Center for Value Inquiry

For the past several years, I’ve been helping writers, experienced and inexperienced, develop their stories—and the stories of special family members. I’ve provided editing and writing assistance that has helped folks (from all walks of life) create compelling and lasting memoirs—enduring legacies that constitute a family heirloom. I’ve worked directly with these individuals, and I’ve seen the therapeutic benefits and large satisfactions they derive from the memoir writing experience. Through my Web site, I’ve also received communications from individuals who are leading memoir writing groups—in nursing homes, senior centers, schools, and other settings. They are seeking guidance and support, and this brings me to my reason for writing you. I see a need for instructional materials that can help both instructor and student (so-called) address the memoir writing challenges:• One set would help leaders communicate the essence of memoir writing—and convey the proven tactics and strategies that lead to an effective story. • Another set would give group participants a step-by-step process for starting and sustaining a story—and for giving it structure and readability.As a professional writer and editor, and a teacher at both the secondary and university levels, I believe I’m well-equipped to develop these materials, to test them, and to assist in their distribution and implementation. I think the materials would bring memoir writing instruction to those who could not otherwise afford it—or know where to find it.The project would be developed and managed by the Center for Value Inquiry, a nonprofit, tax-exempt [501 c 3] organization that I established in 1997—and that I continue to lead. The materials would be freely distributed to individuals and groups, at no cost to the users, although we would ask for a donation. We are seeking a gift (tax-deductible) that would allow us to begin work immediately and that would sustain our activities over the next twelve months. The attached pages provide further information about our plans and needs. A description of the memoir form, together with information about my background and experience, can be found at our Web site (www.memoir-edit.com). For details about the Center for Value Inquiry, please see (www.centervalueinquiry.org) I hope our project engages your interest—or perhaps the interest of someone you know. Please call (651-278-4824) or write ([email protected]). I’ll listen carefully to your ideas, and we’ll go from there.Sincerely,Orlo J. OttesonP.S. With an initial gift, I think I can make the program self-sustaining. I am also seeking a board chair who would help lead our efforts. I welcome any comment or suggestion you might have about any element of our program.