Memoir Writing Workshop A Full House

By Andy Dutfield

“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here. – Sue Monk Kidd                                           

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild held a successful Memoir Writing Workshop on Saturday 24th January 2026 at the ArtSpace building.

The presenter was Steve Oetting, supported by Amanda Le Rougetel, Heather Emberley, Jessica Smithies and Susan Rocan. There was a full house of over twenty participants, both members and non-members, despite the bitterly cold weather.

After introductions and the land acknowledgement, Steve led the participants through an engaging discussion on the different types, themes, components, and structures within a memoir. Steve encouraged audience participation and the two hours went far too quickly.

We were challenged by a couple of exercises by which time everybody in the room had, I think, a better idea of where they were taking their projects. We all got to know each other a little and gained some food for thought and inspirations from others in the workshop.

I was impressed by the openness of the participants and touched by their stories. Each attendee shared what was often deeply personal stories as well as a diversity of themes that drove their motivation to write a memoir.

Judging from the crowd, it is clear that memoir writing is a popular genre of writing and I am glad I attended. I am hopeful that one day I will be reading memoirs by the attendees of this informative workshop.