Our spring term, just finished, set a new record for registrations, for which we thank our public, our faculty, and the many others who made it possible.
Here is a glimpse of something else that’s new: a new talent in our neighborhood, Emily Urness, who taught a course in writing. The photo reveals that not all our faculty are retired. Far from it. Emily is fresh out of grad school. It also reveals something else that’s new for us: the printing of her students’ work. We salute Emily for her creative ideas and her successful class, and append this summary of her experience teaching this class. Ed
Cannon Valley Elder Collegium Class In Review—Write Your Life: Techniques in Memoir Writing
By Emily Urness
“This class has been nothing short of an amazing adventure. The students learned techniques regarding the craft of writing. We looked at everything from how to develop character to dialogue to story structure to revision. During each class session the students participated in the creation of new work through a writing prompt exercise. Throughout the course each student wrote multiple stories and shared them with the group. With each story that was told, the class grew closer together and inspired each other with new ideas. There were snacks and tears and plenty of laughs. The class culminated in a party that celebrated the publication of a 58-page collection of stories written by the students.”