Between Memory and Imagination: A Generative Retreat for Fiction and Memoir Writers

“What is a memory? When an unexpected memory comes calling, who answers?” —Lynda Barry The artist and writer Lynda Barry believes that the membrane between memory and imagination is thin, and so do we.

In this weekend retreat, we’ll explore that space, moving between lived experience and invention to generate new material.

Drawing on inspiration from authors such as Jo Ann Beard, Justin Torres, and Aimee Bender, we’ll experiment with lyric memory, voice-driven autofiction, and surreal association to make unexpected connections and discoveries.

The exercises will serve both fiction writers and memoirists, whether you’re deepening an existing project, starting something new, or trying to get unstuck.

Each day includes four hours of writing in short, focused segments, small-group sharing, and a lunch break.

We’ll close the retreat with a group reading, during which you’ll have the option to share a piece of new work.

You’ll leave with new pages, fresh momentum, and reusable approaches to keep invigorating your prose.