Have you ever wanted to write a memoir? A memoir is a collection of stories, usually organized thematically. They don't have to be chronological – they just need to cover aspects of your life that are meaningful to you.
If you're interested in writing a memoir, here's a fantastic opportunity: Jon M. Sweeney, S&P's contributing editor for books and new media, has offered to offer his expertise to a small group of aspiring memoirists. Enrollment is limited to 75 people to ensure Jon has time for individual attention.
We have known and worked with John for 30 years. We can attest to his vast knowledge of books and the creativity to bring them to life. He began his deep involvement with books in 1988 as a bookseller while in college, worked as a bookseller for two years while attending Theological Seminary in Chicago, and worked in Cambridge, Massachusetts for two more years after graduation. He then moved into publishing in April 1993. It was during this time that our paths crossed, as John would often travel to New York to introduce us to the books he was editing and publishing. He is the co-founder of Skylight Paths, one of our favorite publishing houses. He is currently the religion editor/co-publisher for Monkfish Book Publishing in Rhinebeck, NY, and the editor of Living City magazine, published by Focolare Media.
John is the author of 40 books on religion and spirituality, including four memoirs and one co-authored with his wife, Michal, a rabbi, most recently My Life in Seventeen Books: A Literary Memoir (review coming soon). We consider him the best mentor for anyone starting on the path to memoir writing.
This program works as follows:
Starting July 8, for three weeks, every Monday and Thursday you will receive emails from Jon explaining his memoir-writing process and offering tips to help you with your own writing. At the end of the second week, you will be asked to send Jon an annotated table of contents of your memoir for review and feedback. This is where the subtitle of the program, “Fine-tune your vocation, deepen your meaning,” will be a touchstone for some of you. In the final week, Jon will reflect on what went well and what you could improve. In life and in memoir, telling the truth is important. On the final day, Thursday, July 25, we will have a Q&A session with Jon on Zoom (5-6 PM Pacific, 8-9 PM Eastern). The email that day will include instructions on how to send Jon an introduction or first chapter of your memoir for written feedback.
Because John will be giving each participant personalized attention, registration is limited to the first 75 people (click the button below). The cost for the email lesson, Zoom meeting, and expert feedback on your memoir book idea is $129.
BONUS! If you would like to receive a signed, personalized copy of Jon's latest memoir, My Life in Seventeen Books: A Literary Memoir, please send a check for $23 made out to Jon M. Sweeney to Spirituality & Practice, 915 W. Foothill Boulevard, Unit E, Claremont, CA 91711.
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