Family Stories Writing Series Celebrates Successes, Scandals, and Skeletons
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Covington, VA (Jan. 18, 2018) - Everybody has a story to tell, particularly about his or her own family. A new writing class offered by the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library focuses on those stories, giving participants the chance to tell about family sensations and secrets.
“Family Stories: Celebrating Successes, Scandals, & Skeletons” focuses on creative nonfiction through biography or anecdotal writing. Both novice writers and veterans are encouraged to join retired English teacher Becky Scott in brainstorming and organizing family lore into cohesive stories.
This five-week class, the second in the Writers’ Workshop Series offered at the AHRL, will begin with brainstorming on Thursday, February 1st, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room. An element of history will be added on February 8th, when participants will use the popular genealogy website, Ancestry.com, to research their family roots for background information, historical accuracy, and fun. That session will be held in the Computer Learning Lab.
The next two sessions on February 15th and 22nd will be spent developing and writing the stories. During the final class on March 1st, Scott will give tips on editing and revising. In addition, she offers a Writing Center every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 pm until 4:00 p.m. in the Reference area of the library. People can receive assistance in editing and revising fiction and nonfiction writing or personal correspondence.
“As technology and faceless communication increase, I’m afraid that the art of storytelling is dying,” Scott said. “People don’t visit and retell stories like they did when I was a child. I feel passionately that family stories are of the utmost importance to write down simply because the time will come when the older folks are no longer here to tell them and the stories are lost forever.”
The class is offered to teenagers and adults. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required and space is limited. Stop by the library or telephone the staff at 962-3321 to register. | | | | | |
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