Writes of Spring: Part 1 – Ides of March

We all have stories we need to tell.
In the March series we stir the soil of our past especially delving into difficult but important memories. In churning this deep material we generate evocative stories that are often the heart of any authentic memoir collection. We will explore examples of trauma writing for ideas of effective stylistic techniques in various genres. As fellow writers and humans we will lean on each other through this challenging, necessary work in a friendly supportive atmosphere. It is recommended and most fulfilling (but not required) to participate in both sessions. All ages, genres, and experience are welcome.

Amy Minato is author of a memoir Siesta Lane, (Skyhorse Press, 2009) and two poetry collections: Hermit Thrush, (Inkwater Press, 2016) and The Wider Lens, (Ice River Press, 2004). Amy has been a recipient of both a Literary Arts Fellowship for her poetry and a Walden Residency for her prose. She teaches writing through Literary Arts, Multnomah Art Center, Fishtrap and at Breitenbush Retreat Center. Amy holds both an MFA in Creative Writing and an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon. She teaches sustainable living education at Portland State University and lives with her husband and two children in Portland, Oregon. In summers they migrate to their old haunts in the Wallowa Mountains of Eastern Oregon to skip rocks on the lake, float innertubes down the creek behind their house and sleep beneath skies crazy with stars.