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Register 6 Seats Remaining

Family Stories: Writing Our Roots, Relationships & Legacies

with Brenda Johnson

2026-10-22 14:00:00 2026-10-22 15:30:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis Family Stories: Writing Our Roots, Relationships & Legacies Exploring family history, memory, traditions, complicated relationships, and the stories passed through generations. Amherst Writers & Artists-method writing workshops are designed to encourage reflection, connection, and self-expression for adults of all writing experience levels. Southport Branch -

Thursday, October 22
2:00pm - 3:30pm

Exploring family history, memory, traditions, complicated relationships, and the stories passed through generations. Amherst Writers & Artists-method writing workshops are designed to encourage reflection, connection, and self-expression for adults of all writing experience levels.

Every family carries stories — the ones told around kitchen tables, the ones carefully preserved, and sometimes the ones left unspoken.

In this supportive 90-minute writing workshop using the Amherst Writers & Artists method, participants will explore memories, family traditions, relationships, personal history, and the people who helped shape their lives. Through guided prompts and optional sharing, writers of all experience levels are invited to reflect on the moments, voices, and experiences that connect generations.

Because every family story is layered and ongoing, this workshop is designed as a meaningful beginning — a place to spark memories, remember stories, and begin writing that workshop participants may continue to explore long after the session ends.

No writing experience is necessary. Participants are encouraged to write freely in a confidential, respectful, and encouraging environment where every voice is welcomed.

Brenda Johnson is an Indianapolis storyteller, writing workshop facilitator and public speaker. Her work focuses on aging, family stories, and the power of personal storytelling. Through her Older, Bolder & Better! blog on Substack, storytelling performances, and Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) workshops, she creates welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds are encouraged to reflect, connect, and share their experiences. Brenda was selected as the 2025 Frank Basile Emerging Storyteller, sponsored by Storytelling Arts of Indiana. She also presents community-focused programs for older adults.

To get ready, here are some book lists about writing!

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Class/Workshop |

TAGS: | Writing Workshops for Adults | Writing Skills | Writing | Adults | #Adult |

Southport Branch

Phone: 317-275-4510

Hours
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Mon, Sep 21 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 22 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 23 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Sep 24 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Sep 25 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 26 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 27 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

The Southport Branch began in 1967 as a small storefront in the Madison Square Shopping Center. Following acquisition of a site for a larger facility, the new 15,700-square-foot library opened in 1974 on East Stop 11 Road. Even before the move occurred, a group of Perry Township residents demonstrated support by raising more than $5,000 to provide additional books for the new library.

Upcoming events

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Tue, Sep 22, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Sep 23, 10:30am - 11:30am

Thu, Sep 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Mon, Sep 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Tue, Sep 29, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Sep 30, 10:30am - 11:30am

Fri, Oct 02, 10:30am - 11:15am

Mon, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Mon, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tue, Oct 06, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Registration opens Wednesday, September 23 2026 at 10:30am

Wed, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Sat, Oct 10, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Tue, Oct 13, 10:30am - 11:30am

Tue, Oct 13, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Registration opens Tuesday, September 29 2026 at 2:00pm

Wed, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:30am

Thu, Oct 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Registration opens Thursday, October 1 2026 at 2:00pm

Sat, Oct 17, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
This event is full

Mon, Oct 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Mon, Oct 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Tue, Oct 20, 10:30am - 11:30am

Tue, Oct 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wed, Oct 21, 10:30am - 11:30am

Thu, Oct 22, 4:30pm - 5:30pm