Come Write With Barbara Presnell: A Memoir Workshop at the Library
Column
On Monday, July 7 at 11am, award-winning writer Barbara Presnell will lead a Memoir Writing Workshop at the Lexington branch of the Davidson Public Library. It’s just 90 minutes—with light refreshments and gentle guidance to get the words flowing—but it could be the spark that brings your own story to life.
If you’ve ever said, “One day I’ll write that down…”—this is your sign.
Presnell said the workshop will be defined by the attendees, “We’ll start by looking at what memoir is and what it’s not, then how to get a handle on a personal story that is contained and focused. Throughout, there will be writing, drawing out (literally) ideas, following life threads.” .
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d write a memoir. Honestly, I didn’t think anyone would want to read the messy parts of my life outside of an 800-word weekly column—the heartbreaks, hospital beds, solo car rides up I-95 with my lungs fighting me for breath. But Barbara Presnell’s Otherwise, I’m Fine changed that.
Her memoir, told through poetry and prose, captures the tension between how we present ourselves to the world—“I’m fine”—and what’s happening beneath the surface. She writes about illness, caregiving, family history, family fallouts, and the small, powerful moments that connect us all. Barbara occasionally cleans it up for the reader. She offers it honestly, with tenderness and grit, reminding us that truth-telling is its own kind of art.
That book didn’t just inspire me—it gave me permission.
These days, the small amount of personal writing I get to do through Davidson Local—those short columns that don’t require quotes from city council—is often this writer’s lifeline. It’s the highlight of my evening. It’s where I can be human, not just a headline chaser. Where I get to share the kinds of stories that stick with you long after the meeting adjourns.
And sometimes, storytelling sneaks up on you. As I did last week, when I called the number on the flyer for this very workshop. It was wrong.. But the Tyro man who answered both times was kind. We ended up talking about old phones and county history, Lexington back in the day, and memoirs. Before we hung up, he said he wanted to read mine. That little misdial was a reminder—storytelling still matters.
So if you’ve been carrying stories, waiting for the perfect time to write them down—come write with Barbara.
Memoir Writing Workshop with Barbara Presnell
📍 Lexington Branch, Davidson Public Library
📅 Monday, July 7
🕛 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
☕ Light refreshments provided
🖋️ All levels welcome—just bring your story
RSVP to Ginger Bitterman
Library Associate 1/Adult Program Coordinator
Lexington Public Library
602 S Main Str Lexington NC 27292
No need to have it all figured out. Just bring a pen, an open heart, and maybe a memory or two that won’t leave you alone.
