Writing the Ancestors: Saving our Family Stories

Writing the Ancestors: Saving our Family Stories

How do we fully access not just our memories of our ancestors but their full characters and life experiences?

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Whether you work in memoir, essay, or fiction, this two hour generative workshop will use a meditative listing and inquiry process to not just generate writing but to engage our ancestor characters and write them honestly, deeply, and fully.

There is no more important writing than that which tells the story of those who came before and tells well.

The central aim is to help participants write about their ancestors in a way that goes beyond surface-level memories. Rather than just recalling facts or stories, the goal is to fully embody and reimagine the lives, personalities, emotions, and struggles of those who came before us.

Be ready to engage, to write, and to discuss what you experience. 

This workshop isn’t just about writing about ancestors, it’s about writing with them in mind, heart, and imagination. It’s a fusion of creative writing, emotional inquiry, and ancestral reverence.

What to Expect:

Engagement: Come ready to reflect deeply and honestly.

Writing: You’ll actively generate new material during the workshop.

Discussion: There will be space to share and process what came up for you.

Class FAQs

• Class will be held October 14th from 6:30pm until 8:30pm.
• RoL Member: $48 :: Nonmembers : $60
• What the course is worth: $150 (to priceless)
• Please email (info@rolreadlocal.com) if you’re interested, and we’ll save you a seat.

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Instructor Bio

Christina Marrocco is an award winning author from the Chicago area. Her latest release The Way Beauty Comes Apart is a novel-in-stories set in Wales and told by the dead. Her 2022 debut novel, Addio, Love Monster won the Book of the Year award from the Chicago Writers Association. Christina writes character-driven accounts of life that are visceral and transportive. Her work often showcases working-class people, the realities they face, and the landscapes they inhabit. Christina has a deep interest in ancient beliefs and practices, and this shows in her novels, essays, and poems. Her doctoral dissertation, The Evil Eye in Italian American Literature established her reputation in ethnic studies. An eclectic writer, she’s also a poet whose work has appeared in many journals including Ovunque Siamo, The Laurel Review, Silverbirch Press, House Mountain Review, Red Fern Press, and Voices from the Attic. Christina teaches Creative Writing and other courses at Elgin Community College.

christinamarrocco.com