Writing Groups This Week

Memoir Group
Monday, August 15, 2:30pm - 4:30pm, Whitridge Room
This the last meeting of the full group. In September, interested memoir writing members will be split into 2 groups. If you are not sure which group you've been assigned, please contact me.

Fiction Group 1
Tuesday, August 16, 5pm - 6:45pm, Whitridge Room

Please note that NYSL writing groups are open to Library members only.

Writing Groups this Week

All group meeting are held in the Whitridge Room. Library members only.
For questions, please contact me!

Memoir Group
TODAY, Monday, July 18, 2:30pm - 4:45pm

Fiction Group I
Tuesday, July 19, 5pm - 6:45pm

Fiction Group II
Wednesday, July 20, 11am - 1pm
Please note this is the last meeting for Group II for the Summer. Group resumes in September (Tues, Sept 27, 11am; note this date is not the regularly scheduled day due to the Jewish holidays.

The Week Ahead: April 18 - 22

A few writing group meetings, a few tech classes of note...Open to NYSL members only. All programs are held in the Whitridge Room.

Monday, April 18, 3pm - 4:45pm
Memoir Writers Group
Please be aware that this group is now at capacity. Interested new members are welcome to sit in and observe at this time; a new group will be forming in the Fall.

Tuesday, April 19, 5pm - 6:45pm
Fiction Writers Group I

Wednesday, April 20
10am - 11:30am Tech Workshop: Etsy {taught by Peri Pignetti}
2pm - 3:30pm Tech Workshop: JStor/Project MUSE {taught by yours truly}
A little space still available for both. Register here.

Guidelines for would-be memoirists

I was a little busy yesterday, what with a snow day, a comp day, and a whole weekend off in between (librarian's hours!), otherwise I would have posted this sooner.

I have lately been complaining to my book loving friends about how tired I am of memoir. Everyone has a story. I understand that. That everyone needs to share their story with the world is more confusing to me. Why not just keep a journal for yourself? I have been keeping a diary since I was about 10 {"I had FUN today!!" was a common passage} but I can't imagine sharing it with anyone or for that matter, that anyone would care to read it.

So it was with a bit of relief that I read Neil Genzlinger's piece in this past Sunday's New York Times Book Review.

All would-be memoirists, please take note. Genzlinger's maxims:
1-"That you had parents and a childhood does not of itself qualify you to write a memoir."
2-"No one wants to relive your misery."
3-"If you're jumping on a bandwagon, make sure you have better credentials than the people already on it."
4-"If you must write one, consider making yourself the least important character in it."

Or, perhaps...consider turning it into fiction? The agents we had for our January Finding a Literary Agent talk also weighed in on memoir, admitting that you better have a good story because the market is truly saturated.

What do all you member writers think?

Writing Groups this week

Writing groups meeting this week (all meet in the Whitridge Room):

Memoir Writers: TODAY, Monday, Jan 24 @3pm

Poets: Tuesday, Jan 25 @4:30pm

Fiction Writers Group II: Wednesday, Jan 26 @11am

All groups are open to active members of the Library.

NYSL Writing Groups this Week

Memoir Writers
TODAY, Monday, Nov 15, 3pm - 5:45pm
Whitridge Room

Fiction Writers Group I
Tuesday, Nov 16, 5pm - 6:45pm
Whitridge Room

Writing groups are open to Library members only. No registration is required. Any questions, call Carolyn, Writer Services Librarian at 212-288-6900 x244.

The Arvon Book of Life Writing

We've just purchased this new book for the collection that might be of interest to those of you writing biography, autobiography and memoir:

The Arvon Book of Life Writing by Sally Cline and Carole Angier offers:
1-reflections on their trade by the authors
2-personal tips and tales from 32 top British and American life writers
3-a practical guide, complete with exercises

It's a busy week at the Library ...

Mark your calendars.






Monday, Nov 8
Non-fiction writing group, 3 pm, Whitridge Room

Tuesday & Thursday, Nov 9 and 11
Writing Your Life: A Memoir Workshop , 10 am, Whitridge Room
Please note that this event is fully registered.

Tuesday, Nov 9
OPEN MIC Night III! 6 pm, Members' Room
Reading slots are filled, but audience members are welcome. $15 at the door.

Wednesday, Nov 10
Stacy Schiff on Cleopatra, 6:30 pm, Kaye Playhouse (NYSL/Channel 13 Author Series Lecture), $10

Memoir Writers Group Meeting Today

Monday, October 18
3pm - 5pm
Marshall Room (please gather in the Reference Room for escort to 4th floor)

*Please note that writing groups are open to Library members only

Memoir Writers Group Forming at NYSL

First meeting this coming MONDAY!
April 19, 3 pm - 4:45 pm (Whitridge Room)

Are you working on a memoir or another manner of autobiographical material? The Library is forming a group for member writers to share work in progress and get support from fellow writers.

Bring work in progress to share. Questions? Please contact me at cwaters@nysoclib.org

*Please note that NYSL Writing Groups are open to Library members only.