From Memory to Memoir

"To write a memoir is to taste life twice" - Anais Nin

"I was gathering images all of my life, storing them away, and forgetting them.  Somehow, I had to send myself back, with words as catalysts, to open the memories out and see what they had to offer." - Ray Bradbury

This program provides a creative approach to the writing of memoirs – which are essentially stories drawn from the well of personal experience.  The various visualizations and exercises utilized during this meditative, inwardly-focused weekend workshop are designed to stimulate both creativity and memory.  Drawing on this rich source of personal information, you will be offered opportunities to reclaim the most important moments of your life and transform them into intimate narratives.

To read more from Ellery on journal writing, click here.

Ellery Littleton was interviewed on All Points West Victoria and you can listen to it here (Right click on PC, ctrl-click on a MAC to save it to your computer).

The memoirs people write in this program not only come from the heart, but are the heart of their life stories.  There are many good reasons to learn to write them:

• Writing for posterity – remembering so we don't forget; helping others in our families to remember as well
• To broaden self-awareness and explore personal identity – writing for understanding of yourself, of events, experiences, feelings, people 
• To find your own voice and writing style
• To discover what is sacred in your life
• To clarify the purpose and meaning of your life
• To explore creative impulses – capturing ideas for stories, poems and other projects
• To learn to use the memoir as a form of self-analysis and self-counselling

Faculty: Ellery Littleton - Read a terrific interview of Ellery about the Spirit Journal by Ian Curtin on the Shen Blog.

Ellery Littleton's most recent book - HUMMINGBIRD TATTOO - a collection of erotic haiku - has been nominated for an American Haiku Association "Touchstone Distinguished Book Award" for 2010. The book is available in The Haven gift shop.

2013 Dates:

Tuition: $430.00 (Accommodation and meals extra.)

Early Bird Tuition: $390.00 if you register and pay in full at least two weeks in advance.

Accommodation and Meals
The Haven offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites. All accommodation is designed to be shared by two or more people, though private rates are available. We make every effort to meet the needs of all our guests, but cannot guarantee specific rooms. Rates include three buffet-style meals per day.

There are three types of room: Basic, Forest view, and Ocean view.
Find out more about accommodations.