What the Momoir Project Means To Me

I haven't posted any of my writing from this session of The Momoir Project yet, as I was hoping some of the sparks would turn out to be something publishable. I have decided not to pursue any of them in the state they are in, save the one that my teacher requested for her blog (She is actually publishing two more - another from last class, then one from this class. I will link here when they are posted). It's not that I am unhappy with my writing - just the opposite. It's just that these don't really fit the places I would like to submit to so they will probably go no further than here unless I decide to rework them into larger essays later. The end of class is coming soon, so I will start posting them then.

I went back and re-read a bunch of my work from the first session in the fall and I was surprised at how much I have improved. The one piece that I was too scared to post here (about our loss) I have basically pulled apart and re-written, much better second time around if I do say so myself. I have really learned to be more descriptive in less words, feeling like my writing now packs a bigger punch. Anyway, I am submitting that one to a magazine for a special themed issue and if it isn't accepted I may try to re-work it again as I am now comfortable discussing the subject. Not only have I gained confidence in my writing, but in my ability to share my most difficult stories.

Anyway, as I ramble, there is a point to this post. Yesterday was our teacher's birthday so my classmates and I gave ourselves a short informal assignment (included below) as a tribute to her to let her know how much we appreciate her and our class. If you're interested in learning the craft of momoir writing yourself let me know - I can share a coupon for The Momoir Project with you! I promise you you'll love it!

What The Momoir Project Means To Me

I'm still not sure how I found out about The Momoir Project. My husband claims it was he who suggested it, but I think he's just trying to take credit for this amazing addition to my life. When I timidly signed up for the online class I thought I might learn some helpful tips about "momoir" writing and give myself some purpose outside of being a newly turned stay at home mom. But I really had no idea what I would learn about motherhood and life in general.

I am writing with a diverse group - a range of ages, careers and number of children - geographically spread across North America. The things they have written have made me laugh and cry, and the advice they have given me has been invaluable. We are smart, funny, understanding, and strong women. Each of us in our own way bring unique experience and value to the class.

Every week I look forward to not only our assignments, but to our class time where we chat in a blog forum like old friends. My writing has improved, surely. Our teacher Cori is amazing and offers constructive yet encouraging critiques. I have learned many lessons about the art of writing a good memoir and hopefully some tips that will lead me to be a successful, published writer. But more importantly, with every story written and read, I gain confidence knowing that my fears, joys, defeats and triumphs are shared. I am writing stories that I previously did not have the strength to tell, knowing the response will be as supportive as if I had known these women my whole life.

At the risk of sounding ridiculously cheesy, The Momoir Project is truly a blessing in my life. I am not only a better writer, but a better mother and friend because of it.