Please Note: You must complete Session 1 or Session III prior to taking Session IV. We are alive because of story; it is one of our ancestors’ most powerful technologies, and we are all storytellers. A story is an energy, and like the walls of Jericho, maybe if we put enough of our stories out there, into the air, the walls will start falling; they are already cracking. –Natalie Diaz Sometimes to live our best lives, it is necessary to revisit the myriad stories from our past to come home to our genius or true essence. Elizabeth Potter, published poet and essayist, will lead you on a journey through your life, assisting you to uncover the often hidden gems of stories from your personal history, which have wisdom and insight to impart to you as well as your readers. These “messenger stories” can often crack the code of what we need most to step back onto the path to reaching our full potential. She will present chapters and exercises from her manuscript, I Go Back to Find Her, which recounts her own journey through the stories of her past toward healing and vibrant living. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, as well as a relaxed, supportive community of writers. No experience is necessary and all are welcome.

Let’s explore the attributes of various writing genres: memoir, creative nonfiction, lyric essay forms, poetry, nonfiction essays, short (and shorter) fiction, and more. This two hour class offers definitions and examples and invites your questions in an informal discussion. What are the different forms and why might certain genres appeal to your interests and goals? Perhaps you will discover a new form of writing that feels like it was made just for you!

Everyone has a story to tell. Writing your memoir helps you reflect on the varied experiences that impacted your life and helped shape who you are today. This course looks at a variety of digital tools, available through any digital device, that make the process of memoir writing more fun and a little less daunting. You will explore several unique approaches to research, learn strategies for gathering and storing materials in one easily accessible place, and delve into ways to illustrate your memoir even if you are not an artist. Polishing your work for publication and presenting it in a public format are other video topics. You will leave the course well equipped to begin your writing adventure.

BoomerTECH Adventures was begun in 2014 by three friends and colleagues, all Maine educators who have worked with adults and technology for more than 100 years (collectively)! We provide expert guidance and personalized resources for the 55+ age group to develop competence and confidence using Apple devices. Our team: Ed Brazee - tennis player, runner, “refocused” professor & author/editor; Jill Spencer - traveler, enthusiastic gardener and photographer, middle school teacher, international consultant, and author; Chris Toy - chef, YouTube cooking sensation, long-distance biker, school principal, international consultant, and author.