Learn to Write Your Family History, Just in Time for the Holidays

Register now for a Continuing Ed class at Harper College that will share tips and encourage you to write your story. It’s the perfect time to share your history with loved ones, for a unique gift to be cherished for years to come. The Recipe for a Family Legacy focuses on writing food-related memories and recipes, while the Preserving Your Family History in Words offers tips for a variety of formats (including recipes, memoirs, online presentations, etc.). Both classes offer practical advice and writing practice in a fun and supportive atmosphere...with a potluck during the last class to celebrate!

Register Here or by phone – 847-925-6300

Recipe for A Family Legacy: Writing Your Family’s Memoir Cookbook

This class is designed to be fun, as well as productive. We are going to bring your culinary heritage to life! We will work on methods of gathering heirloom recipes and tips to interviewing yourself and others to uncover memories related to those recipes. Then, the fun part – creating narratives to complete a priceless memoir cookbook.

Every family is chock-full of stories that should be preserved and passed along to future generations. However, if you’ve ever tried to interview family members to mine these gems, you may have run into such common pitfalls as the interviewee not feeling he has any interesting stories or feels too self-conscious to talk about himself or even fellow family members. Food, the great common denominator, is the way to clear these hurdles. Just about anyone feels comfortable talking about a favorite meal, memories of baking one’s first pie, or smelling great grandma’s chicken soup that has been simmering for hours. This is a terrific chance to obtain a lot of information without appearing intrusive. It’s amazing what can be gleaned by discussion of food – everything from everyday family life to the latest fad.

We will look at several examples of food-focused memoirs, from traditional cookbooks format to memoirs that include recipes. During class, we will explore different writing techniques that will help pull out long-forgotten memories or details. We will work together as a class to practice interviewing techniques and develop reader-centered writing. This helps produce rich stories that will be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come. Working together, we develop a very supportive, collaborative atmosphere. The last class features a potluck, with everyone bringing a favorite dish related to his or her project.

10/7-11/4 WED, 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm

TUITION $185 CRN: 20362 LLA 0118-00110

Preserving Your Family History in Words

Every family has stories. Some are humorous; some are inspiring; and one or two may just be tall tales. We have all heard them; but how many of us take the time to record these stories to pass down to future generations? Overwhelming, you say? Not after you take this class! You will learn techniques to interview family and friends, making them comfortable to tell their colorful stories in full detail. Self-reflection exercises will help you write your own recollections. Once all the information and tales are collected, you will learn how to organize the writing process and create your personal masterpiece.

We will look at several examples of sharing family history, from traditional formats such as memoirs, family history essays and family cookbooks, to less traditional such as online formats and craft projects. During class, we will explore different writing techniques that will help pull out long-forgotten memories or details. We will work together as a class to practice interviewing techniques and develop reader-centered writing. This helps produce rich stories that will be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come. Working together, we develop a very supportive, collaborative atmosphere. The last class features a potluck, with everyone bringing a favorite dish from his or her heritage or experience.

11/11-12/16 WED, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

TUITION $185 CRN: 20364 LLA 0238-00111

About the instructor: Ms. Ehrke is a freelance writer who has studied writing at Northwestern University and earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree from the University of Chicago. She has writing experience as a columnist, feature
writer, blogger, corporate staff member, public relations specialist, and creative writer. Her first novel is under contract to be published. She teaches creative writing classes at College of DuPage, College of Lake County, and
Harper College, and is a writing coach for private clients.