontology field specialist. “We even had to create a waiting list. We are excited to offer the workshops again in 2022.”

South Dakotans will have three opportunities to participate in Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing Workshops:

• Creative life story writing: Jan. 25, 7-9 p.m. CST

• Obituary writing: April 7, noon-2 p.m. CST

• Genealogy writing: Oct. 20, 7-9 p.m. CST

The workshops will be hosted via Zoom, but anyone with a telephone can attend; however, participants should be aware that long-distance phone charges may apply. Brown will offer tech support prior to each workshop for participants needing assistance with Zoom.

Barari will provide writing prompts to help participants identify the important details of their lives and family history. 

Those participating should have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on their computer. Adults of all ages are welcome to attend.

This program was made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. There is no cost to participate, and those interested can register by visiting the SDSU Extension events page and searching for Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing Workshop.

For more information or questions, contact Brown. For more information about the instructor, visit www.mollybarari.com.