STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Remember the taste of Mary Seip’s cream puffs or her slow-cooked marinara? Or how about the first time chowing down on a butter-filled Chicken Kiev at Riviera Chateau, formerly of Bay Terrace? Those tastes of the past are pure gifts, says writing coach and published author Maria Guira. And she’s here to help foster that nostalgia.
“Writing Your Memories: Gifts Given and Received” is a series by Guira at Casa Belvedere in a virtual writing workshop. It will be held on Saturdays Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Guira said, “As the holidays approach, it will help you unearth memories of gifts you’ve given and/or received— tangible and intangible — and the relationships connected to them.” That includes food.
She explained, “The Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 sessions are Generative Workshops, which will include short, vibrant readings and prompts that will help you create your own writing on the theme. And Dec. 3 is a Revision Workshop in which you’ll receive constructive feedback on a piece of writing you submit in advance.”
No experience is necessary, she said, adding, “Just bring a notebook, pen and sense of curiosity and fun.” All backgrounds are welcome.
A former student of Guira’s said, “I just loved the opportunity to read, write, and share. These workshops brought back memories that were tucked into the recess of my mind and deepened my interest in reflecting and writing about my culture.”
Another said, “I’ll take these workshops again and again. So lovely to meet so many nice, new people. Excellent, skilled, and inspiring instructor.”
The fee for each is $27 for members of Casa Belvedere and $30 non-members.
To register for one, two, or all three go to Casa-belvedere.org/product/virtual-writing-workshop-writing-your-memories-gifts-given-and-received/.
Maria Giura PhD, is the author of two books. Her memoir and poetry also appear, or are forthcoming, in New York Quarterly, Prime Number, Presence, Italian Americana, Lips, Tiferet, and Paterson Literary Review. She has won awards from the Academy of American Poets, the Independent Press, and the Center for Women Writers. She has taught at St. John’s University, Binghamton University and Montclair State. She can be reached directly through her website, Mariagiura.com, or Instagram
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Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].