Family Stories

Photo of smiling woman sitting on couch with notebook on table using pencil to point at open laptop

Student Testimonials

"It was a wonderful class. I’m excited to take it again."

"Elizabeth provides a supportive class environment, sparking nearly everyone to either talk or read in front of the class."

"It lit a fire under me to get work done, with deadlines and Elizabeth's cheering me on, making editing suggestions."

Class Overview

Life is full of stories that we’d like to share. Award-winning memoirist E.C. Murray will guide you through writing your family’s stories with clear, cohesive, and vibrant prose.

Learn how to select the most compelling, funny, or profound experiences in this supportive and rewarding class. Discover ways to frame your stories that will engage the reader. Explore how you can present characters/people authentically, write lucid descriptions, and incorporate an arc in the flow of your memories.

This class balances student participation, connection, lecture, and in-class writing in a warm, safe, and fun environment.

*** The class meets via Zoom when it's offered online. If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, please click FAQ about Online Classes for the instructions. When it's offered in person, the class meets at the Broadway Edison Building. Click Broadway Campus to view the address and map if needed.

Learning Objectives

  • Write your memories and those of your family (or people who feel like family) in an engaging manner for you and others to enjoy now and in years to come.
  • Create a cohesive whole out of a myriad of random or scattered memories. 
  • Write vividly about characters, yourself, or the people in your life, including behavior and motivations.
  • Employ prose which will keep your readers (whether grandchild or stranger) enthralled.
  • Express the uniqueness of your story as well as its universality.
  • Overcome bumps in your writing process such as the dreaded writer's block.

 

Who Might Enjoy This Class

  • Anyone who wants to write down their family memories or record their family history – whether you have started or not
  • People who have begun writing family stories and have gotten stuck, or would benefit from support to continue and to shape their writing
  • Writers who like to connect to others through their writing
  • Readers and writers who enjoy family histories and memoirs
  • Anyone who writes in their journals, and would like to take the next step in their writing  

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Class Details

Winter 2025

  • When : Friday, Feb 21 to Mar 21 ; 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
  • Location : SCONL , Zoom WA
  • Fee : $85
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Instructor