Memoirs of the Soul guides writers on a voyage of self-discovery and through a writing process that produces polished memoirs. Writers gently progress from accessible subjects to deeply significant thoughts and feelings.
Nan Phifer, author of Memoirs of the Soul: A Writing Guide, has served as a co-director for the Oregon Writing Project at the U. of O. and now contributes as a member of its Board. She presents workshops for continuing education programs, libraries, retreat and renewal organizations, writers' groups, and religious organizations. Her interest in American Literature and her Master of Liberal Arts studies at The Johns Hopkins University contributed background for her present work.
About herself, Nan writes, "My heart lifts when the eyes of a workshop writer brighten with sudden insight, and I'm gratified when a writer in a group narrates an experience so vividly that listeners say, "I was there with you." Throughout my career I've been an empathetic, innovative teacher.
"One day I realized that the detailed handouts I prepare for workshop participants composed the skeleton of a book. Writers' Digest Books published the first edition of Memoirs of the Soul. The title is meant to distinguish my purpose from writing memoirs of the ego. Beginning with stories easy to tell, I gently guide writers into their most significant experiences, the times when their lives pulsed with joy or grief, intention, hope, sacrifice, rewards--times that define us but will disappear when we die unless we write about them. When written, these memories create a legacy for descendants and close friends. A daughter of one memoirist told me she was " . . . just going to read the first chapter, but once I started I could hear Dad talking and stayed up all night 'till I'd read every page."
To learn more about Nan and her work, see www.memoirworkshops.com.
