Safe & Sound blog readers have been asking me lately if the memoir-writing classes I lead are starting up again now, and, if so, “Will you start publishing essays by your students on your blog again, too? I always like those.” My answers? Yes, and yes! Today is the first of October, I’ll be leading […]

Mark your calendars: the 37th annual Printers Row Lit Fest is next weekend! This year’s two-day literary extravaganza in Chicago takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11. The fest features close to 150 presenters, And I’m one of them. Date: Saturday, September 10 Time: 11am to 11:45 a.m. Location: Grace Place (637 […]

Check out this free online presentation I’m giving next week: Unlocking Memories and Uncovering Stories< Sponsored by the Oak Park Public Library and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Oak Park Illinois Network DATE: Thursday, May 12 TIME: 7 to 8:30 pm central time, Author, journalist and teacher Beth Finke will lead […]

The last assignment I gave my memoir-writing classes before we took our spring break was to choose one of the movies nominated for an Oscar for best picture this year an have its title be the title of their essay. “You don’t have to see the movie,” I assured them. “Just use one of the […]

After two years of teaching memoir-writing classes via Zoom, visiting third-grade classrooms via Zoom, sitting on panel discussions via Zoom, participating in my book club via Zoom, visiting family members via Zoom, I’ve been looking forward to life in person again. Be careful what you wish for. The calendar Gods have conspired. Starting January 26, […]