Bob Welch's Memoir-Writing Workshop

Join us for a day of literary inspiration, encouragement and awesome food from Mucho Gusto! Since 2007, Bob has given more than a thousand writers the tools and courage to tell their stories—in a relaxed, affirming, fun atmosphre. Even if you're a writing novice, you'll leave the workshop ready to embark on a memoir of your own  Limit first 40 to register. For an additional fee, you can have a sample of your work critiqued by Bob.  

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

Bob Welch is the author of more than two dozen books, including the Oregon Book Award-finalist American Nightingale that was featured on ABC's "Good Morning America" and The Wizard of Foz, the 2019 Book of the Year by the Track and Field Writers of America. A longtime columnist at The Register-Guard in Eugene, he was a two-time winner of the National Society of Newspaper Columnist's "Best Writing" award. And winner of the Seattle Times' C.B. Blethen Award for Distinguished Reporting.

He is the author of the weekly Heart, Humor & Hope Substack column, which launched in January 2024 and, in terms of paid subscribers, has far exceeded his expectations. (bobwelchwriter.substack.com)

Welch is a former adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. In addition, he is founder/director of the Beachside Writers Workshop, which began in Yachats, Oregon, in 2007. He has spoken at the National Writers Workshop and been a judge for the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.

He has been published in such periodicals as Runner's World, Sports Illustrated, Reader's Digest and Los Angeles Times Magazine.

THE SCHEDULE

Early Morning:

8:30 a.m.—Arrive, check in, get comfortable, enjoy a hot drink, relax.

9:00 a.m.—What's a memoir? Why write one? What do you need to write one? What right do you have to tell your story? (As some others might think: It's not like you're famous!) What fears might you face? Where will you write? When? What deadlines will you establish? Who will your support group be?

10:30 a.m.—Break.

Late morning

10:45 a.m.—What is your focus? Who is your audience? Where are you getting your info? How will you organize your info? How will you plan your memoir? What ethical ground rules will you establish for who, and what, you will include?

12:15 p.m. —Lunch (catered by Mucho Gusto)

Early afternoon

1 p.m.—How can you jump-start your memoir? What info do you keep and what do you throw? How are you going to write your story? How are you going to make it real for your readers? How are you going to keep it interesting? How are you going to avoid it becoming waves of "this-happened-on-this-date" sentences—a glorified journal? How do you actually make it a story?

2:30p.m.—Break.

Late afternoon

2:45 p.m.—Who is going to edit your book? How are you going to design your book? How are you going to get it printed? What are the biggest mistakes you could make? What are the key things to keep in mind? What can you get out of this? Finally, what do you need more than anything else?

3:30 p.m.—Final questions from you and final encouragement from me.

4 p.m.—Workshop ends. Return home, relax for a couple of days, then dive into researching, writing, editing, polishing and printing your memoir. If not you, who? If not now, when? Enjoy the journey!

THE CRITIQUE

For an additional $119, writers may have a sample of their work (maximum 2,500 words) critiqued by Bob. He will point out what works about the piece, what it's lacking and how you can imporove your writing going forward. Samples must be emailed to Welch at bobwelch@bobwelchwriter.com by the date of the event, Oct. 19. The critque of your writing will be emailed back to you within one month of the event, by Nov. 19, 2024.

FAQ

Q. Is there a limit to the number of people who can attend?

A. Yes. A maximum of 40 writers.

Q. After I register, what if I lose my electronic or hard-copy ticket that can be downloaded? Will I still be allowed to take the workshop?

A.  Yeah, don't sweat that. Your name will be on a list and you'll be welcomed, ticket or not. 

Q. What do I need to bring?

A. A smile, a thirst to learn and pen and paper or an electronic device for a handful of short exercises we'll do—or, if you choose, to keep notes.

Q. How much actual writing is involved in the workshop?

A. One short exercise in each of the four segments, so not much. Look at such exercises as garnish to the main course. In a one-day workshop, with so much to cover, it's difficult to find time for both teaching and writing/assessing that writing. That's why I built in the itensive-critique option. I think writers will be better served by a deep-dive into one sample of their work after the workshop than by me trying to, say, read aloud and assess 30 short samples at the workshop itself. Better use of your time, better use of mine to let the bulk of our time be spent in me offering insight, info and inspiration, and in you asking questions.

Q. Can I skip the workshop and just get the writing assessment?

A.  Sorry, the critique is available only to those who register for the workshop.

Q. I'm not adept at computers. Can I register "the old-fashioned" way?

A. Of course. While I think our online setup is fairly simple and straight-forward, I'd hate for anyone who wants to come to not do so because they got snagged in cyberworld. So, yes, if you can't get registered online, email me at bobwelch@bobwelch.writer.com, give me your first and last name, your email and the name and phone number of an emergency contact person. Tell me if you're just coming to the workshop or you also want a sample of your writing assessed. Then snail-mail me a check for $199 (workshop only) or $318 (workshop and 2,500-word assessment) to: Bob Welch, P.O. Box 70785, Springfield, OR 97475.

Q. I have food allergies. Is that going to be a problem?

A. We've used Mucho Gusto for a handful of events over the years and have never had any complaints. They offer a variety of items and our experience is that people find something that works for them. If you're still concerned, I suggest you bring a sack lunch and we willl refund you $15.

Q. How do I find The Community at Marquis?

A.  If GPS and the map on this website don't work for you, Marquis is a pretty easy "find." It's on Country Club Road, just west of the Eugene Police Station. We'll be meeting behind the Da Ra Cafe & Brew so enter at those doors, not the ones to your right (east) that are the main entrance to Marquis.

Q. Will you have coffee?

A.  Yes, along with tea, hot chocolate—yeah, baby!—and light snacks.

Q. Is there plenty of parking?

A. Yup. Don't lose a wink of sleep over that.

Q. What if I register for the workshop but later find I am unable to come?

A.  We will offer you a full refund of your money if you cancel anytime before Oct. 5, because we still might have a chance to find someone to fill your spot. If you cancel on Oct. 6 or later, we will give you a 50% refund—and allow you to attend a future workshop for 50% off.