Lorraine’s Events and Appearances

Questions on any workshops or other events? Contact Lorraine.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 New date TBA reading
In-person

Saturday, August 1, 2026
The book’s release date has been delayed. When the publisher provides more information, this event will be rescheduled. Please check back for updates.
(3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.)

Reading, Q&A, and Writing Exercise with Lorraine Ash

Offered at The Sparkle Bookstore, 642 Main St, Sparkill, NY 10976
Cost — register for event and pre-pay for pre-ordered book: $24.00
Cost — reserve your place at the event and pay for pre-ordered book at the door August 1: $0.00

Can't come in person?
Cost — pre-order a book and have it snail-mailed to you anywhere in the continental US: $34

Register and pay here

Questions? Email or contact Lorraine.

Reading, Q&A, and Writing Exercise with Lorraine Ash

Author and Sparkle friend Lorraine Ash will read her short memoir, “Echoes of Summit Avenue,” which appears in the 2026 Next Generation Short Story Awards Anthology of Winners (Headline Books). The story, which won the General Nonfiction Category, captures the cases, the drama, and the lessons in archetypal living she learned as a teen working in her late father’s law office. “Echoes” preserves her father’s remarkable spirit and the gritty, colorful Hudson County, New Jersey, landscape of the 1970s, now lost to the ether of time.

Lorraine will read, take questions, and share a writing prompt designed to help those who attend preserve a key person, place, or moment from their own lives. Paper and pens to be provided by The Sparkle.

October 2026 Writing Workshop Series
On Zoom

6–8 p.m. Wednesday, October 7
6–8 p.m. Wednesday, October 14
6–8 p.m. Wednesday, October 21
6–8 p.m. Wednesday, October 28

Talking to Yourself: The Art of Writing Inner Dialogue

Offered through The Sparkle Bookstore, Sparkill, NY
Cost: $445 (early bird rate due August 15); $515 (regular rate)
Maximum number of participants: 20 (first come, first served)
Register and pay here or for information

Talking to Yourself: The Art of Writing Inner Dialogue

Inner tension or struggle is the engine of memoir writing. You’ll learn modern memoir techniques to open your interior world on the page and achieve unparalleled intimacy with your readers. We’ll explore dialogues between past and present selves; sustained inner conversations with others, living and dead; use of an alter ego; and even the idea there is no main self. Creative use of inner voices can also drive story structure. Come explore this fascinating territory.

Workshop Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are available for cancellations at least one week prior to the workshop. Cancellations up to two days before will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made the day before or the day of the workshop.

Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026 workshop
In-person retreat

Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
(7 p.m. Friday–1 p.m. Sunday)

Talking to Yourself: The Art of Writing Inner Dialogue

Offered at The Mainstay Inn & Cottage, Cape May, NJ
Workshop cost: $445 (early bird rate due August 15); $515 (regular rate)
(Room charge is separate and paid directly to the Mainstay Inn)
Maximum number of participants: 13 (first come, first served)

Two separate steps to join this retreat:

1. Register and pay tuition costs for the workshop here.
   Want to register and pay by check? Contact Lorraine.
2. Register for your room directly through The Mainstay Inn at (609) 884‑8690. Rooms are listed on the Mainstay website. A one-night deposit is required to hold your room.

Talking to Yourself: The Art of Writing Inner Dialogue

Inner tension or struggle is the engine of memoir writing. You’ll learn modern memoir techniques to open your interior world on the page and achieve unparalleled intimacy with your readers. We’ll explore dialogues between past and present selves; sustained inner conversations with others, living and dead; use of an alter ego; and even the idea there is no main self. Creative use of inner voices can also drive story structure. Come explore this fascinating territory.

Workshop Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are available for cancellations at least one week prior to the workshop. Cancellations up to two days before will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made the day before or the day of the workshop.

Inn Cancellation Policy: Visit www.mainstayinn.com/policy-page.

 

Previous appearances are listed on the Past Events and Appearances page.