Lorraine’s Events and Appearances
Questions on any workshops or other events? Contact Lorraine.
Friday–Sunday, March 28–30, 2025 workshop
In-person retreat
Friday–Sunday, March 28–30, 2025
(5 p.m. Friday–1 p.m. Sunday)
Experiments in Memoir Writing
Offered at The Center at Mariandale, Ossining, NY
Cost: $295 (all-inclusive)
Register and pay here.
Experiments in Memoir Writing
Most of us follow the time-tested Aristotelian three-act structure when we write our memoirs. But that mold is giving way to unconventional story-shaping techniques. You’ll learn to think about narrative in new ways. Perhaps you could write your memoir as a spiral, via letters, or even in reverse. Maybe you could even link two stories. Come ready to write.
You will have time to enjoy Mariandale’s lovely sixty-one acres of land overlooking the Hudson River. You will stay in a private, air-conditioned guest room with shared bathrooms. All meals are included. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday and ends with lunch on Sunday.
For more information, or contact Lorraine.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 workshop
In-person presentation
Saturday, September 13, 2025
(10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
Writing Your Roots
Offered at Roseland Free Public Library, 20 Roseland Ave., Roseland, NJ
Free to the public
Refreshments provided by Friends of the Roseland Free Public Library
Register here.
Writing Your Roots
Your beliefs, ideas, and philosophies of life are rooted in your early experiences. We’ll evoke the stories of your youth and use various techniques and types of prose to write them—and their effect on you—with depth and power. This is a generative workshop in which you will produce short pieces and, if you like, share them. Come ready to write!
Friday–Sunday, October 17–19, 2025 workshop
On Zoom
Friday–Sunday, October 17–19, 2025
(7 p.m. Friday–1 p.m. Sunday)
The Power of Place: A Memoir Writing Weekend
Offered through The Tree of Health Center
Cost: $425 (early bird rate due July 1); $495 (regular rate due August 17)
Maximum number of participants: 15 (first come, first served)
Register and pay here or
for information.
The Power of Place
Place and identity are inextricably linked. Using a personal map-drawing technique, prompts, and literary examples, we’ll explore, expand, and connect personal stories evoked by the buildings, streets, landscapes, and neighborhoods we’ve inhabited.
- How can an environment influence our temperament?
- What does visiting a new place teach us about ourselves?
- What if we’re born into a place where we’re not welcome?
We’ll explore these and other scenarios. In this generative workshop you’ll produce new stand-alone pieces or new (or deepened) segments for larger works already underway. Come ready to write.
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 14–16, 2025 workshop
In-person retreat
Friday–Sunday, November 14–16, 2025
(7 p.m. Friday–1 p.m. Sunday)
The Power of Place: A Memoir Writing Weekend
Offered at The Mainstay Inn & Cottage, Cape May, NJ
Workshop cost: $425 (early bird rate due May 1); $495 (regular rate due September 14)
(Room charge is separate and paid directly to the Mainstay Inn)
Maximum number of participants: 13 (first come, first served)
Two separate steps to register:
- To register for the workshop (and get payment information), .
- To register for your room, visit www.mainstayinn.com to browse the available rooms (rates vary), call the Mainstay Inn at (609) 884‑8690, mention that you’re with the writing group, and reserve your room. The inn requires a one-night deposit to hold your room.
The Power of Place
Place and identity are inextricably linked. Using a personal map-drawing technique, prompts, and literary examples, we’ll explore, expand, and connect personal stories evoked by the buildings, streets, landscapes, and neighborhoods we’ve inhabited.
- How can an environment influence our temperament?
- What does visiting a new place teach us about ourselves?
- What if we’re born into a place where we’re not welcome?
We’ll explore these and other scenarios. In this generative workshop you’ll produce new stand-alone pieces or new (or deepened) segments for larger works already underway. Come ready to write.
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.