| ROOM 108 MEMOIR WRITING with BARBARA MAYFIELD |
In 2015, Mayfield developed this curriculum and taught an 8-week session to 20 grown-ups, aged 55 to 87 years, at the Free Library of Philadelphia Senior Services Department at the Main Branch on Vine Street in Room 108.
The kids are waiting for your stories.
(The photo above by Alfred Eisenstaedt for Life magazine (1963) at a puppet show at the Tuileries in Paris. The image captures the exact moment when St. George slays the dragon.)
| Memoir writing is a gentle, wild art. This course is designed to inspire new writers and experienced writers to write with confidence in their most true voices. We write what we know about our ancestors, the stories of the people who raised us, and our own life experiences. We get it onto the page. All of it. We share the details of our lives: the joys, the troubles, the tender moments, the tragedies, the hilarity and accomplishments that happen on our wild planet during our time on it. You will create a jigsaw puzzle collection of short stories, essays and sometimes a rant that connect and overlap. Writing one-story-at-a-time is do-able. We unravel the overwhelm of writing life stories. Everyone’s family and life is important and valuable. Writing the stories—one at a time—is a gift to the people growing up and coming in. Stories are powerful. Stories inspire, encourage, and inform. Every life is extraordinary. We are all related. “This is what I have learned: that everybody is talented, original, and has something important to say.”—Brenda Ueland, If You Want To Write This is the 8th year of offering this successful course. The 2026 CLASSES ARE FILLING NOW. We have beginning and experienced writers Zooming in from all over the country. These are small classes (6 to 8 participants max). You need only a pen, a notebook, and an internet connection. Send an email to schedule a phone call with Barbara. Let’s see if the class is a good fit for you. Use the form below to schedule a phone call, get on the e-mailing list, and to enroll. |
Next Sessions 2026—–
A Live Zoom Workshop Series
You’ve lived through decades of change, challenge, joy, and growth — and your story matters.
This memoir writing class is designed especially for grown-ups 55 and older who are ready to get their stories onto the page. In a warm and welcoming virtual space, you’ll explore the moments that shaped you and learn how to bring them to life on the page.
Together, in small classes, we will:
- Unlock memories with weekly prompts
- Learn how to structure and shape a personal story
- Develop your natural writing voice, strong and clear
This is not therapy or a lecture. There will be prompts, lots of writing time, and supportive feedback designed to keep you writing and strengthening your own voice.
Whether you’re writing for yourself, your family, or the wider world — this is your time.
Your stories matter more than you think.
No writing experience needed. Just a notebook, a pen, an internet connection and comfy chair. Experienced writers and storytellers also benefit from this process.
Join from anywhere. Come as you are.
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Beginning and experienced writers are Zooming in across time zones getting their life and family stories onto the page. You need only a pen, a notebook, and an internet connection.
YOUR STORIES MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK. Now is the time to get them onto the page. The kids are waiting…
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The 2025 Winter Holiday classes are full and in session– Sign up now for 2026 classes
2026 Schedule (this could change)
For brand new and experienced writers, ages 55 and up. Claim your space now. These are small classes – (7 Max)
2026 Thursday Mornings 10am – Noon Eastern — 6 week sessions: $225.
New Year Session Jan. 8 – Feb. 12
Vernal Equinox Session Feb 19 – Mar.26
The May Day Session April 2 – May 7
Early Summer Session May 14 – June 18
Summer Solstice Session June 25 – July 30
Possibly a special shorter High Summer session in August. TBD.
Autumnal Equinox Session Sept. 10 – Oct 15
Winter Holiday Session is an 8-classes session @ $295. Oct.22 – 12/17 (no class on Thanksgiving Day)
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2026 Wednesday Mornings 10am -Noon Eastern. 6-week sessions: $225. (This is a new day and time, perfect for newbies to this process. The Thursday class is often fully enrolled as writers continue their participation.
New Year Session Jan. 7 – Feb. 11
Spring Equinox Session Feb 18 – Mar.25
The May Day Session April 1 – May 6
Early Summer Session May 13 – June 17
Summer Solstice Session June 24 – July 29
Possibly a special shorter High Summer session in August. TBD.
Autumnal Equinox Session Sept. 9 – Oct 14
Winter Holiday Session is an 8-classes session @ $295. Oct.21 – 12/16 (no class during Thanksgiving week)
Happy New Year! By now you have quite a collection of stories: ancestors, family, growing up, and stories from your own life.
________________________________More about the classes:
In this Zoom course, you’ll be guided to capture the stories, lessons, and turning points of your life—whether for your family, for yourself, or for future generations.
This is not a therapy group. It’s a place to get your stories onto the page in your own voice, clear and strong.
No writing experience needed. Just a willingness to show up, let the prompts jog your memories, and write. You’ll need a notebook, a pen and an internet connection.
Small group. Big stories. Private, honest, and deeply rewarding.
Your stories matter more than you think.
Send an email to inquire, set up a phone call, and enroll in a session.
Mayfield Media LLC — based in Philadelphia, PA
Mayfield Creative Studios 