Family. Secrets. Each word is fraught with its own complicated dynamics. Merged together, the concept of family secrets is ripe for exploration, particularly when we think about what it means to use our writing to reveal the truths of our lives.

Deborah J. Cohan draws on her background as a writer, teacher, sociologist, counselor, and group facilitator both for abuse intervention classes and for workshops related to self care and creativity. Her experience in these different and overlapping arenas will support participants to think about how to free themselves of the constraints that so often hinder writers tackling and excavating family secrets.

This session explores the following issues: writing about family secrets and how we navigate that with care; using professional expertise for crafting memoir in ways that frame and contextualize secrets; writing unconventional memoirs that build on first person essays; using the technique of the object correlative, etc. Cohan will read a bit from her book, engage in spirited discussion with ample time reserved for participants to ask questions, and some time will be used for students to write, reflect, and share as they wish.

Please note: it will be expected that all participants have cameras on during this virtual session and will help to hold the integrity and confidentiality of this space for talking about these complicated topics.

Please note: This class or event will be held online (using Zoom or a similar live platform). To participate, students or attendees should have a stable internet connection. Class participants: you should have a computer or device with a webcam and microphone; and your Zoom link will be automatically sent to you after you register. Check your spam box if you don't see it.