Adjunct English Professor Melissa Juchniewicz presentation on Memoir Writing

Everyone has a story to tell. That is the premise of the “Memoir Writing: Share that Story of Yours” program led by Northern Essex Community College adjunct English Professor Melissa Juchniewicz at the Hampstead Public Library, 9 Mary E. Clark Drive, Hampstead, NH on Thursday, August 3 at 6:30 pm.

“You are the only one to tell the stories that have made you who you are; no one else has seen the world through your eyes,” according to Juchniewicz. She cites the late poet and author Maya Angelou who cautioned against “…bearing an untold story inside you.”

But where do you start? What do you need to begin? Do you have to be a great writer? What if others don’t like what you have to say? Juchniewicz will demonstrate how with just your memories and pencil and paper, you can begin to voice your wonderful stories. She will provide ideas for structure and techniques for results worthy of your experiences.

Dr. Juchniewicz has facilitated memoir writing workshops for nearly 20 years around the Merrimack Valley, and has overseen the production of thousands of pages of people’s life stories. Bring something to write with and leave with something written that may be the start of a great journey.

Juchniewicz has taught a variety of courses at Northern Essex for nearly 20 years; she has helped to initiate new programs for student success, and was instrumental in reviving the elementary education program. She also teaches composition at UMass Lowell, and has been recognized nationally for teaching excellence. She is a board member of the Thoreau Farm Trust, a member of the Hyla Brook Poets, and facilitates a memoir writing workshop in Newburyport. She earned her doctorate in Language and Literacy in Education as well as a Master’s degree from UMass Lowell, where she was named Outstanding Graduate Student, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Salem State. Prior to her education studies, Melissa worked in the professional theater in San Francisco and Boston, including the Lyric Stage, and was a reporter for the Eagle Tribune and other newspapers.

Those interested in registering for the Memoir Workshop, can call the library at 603 329-6411.

This presentation is made possible through the Northern Essex Community College Speakers Bureau. For more information on the speakers’ bureau, visit the speakers’ bureau page  or the college’s website or contact Ernie Greenslade, director of public relations, at 978-556-3862 or egreenslade@necc.mass.edu