Memoir with Clover Stroud

12 Days of Reflection | Day 3 | March 2023

Clover Stroud Day Retreat Delights

Ooh I’m loving my 12 days of reflection, taking be back down memory lane through the eye of a lens.  March 2023 emerges as a cherished chapter, a day that resonates  with the vibrant hues of collaboration, storytelling and transformation.  As I wander through the snapshots that I captured in March, one particular day gleams like a gem, shimmering with the essence of creativity and shared narratives.

It marks the start of something quite profound, a collaboration brimming with literary aspirations - a memoir writing day retreat in partnership with the remarkable Clover Stroud.  We had collaborated together the previous year, on a residential retreat cocooned in a beach house along the dramatic shores of North Wales, but we wanted to host more frequent events, so more writers could attend.

Nestled within her bright and bold small holding in the Oxfordshire countryside, every corner pulsated with life, animals and children welcoming us into their spirited domain.  Left over toast and tea scattered around the very pink infused kitchen, cats meandering around my feet and a sense of anticipation lingered whilst I prepared the room for our 12 wonderful guests.

They all arrived as strangers and left as writer friends. Some still in contact today, sharing their memoir writing adventures and supporting one another through the creative blocks that so many of us experience.

Throughout the day, amidst the backdrop of Clover’s lively statuary, courageous women shared their stories of resilience, weaving tales of their very personal trials and traumas.  Each tale, a beacon of courage, a testimony to the strength and vulnerability from each of the guests. Guided by Clover’s adeptness, her wisdom overflowed, offering endless memoir writing tips.  One thing Clover has in bucket loads, is the ability to spark profound, life altering conversations that resonated deeply with every woman sat around her kitchen table. Honestly, you could burn the midnight oil with Clover, the woman is a treasure trove of literary advice. Mainly because she has battled through the loneliness, the grief, the heartache, the imposter syndrome and the fear of failure, she has felt it all. Her stories always leave you craving for more, if you’ve not yet read her latest book ‘The Red Of My Blood’, it’s definitely one for your 2024 TBR pile, it’s a heart wrenching, brilliant memoir.

The memoir writing retreat, was a day I will never forget, so much shared wisdom, where my role of host seemed to transform into holding space for life-altering stories to blossom.  Many of the guests shared more of their intimate stories at lunch, huddling over tea and cake whilst making new friends for life.  As I reflect on this day, I realise its impact, not only on me and ease retreats, but on the lives of others.  The retreat gave us hope, that we are all capable of writing and publishing our own memoir, not necessarily a best seller, but something to pass onto our loved ones, as proof and as a legacy of a ‘life well lived’.

Care to join me for a few moments with these therapeutic journaling prompts? They may help guide and encourage you to explore your very own memoir…

1. What is the core story within you that you believe needs to be shared?  Reflect on moments, experiences or themes that resonate deeply within your soul and could form the cornerstone of  your memoir.

2. Explore the barriers or fears that hinder you from starting this journey.  What are the inner voices or doubts holding you back?  Acknowledge them and consider ways to address or navigate these obstacles.

3.Consider the power of vulnerability in storytelling.  Reflect on times when vulnerability led to connection or growth.  How might embracing vulnerability enrich your memoir?

I hope these prompts can gently nudge you towards the starting line of your memoir writing journey.  Hopefully one day I’ll get the opportunity to read your untold story. Good luck and keep on journaling.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx