For years, my mother participated in a Sunday School/Personal History Workshop in our ward. It ran for twelve weeks and started over again with a new group. Many of the participants continued into the next twelve weeks, and so on because they enjoyed it so much.

I hope I can inspire you enough to start your own workshop, either during the second hour of Church or during the week, as a RS meeting. Whatever you choose to do, I think you’ll enjoy whatever effort you make toward starting and continuing this project.

An English teacher taught this class. In fact, she was my high school English teacher and she was tough. But my mother worshiped the ground she walked on. Sis. Vroman was articulate, helpful, non-judgmental, and very very encouraging.

In the process of having these workshops, they ended up publishing a book of all of their writings over the years. I am lucky enough to have one of these books and I value it highly. I recognize many of the names of writers, I enjoy reading about their lives, and especially, I love seeing what my mother wrote.

The Prologue of the book was written by one of the original students. She writes:

 

Sis. Vroman graciously agreed to share her talent for teaching creative writing with our Sunday School class. I was asked to join. Even so, I told her…I cannot write. I have no talent…

The process involved reading and sharing our work with the other class members. Fear clutched at the pit of my stomach realizing I would be asked to expose myself in front of my peers. I could feel my face flush, my pulse race, and my palms moist as I began reading. The class was very kind, giving encouragement and praise of which I was not worthy.

Sis. Vroman listened and in her unique way of drawing you into the situation, offered bits of encouragement, “Show don’t tell.” “Let me hear it, taste it and feel what you felt.” “Why don’t you say it this way…” and you realize you have painlessly learned a basic skill in writing.

Now, many stories later, I read again the product of my pen. I am awestruck at the finished product. “Did I really write that?” and I smile deep down inside. Don’t get me wrong — I’m no Hemingway, but it’s not half bad for someone with no talent.

A typical workshop consists of a dozen weekly meetings lasting about an hour. This workshop suggests that participants think about their personal history as a collection of short recollections that are easy and fun to write. Read some examples, then set everyone to writing something down. Before the end of the first session, take a moment to allow all to share what they have written. Participants are surprised at how easy they can get underway. Then invite all to continue writing during the week, with the goal of producing at least another page.

Encourage workshop participants to build their history out of short vignettes or verbal snapshots. Such short pieces of writing, are easier to compose than a complete life history. One can attack a short recollection directly and without further research. It can be drafted in half an hour, then revised or extended later, so writers can fit their writing effort into the little bits of time that present themselves in a typical day.

Throughout the workshop participants are asked to form their memories into styles of writing: short story; essay; poetry, including a sonnet, haiku, psalm, free form, etc.

Asked what was the best part of the workshop, every participant said that sharing was the most important part of the workshop. It deepened friendships and expanded appreciation of neighbors. Sharing made personal history projects exciting and compelling.

The book that came from these workshops offers ways you can start your own workshops. Different chapter titles invite you to focus your thoughts on various aspects.

1. Remembering…
2. Show Don’t Tell
3. Leaving Your Testimony Behind

…just to name a few.

Watch for Lesson 1.