Our amazing memoir workshop in Nova Scotia, May 2023
Do we look like we had an amazing five days? Eight magnificent writers (plus me), exploring the life stories they have to tell - from doctoring baby rhinos to recreating the lives of 19th-century samurai, from Catholic boarding school to an all-women community, from Ecuador to Africa to California to Acadia to Japan…
The next 5-day workshop in Lunenburg will be October 21-27, 2024. Visit Sparks Fly Retreats for more information or to sign up. Limited to 8 people, so reserve your spot now!
“Allegra has the rare ability to help your writing at two different levels: rational analysis of the elements and structure of your memoir, and the emotional capacity to read between the lines, to recognize and empathize with the yelling or whispering of your heart. I learned a lot in her workshop: her lessons were easy to understand and remember but deep and specific on the points where I needed to improve—and delivered with kindness and joy.”
— Jamil Mahuad, former president of Ecuador
“The 5-day workshop with Allegra was a fantastic, life-affirming experience. This workshop works for any level of writer, one getting a taste of what it is like to begin the life of a writer or for the accomplished practitioner. The writing prompts bring forth a style of writing that is surprising in its intensity and invigorating in its ability to communicate deep memories and emotions. The schedule allows for much free time to explore, rest, or write as you personally desire. Allegra provided wonderful feedback in the two individual sessions provided. This is a gift any writer should give to themselves. It will change your life!”
— Allison Kleinsteuber
“Allegra's memoir workshop was pure sustenance for my soul. I felt immediately engaged in her process of cultivating one's intuition to create writing that's powerful, interesting and real, with a sparkle of discovery and surprise. Loved every moment!”
— Jack Gewalter
“I came to this retreat to explore several ideas I have about writing a piece of fiction or family history, but didn’t plan to write a memoir of my own. I find myself coming away with some deep insights and ideas, some of which had never occurred to me before. In sharing our work with the group, it is clear that this practice is equally applicable to beginner writers as it is for those who have a fully formed project well on the way to completion. The imaginative storm method is so productive; it efficiently gets you right down to the heart of the matter. And the best part of all is that it’s fun and full of surprises! It’s Allegra’s gift of inspiring us to immerse ourselves in the creative process—she is uniquely warm, honest and encouraging. I’m so glad I did this workshop!”
— Terry Varner
“At the first session of the workshop I made the mistake of saying I was not a writer. Poor choice of words that were quickly challenged by Allegra. Her passionate belief that we all have the ability to write was infectious and resonated with me for the duration of the week. The Imaginative storm workshop was transformational. It offered incredible insight and a playful creative method of writing. Allegra submerges herself into the group, taking part in the exercises and exposing her venerability along with the rest of us. Grab the first opportunity you get to work with her. “
— Doug Raphael, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada