Life Writing Organizations

There are some national and international organizations you can join for additional resources, moral support, classes, and other benefits. They are all online organizations, with no local chapters.

Life Writers Forum: This Yahoo Group, cohosted by Sharon Lippincott and Jerry Waxler is open to anyone, free of charge. Conversation in the group ebbs and flows, seldom jamming your inbox. It's a great place to get a fresh slant on puzzling topics.

National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW) NAMW is a membership organization dedicated to supporting anyone who is serious about writing memoir. Monthly teleseminars, a forum, and many other benefits accompany membership. Sign up for the free email newsletter.

International Association of Journal Writing (IAJW): IAJW is a membership organization dedicated to providing eduation, resources and support for journal writers. About thirty of the worlds leading experts on the use of journals sit on the IAJW Journal Council, submitting member articles. Members have access to a discussion forum and monthly teleseminars.

Story Circle Network (SCN) is devoted to supporting women (sorry fellows) in all life writing activities. SCN offers physical conferences and other events, mostly in the Austin, Texas area, and many members lead local writing groups. For those unable to attend in person, an Internet chapter offers reading and writing groups as well as numerous other benefits.

International Women's Writing Guild (IWWG) has been around since 1976 and supports all sorts of women's writing.

If you know of other organizations, please send an e-mail with the information. For websites and blogs on life writing, check the sidebar of The Heart and Craft of Life Writing blog.