Our stories and our feelings about them matter. Honor them.
I lead workshops on writing your solo show, memoir, or personal essay. Anyone who grew up or is currently living between or among different worlds, as a bridge or an island or both (whatever that may mean to you), will get a lot from this class. The sessions are helpful for anyone with a story they want to share. Scroll down for testimonials or click on the menu bar above.
In these workshops, you'll receive:
• great writing prompts in each session
• weekly messages with links to inspiring articles/interviews between sessions
• easy-to-successively-more-detailed assignments that help you to make real progress
• handout with helpful writing tips, recommended reading & viewing, and more
• help drafting an outline for your show
• guidance from a professional, internationally touring solo performer and published essayist who grew up interculturally
• my free eBook with more tips on creating a solo show or memoir
...all in a safe space that honors your story and your feelings about it. I'd love for you to join me.
To see a sample session, click here.
• great writing prompts in each session
• weekly messages with links to inspiring articles/interviews between sessions
• easy-to-successively-more-detailed assignments that help you to make real progress
• handout with helpful writing tips, recommended reading & viewing, and more
• help drafting an outline for your show
• guidance from a professional, internationally touring solo performer and published essayist who grew up interculturally
• my free eBook with more tips on creating a solo show or memoir
...all in a safe space that honors your story and your feelings about it. I'd love for you to join me.
To see a sample session, click here.
Group Solo Show & Memoir Workshops
2020 SCHEDULE
"Jumpstart Your Solo Show" in Los Angeles, CA
Saturday,12-5pm (one 5-hour session)
Stay tuned for dates
You will leave with an outline and material for your show!
To schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project and my workshop rates, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
One-on-One Solo Show Coaching
I also work one-on-one with solo show creators who are unable to participate in group workshops. Meetings are via Skype.
You’ll bring a recording device to each session in order to later transcribe improvisations, notes, and your spoken answers to questions. The recording device is an invaluable tool in the creation process.
Homework is assigned if necessary, depending on how much material you have already.
$425
$425
• 6 weekly or monthly coaching sessions
• 1 in-depth written script assessment
• Final (7th) session, where you present your draft, receive final notes, and are congratulated on your tremendous achievement!
The entire process is covered in 10 weeks or 7 months, depending on the frequency of meetings (weekly or monthly).
$800
• in-session writing prompts
• feedback on any material you bring in
• suggestions for how to open and/or close your show by the end of the session
• a handout of helpful tips to send you on your way. This session kicks your butt into gear.
$150
To schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
Assessment of Memoir Manuscripts
Separate from my workshops, I also assess memoirs that are "in process" or not at their final draft. I read your manuscript thoroughly, looking at story/content, narrative voice, character arc, plot, structure, back story, consistency, clarity, and syntax. I also give general feedback on grammar and punctuation if necessary. (This does not include formal proofreading or copyediting; rather, I give examples when there are numerous errors.) You have several options:
*I also offer “short turnaround” assessments within 2 weeks of receiving manuscripts.
*I also offer “short turnaround” assessments within two weeks of receiving manuscripts.
DISCLAIMER
These workshops are not an alternative to therapy, counseling, psychoanalysis, or support groups. I am not a mental health professional. I can only facilitate the telling of your story.
For more info on the workshops or assessments, please email me (Lisa) OR schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project using my meeting calendar.
You can also sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on when the next workshops will begin. You'll receive my free eBook: "Lisa Liang's Solo Show & Memoir Crash Course" with writing prompts to get you started! I respect your privacy and will never, ever share your information with anyone.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PROFESSORS
"You were fantastic and you opened up so many possibilities for my students and helped create a dynamic class environment. We have really benefited from the workshop. I can't thank you enough."
-Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor of Art, Media, and Design at DePaul University
"Elizabeth is an extraordinarily insightful thinker on others' life writing--I've seen her in action, asking people such perceptive questions and bringing them into their stories in ways they had never anticipated and found beautiful."
-Professor Wendy L. Belcher, Princeton University
"At one point I turned around and thought I've never seen such intimate connection in a class. The students' stories were powerful and inspiring! Thank you Lisa!"
-Kamran Afary, Assistant Professor, Cal State LA
TESTIMONIALS FROM PARTICIPANTS
"It was filled with moments of great pleasure and great growth for me. To me, that is some of the most wonderful stuff in life, and I am tremendously grateful."
-Lisa Dring, Actor and Creator of the solo show Death Play
"Taking Lisa’s solo writing workshop is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It was amazing to see the evolution of my work in such a short amount of time. I had been working on a solo piece for 5 years and never really knew what it was truly about, or what catalyzed its creation. Lisa’s incredibly insightful questions have turned it into something honest, relatable and something I now need to perform. Lisa’s workshops were always the highlight of my week and she’s just as excited about seeing your work as you are about sharing it. I also loved how she encourages you between workshops with helpful articles and encouraging quotes about writing. Do yourself a favor and take this class!"
-Julie Gouin, Teacher/Writer/Actress
"The class really got my juices flowing. Lisa's a terrific writing coach."
-Angela Bullock, Actor/Writer, Published Essayist in Lunch Ticket
"Lisa has a way with working with her students where she organically takes you through the process of creating a show. She takes the overwhelm out of the process and guides you step-by-step--until you’ve got a moment and then scene and then a string of scenes on the page. Before you know it you’re putting 10 minutes of your show on its feet, and on and on. Lisa holds a creative, safe space that allowed me to dig deep and go to vulnerable places in my work and with the class. I highly recommend working with her!"
-Diahann Reyes-Lane, Writer/Actress
“I had an idea but I had never written anything before, so I went to Lisa's workshop, just to see if I might somehow be able to write it. It was so much more fun and easy and interesting than I had anticipated. I thought it would be scary and hard and I would have nothing to tell. Her compassion and leadership made the class such a joy, and it was a breakthrough for me. I was writing. I took her class twice, and my goal was to write a piece about motherhood. The writing prompts were an incredible tool, and, eventually, I was writing on my own. I did write a piece about being a mom, and it was accepted for "Expressing Motherhood", and I performed it live as well as for the podcast. It changed my life, it helped me heal, and I was so proud I wrote something. I look forward to taking her class again for more stories I'm interested in working on, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for that little push.”
-Hiwa Chow Elms, Actress/Writer
"Lisa's memoir workshop is both practical and spiritual. Her exercises and structure get you writing immediately--writers block and resistance clear out of the way as her supportive energy and thoughtful guidance pave the way for new ideas and insights. The community aspect was also a real joy. I loved getting to learn about the other participants through their writing. Our shared experience was rooted in respect, appreciation, and encouragement. This workshop will move you forward regardless of where you are in your memoir process--even if you haven't written a word yet (that was me). If you are even remotely considering this workshop, I say DO IT! You will love the experience and you definitely won't regret it."
-Jennifer Rosenfeld, CEO, iCadenza
"I got so much out of the process that I want to do it again. The exercises guided me into making discoveries about myself. Things forgotten bubbled to the surface as I worked through the prompts and assignments. They challenged me to acknowledge certain life events and experiences that compose my personal history. They also helped me to organize my thoughts and get the work done before the workshop deadlines. Having a time limit for each prompt helped me since my “critic-self” doesn’t have time to negatively edit my own ideas.
The feedback I received both from Lisa and my workshop peers made me feel supported and validated. There were times when I felt my experiences were deeply understood and times when I realized that an event in my own life was extraordinary. I came away from the workshop feeling that not only do my stories matter, but that everyone’s stories matter."
-Kathy Kilsby, Dancer
"I had the privilege of taking classes with Lisa twice. Once, in a group setting, and another time as a solo student.
In both instances, at the conclusion of the workshops, conducted via skype, I felt re-energized and back on track.
What is remarkable about Lisa is her ability to quickly assess her student’s capacities, and focus on bringing to light the positive, while making constructive and gentle remarks about things that need improvement. She builds trust in her student.
And that in itself is a marvelous gift; one that can turn your life around, if you let it happen.
Would-be writers, and even experienced ones are plagued with self-doubt. It is a rare occurrence when a teacher can intelligently build your confidence, while pointing out some of the flaws in your work.
In my particular case, thanks to Lisa, I realized that organization is what lacks in my work, and not difficulty in conveying thoughts and emotions, which is what I believed was my problem.
I recommend Lisa Liang whole-heartedly as a teacher, a writer, a performer, a citizen of the world who understands and translates emotions into words that fly off on their own."
-Maya Evans, Poet/Writer/Teacher/Translator
"I had felt that the task of writing a memoir was gargantuan. Working with Lisa, I learned to trust the process, listen to my heart, and use a series of tools and prompts to get myself just writing! Lisa constantly pushed me to provide more richness and sensory detail in my writing. Honestly, as a result of her feedback, I was able to dive deeper into these stories and not only remember things that I had forgotten, but also to feel more connected to these stories from the distant past. I realized that there were things that I wasn't remembering in detail because I didn't know how to face them. Things like death, guilt, fear--memories and emotions that I tend to run away from. Lisa's workshop not only helped to transform my writing process but it helped me heal wounds that I did not realize had been there.
Lisa was generous, thoughtful, supportive, and kind. She was also fearless in digging into people's 'stuff' and asking the awkward questions, the direct questions. I remain deeply grateful for all the gifts that working with Lisa provided to me. If you're thinking about working with Lisa, stop thinking. Just do it!"
-Julia Torgovitskaya, President and Co-founder of iCadenza LLC
"'When I started my workshop with Lisa, I was in a difficult place with writing. I had written travel blogs, a diary and even started to write a novel previously, but I had found it very hard to keep up writing regularly, to finish projects and seemed to lose motivation.
The hardest thing for me about writing is believing in what you are creating and also finding the courage to share it with other people. The endless thoughts of it not be interesting or good enough came constantly into my head. With memoir writing the fear of digging up the past, and writing about people and episodes in your life is terrifying.
Lisa instantly made me feel at ease with this. She creates are very unique space within a group of people where one can be totally vulnerable without fear, you can create your work and present it without judgement. She has a way of making each member of the group feel empowered and able to write exactly what they felt at that time. While providing constructive and thoughtful feedback on your work.
Her writing prompts allowed me to revisit parts of my life that I had not thought about, nor dealt with for a while. Of course the memories of what happened are always there, Lisa gives you the ability to dig these moments back up gently and carefully and put them down on paper.
I would highly recommend one of Lisa's courses to anyone wanting to delve further into the world of memoir writing or writing a one person show, she presents and facilitates each session with understanding, grace and good humor and truly makes you feel like you can achieve anything.
Thank you Lisa, the experience of taking your course has really made my life richer and you have helped me to feel more comfortable, able and inspired as a writer."
-Tom Danaher, Expat
"This workshop was a powerful learning experience. I started the workshop with only the vaguest notions of exploring the genre of memoir and came away with not only a better understanding of the genre and my writing process, but with a better notion of myself. As an educator I am always aware of the importance of making safe spaces for learning and so I was grateful for Lisa's ability to quickly create a safe and creative space that allowed all of the participants to be vulnerable as we helped each other develop as writers. As such, the workshop served as a place to make meaning of my writing as well as a place to make meaning with the memories of my life, helping me to heal and come to terms with many of the ups and downs along the way. The workshop was focused with vision and the assignments made the impossible seem more possible. Her prompts and ability to give constructive feedback with care during sessions served as an excellent model for the participants as we explored, shared and grew as a group. After the workshop, I was surprised at how much more manageable writing a memoir now seems and I feel like I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I finished the workshop with sadness that it was ending but with renewed joy in the writing process as I look forward to the next steps on my path."
-Nicole Forbes Wagner, Educator
"For most of my writing life, I've been composing letters, journaling, producing academic papers, and editing other people's work. Finally, I admitted to myself that I want to tell my stories in more constructive and proactive ways. I enrolled in Lisa's Memoir Writing Course twice, once one-on-one to get my juices flowing, and another time with a group of three other friends with similar ambitions. Both workshop settings gave me the tools and courage to put into words my unique and sometimes uncomfortable life experiences, while Lisa created a safe and extremely affirming space for self-expression. The group was doubly affirming, as I got to know my friends in a completely new light; we continue to share our writing with each other every other week now that the workshop has ended. I am currently working on a solo-show, something I would have never considered before taking this course.
I highly recommend Lisa's workshop to anyone -- especially those with complex cultural backgrounds -- interested in getting to know and sharing themselves more deeply through writing."
-Kilian Kröll, Education Specialist and Intercultural Coach
"I signed up for Lisa’s class because I had an idea that had been knocking around my brain for quite some time. I wanted to tell my family’s story, but I didn’t know what form it should take--memoir or fiction, book, play, one person show--much less how to begin. Not to mention that the thought of writing anything at all was pretty intimidating. From our first class, Lisa put me at ease. She was welcoming and encouraging and I could tell that she was passionate about helping the students tell their stories.
Lisa gave us timed writing exercises to do in class, and I was always amazed by what I managed to create. There is something about having a time limit that is very liberating; you write what comes up and the impromptu nature of it leaves little room for self criticism. Stories and characters appeared that took me by surprise. By the end of the class, I felt a lot more comfortable about sitting down to write and I knew that when I was ready, I would be able to tell my family's story.
Lisa is a kind and supportive teacher, who will gently guide you in bringing forth whatever story you have to tell. I can't recommend her class highly enough!"
-Dawn G., Actress
"Dear Lisa,
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed & was stimulated by your memoir writing workshop this summer. When my parents died 34 years ago, I thought I should--for the sake of my progeny--add a chapter about my life to the extensive family history they had cobbled together from documents dating back generations. I started & stopped numerous times and accumulated quite a few fragments, but I never finished the job. When I heard about your workshop, I joined in the hopes you would inspire me to do just that. Your prompts & assignments aroused long-repressed memories, and I have added them to my work in progress. Most importantly, I was surprised that what I had to tell impressed the others in the group, who were all young enough to be my grandchildren. They made me realize that my experiences were unique and worth recording for my descendants. Although I'm still struggling to put it all together, I'm determined to do so--thanks to you and your other students.
Gratefully, John"
"Lisa gave me great tools and guidance--I enjoyed the class and her as an instructor."
-Participant in Winter 2015 Workshop
FEEDBACK FROM FIGT 2013 PARTICIPANTS
Very interactive + best session @ FIGT.
Absolutely excellent!
Loved it!
Awesome!
Very much inspiring! Thank you!
Thank you for great ideas + handouts + very practical help.
Great- enjoyed for show + writing exercises. Thank you!
Helped me to express.
PLEASE DO THIS AGAIN NEXT YEAR!
Fantastic.
Super well paced, excellent opening (solo show excerpt), created really safe space to share stories.
Superb! Invite her back next year!
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
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(Photograph by Daniel Lawrence: Princeton University)
My five+ years of leading workshops have produced inspiring results for participants at conferences, on college campuses, and in private sessions. See testimonials above and list of past workshops below.
LIST OF WORKSHOPS
One 3-week local (L.A.) workshop in April 2019
One 2-hour workshop for Saint Mary’s College (IN) in February 2019
One 2-hour workshop for California State Summer School for the Arts at CalArts in July 2018
One 6-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2018
One 3-month cross-country workshop via Skype in winter/spring 2018
One 4-month local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in winter/spring 2018
One 5-hour local (L.A.) workshop at Chromolume Theatre in March 2018
One 90-minute workshop at the Critical Mixed Race Conference at University of Maryland in March 2018
One 2-week international workshop via Skype in February 2018
One 2-hour workshop at Bootleg Theater in November 2017
One 4-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in fall 2017
One 2-hour workshop at California State University, Los Angeles in October 2017
One 6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2017
One 6-week local (L.A.) workshop at Chromolume Rehearsal Studio in summer-fall 2017
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in spring-summer 2017
One 6-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2017
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in spring 2017
One 5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in winter 2017
One 6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in winter 2017
One 6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in fall 2016
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2016
One 6-week workshop at Chromolume Dance Studio in L.A. in summer 2016
One month-long cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in spring 2016
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in winter 2016
One 90-minute workshop as guest lecturer at DePaul University in September 2015
One 5-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in summer 2015
One 5-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer 2015
One 5-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in winter 2015
One 5-week international workshop via Skype in fall 2014
One 6-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in summer 2014
One 50-minute workshop as guest lecturer at Princeton University in February 2014 (pictured above)
Two 90-minute workshops at California State University, Los Angeles in January 2014
One month-long workshop at Vs. Theatre in L.A. in January 2014
One 5-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in fall 2013
Concurrent Session on writing a TCK solo show, memoir, or personal essay at the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference in Virginia, March 2014 and in Maryland, March 2013
how to write a one woman show, international
tour, interracial solo show, intersectionality, storytelling, making theatre, mixed
heritage one woman show, mixed race solo show, multi-ethnic solo show,
multilingual one person show
I respect your privacy and will never, ever share your information with anyone.
click for details
2020 SCHEDULE
"Jumpstart Your Story" via Skype
Saturday,12-5pm (one 5-hour session)
February 15, 2020
You will walk away with rich material and an outline!
Saturday,12-5pm (one 5-hour session)
February 15, 2020
You will walk away with rich material and an outline!
Memoir & Solo Show Workshop via Skype
Sundays, 12pm-2pm, Pacific Time
Sundays, 12pm-2pm, Pacific Time
Stay tuned for dates
"Jumpstart Your Solo Show" in Los Angeles, CA
Saturday,12-5pm (one 5-hour session)
Stay tuned for dates
You will leave with an outline and material for your show!
To schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project and my workshop rates, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
One-on-One Solo Show Coaching
I also work one-on-one with solo show creators who are unable to participate in group workshops. Meetings are via Skype.
click for details
Weekly Solo Show Coaching
For 6 weeks, I will work with you once per week via Skype. Each session is an hour long (with leeway for an added 10-15 minutes if needed). You present 20 minutes of your work on your feet and then I work with you on it for the rest of the session. Sometimes you’ll work on more than one 20-minute segment, depending on how many notes I have. You’ll bring a recording device to each session in order to later transcribe improvisations, notes, and your spoken answers to questions. The recording device is an invaluable tool in the creation process.
Homework is assigned if necessary, depending on how much material you have already.
$425
Monthly Solo Show Coaching
For 6 months, I work with you once per month via Skype. Each session is an hour long (with leeway for an added 10-15 minutes if needed). The process is the same as it is in the Weekly Coaching; it’s simply less frequent.$425
Solo Show Coaching + Script Assessment
This package is for people who want to have a first draft or revised draft and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen. It includes: • 6 weekly or monthly coaching sessions
• 1 in-depth written script assessment
• Final (7th) session, where you present your draft, receive final notes, and are congratulated on your tremendous achievement!
The entire process is covered in 10 weeks or 7 months, depending on the frequency of meetings (weekly or monthly).
$800
The Kickstart Your Solo Show session
Sometimes all you need is 90 laser-focused minutes of coaching to kickstart the process of creating your solo show. You’ll get:• in-session writing prompts
• feedback on any material you bring in
• suggestions for how to open and/or close your show by the end of the session
• a handout of helpful tips to send you on your way. This session kicks your butt into gear.
$150
To schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
Assessment of Memoir Manuscripts
Separate from my workshops, I also assess memoirs that are "in process" or not at their final draft. I read your manuscript thoroughly, looking at story/content, narrative voice, character arc, plot, structure, back story, consistency, clarity, and syntax. I also give general feedback on grammar and punctuation if necessary. (This does not include formal proofreading or copyediting; rather, I give examples when there are numerous errors.) You have several options:
click for details
Written Assessment of Complete Draft
A constructive, detailed written assessment of your complete draft, which will be sent to you 4-6 weeks* after receiving your manuscript. (I will confirm the deadline with you.) Assessments are generally between 1,500 and 4,000 words (guideline only) depending on the material you submit.*I also offer “short turnaround” assessments within 2 weeks of receiving manuscripts.
Telephoned/Skyped Assessment of Complete Draft
A constructive, detailed assessment over the telephone or via Skype, 4-6 weeks* after receiving your complete draft. (I will confirm the deadline with you.) Assessments over the telephone/Skype last between 30 and 60 minutes.*I also offer “short turnaround” assessments within two weeks of receiving manuscripts.
Telephoned/Skyped Assessment of Work in Progress
Constructive, detailed assessments over the telephone or via Skype, 1-2 weeks after receiving each segment of your work-in-progress. (I will confirm each deadline with you.) We will have monthly meetings for 6-12 months as you work to complete your manuscript. Written Mini-Assessment
A constructive, detailed written assessment of the first few chapters of your manuscript (up to 8,000 words). The assessment will be sent to you within 2 weeks of receiving your manuscript.To schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
Pick a time/date that works for you!
DISCLAIMER
These workshops are not an alternative to therapy, counseling, psychoanalysis, or support groups. I am not a mental health professional. I can only facilitate the telling of your story.
For more info on the workshops or assessments, please email me (Lisa) OR schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project using my meeting calendar.
You can also sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on when the next workshops will begin. You'll receive my free eBook: "Lisa Liang's Solo Show & Memoir Crash Course" with writing prompts to get you started! I respect your privacy and will never, ever share your information with anyone.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PROFESSORS
"You were fantastic and you opened up so many possibilities for my students and helped create a dynamic class environment. We have really benefited from the workshop. I can't thank you enough."
-Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor of Art, Media, and Design at DePaul University
"Elizabeth is an extraordinarily insightful thinker on others' life writing--I've seen her in action, asking people such perceptive questions and bringing them into their stories in ways they had never anticipated and found beautiful."
-Professor Wendy L. Belcher, Princeton University
click for more
"At one point I turned around and thought I've never seen such intimate connection in a class. The students' stories were powerful and inspiring! Thank you Lisa!"
-Kamran Afary, Assistant Professor, Cal State LA
TESTIMONIALS FROM PARTICIPANTS
"It was filled with moments of great pleasure and great growth for me. To me, that is some of the most wonderful stuff in life, and I am tremendously grateful."
-Lisa Dring, Actor and Creator of the solo show Death Play
"Taking Lisa’s solo writing workshop is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It was amazing to see the evolution of my work in such a short amount of time. I had been working on a solo piece for 5 years and never really knew what it was truly about, or what catalyzed its creation. Lisa’s incredibly insightful questions have turned it into something honest, relatable and something I now need to perform. Lisa’s workshops were always the highlight of my week and she’s just as excited about seeing your work as you are about sharing it. I also loved how she encourages you between workshops with helpful articles and encouraging quotes about writing. Do yourself a favor and take this class!"
-Julie Gouin, Teacher/Writer/Actress
click for more
"The class really got my juices flowing. Lisa's a terrific writing coach."
-Angela Bullock, Actor/Writer, Published Essayist in Lunch Ticket
"Lisa has a way with working with her students where she organically takes you through the process of creating a show. She takes the overwhelm out of the process and guides you step-by-step--until you’ve got a moment and then scene and then a string of scenes on the page. Before you know it you’re putting 10 minutes of your show on its feet, and on and on. Lisa holds a creative, safe space that allowed me to dig deep and go to vulnerable places in my work and with the class. I highly recommend working with her!"
-Diahann Reyes-Lane, Writer/Actress
“I had an idea but I had never written anything before, so I went to Lisa's workshop, just to see if I might somehow be able to write it. It was so much more fun and easy and interesting than I had anticipated. I thought it would be scary and hard and I would have nothing to tell. Her compassion and leadership made the class such a joy, and it was a breakthrough for me. I was writing. I took her class twice, and my goal was to write a piece about motherhood. The writing prompts were an incredible tool, and, eventually, I was writing on my own. I did write a piece about being a mom, and it was accepted for "Expressing Motherhood", and I performed it live as well as for the podcast. It changed my life, it helped me heal, and I was so proud I wrote something. I look forward to taking her class again for more stories I'm interested in working on, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for that little push.”
-Hiwa Chow Elms, Actress/Writer
"Lisa's memoir workshop is both practical and spiritual. Her exercises and structure get you writing immediately--writers block and resistance clear out of the way as her supportive energy and thoughtful guidance pave the way for new ideas and insights. The community aspect was also a real joy. I loved getting to learn about the other participants through their writing. Our shared experience was rooted in respect, appreciation, and encouragement. This workshop will move you forward regardless of where you are in your memoir process--even if you haven't written a word yet (that was me). If you are even remotely considering this workshop, I say DO IT! You will love the experience and you definitely won't regret it."
-Jennifer Rosenfeld, CEO, iCadenza
"I got so much out of the process that I want to do it again. The exercises guided me into making discoveries about myself. Things forgotten bubbled to the surface as I worked through the prompts and assignments. They challenged me to acknowledge certain life events and experiences that compose my personal history. They also helped me to organize my thoughts and get the work done before the workshop deadlines. Having a time limit for each prompt helped me since my “critic-self” doesn’t have time to negatively edit my own ideas.
The feedback I received both from Lisa and my workshop peers made me feel supported and validated. There were times when I felt my experiences were deeply understood and times when I realized that an event in my own life was extraordinary. I came away from the workshop feeling that not only do my stories matter, but that everyone’s stories matter."
-Kathy Kilsby, Dancer
"I had the privilege of taking classes with Lisa twice. Once, in a group setting, and another time as a solo student.
In both instances, at the conclusion of the workshops, conducted via skype, I felt re-energized and back on track.
What is remarkable about Lisa is her ability to quickly assess her student’s capacities, and focus on bringing to light the positive, while making constructive and gentle remarks about things that need improvement. She builds trust in her student.
And that in itself is a marvelous gift; one that can turn your life around, if you let it happen.
Would-be writers, and even experienced ones are plagued with self-doubt. It is a rare occurrence when a teacher can intelligently build your confidence, while pointing out some of the flaws in your work.
In my particular case, thanks to Lisa, I realized that organization is what lacks in my work, and not difficulty in conveying thoughts and emotions, which is what I believed was my problem.
I recommend Lisa Liang whole-heartedly as a teacher, a writer, a performer, a citizen of the world who understands and translates emotions into words that fly off on their own."
-Maya Evans, Poet/Writer/Teacher/Translator
"I had felt that the task of writing a memoir was gargantuan. Working with Lisa, I learned to trust the process, listen to my heart, and use a series of tools and prompts to get myself just writing! Lisa constantly pushed me to provide more richness and sensory detail in my writing. Honestly, as a result of her feedback, I was able to dive deeper into these stories and not only remember things that I had forgotten, but also to feel more connected to these stories from the distant past. I realized that there were things that I wasn't remembering in detail because I didn't know how to face them. Things like death, guilt, fear--memories and emotions that I tend to run away from. Lisa's workshop not only helped to transform my writing process but it helped me heal wounds that I did not realize had been there.
Lisa was generous, thoughtful, supportive, and kind. She was also fearless in digging into people's 'stuff' and asking the awkward questions, the direct questions. I remain deeply grateful for all the gifts that working with Lisa provided to me. If you're thinking about working with Lisa, stop thinking. Just do it!"
-Julia Torgovitskaya, President and Co-founder of iCadenza LLC
"'When I started my workshop with Lisa, I was in a difficult place with writing. I had written travel blogs, a diary and even started to write a novel previously, but I had found it very hard to keep up writing regularly, to finish projects and seemed to lose motivation.
The hardest thing for me about writing is believing in what you are creating and also finding the courage to share it with other people. The endless thoughts of it not be interesting or good enough came constantly into my head. With memoir writing the fear of digging up the past, and writing about people and episodes in your life is terrifying.
Lisa instantly made me feel at ease with this. She creates are very unique space within a group of people where one can be totally vulnerable without fear, you can create your work and present it without judgement. She has a way of making each member of the group feel empowered and able to write exactly what they felt at that time. While providing constructive and thoughtful feedback on your work.
Her writing prompts allowed me to revisit parts of my life that I had not thought about, nor dealt with for a while. Of course the memories of what happened are always there, Lisa gives you the ability to dig these moments back up gently and carefully and put them down on paper.
I would highly recommend one of Lisa's courses to anyone wanting to delve further into the world of memoir writing or writing a one person show, she presents and facilitates each session with understanding, grace and good humor and truly makes you feel like you can achieve anything.
Thank you Lisa, the experience of taking your course has really made my life richer and you have helped me to feel more comfortable, able and inspired as a writer."
-Tom Danaher, Expat
"This workshop was a powerful learning experience. I started the workshop with only the vaguest notions of exploring the genre of memoir and came away with not only a better understanding of the genre and my writing process, but with a better notion of myself. As an educator I am always aware of the importance of making safe spaces for learning and so I was grateful for Lisa's ability to quickly create a safe and creative space that allowed all of the participants to be vulnerable as we helped each other develop as writers. As such, the workshop served as a place to make meaning of my writing as well as a place to make meaning with the memories of my life, helping me to heal and come to terms with many of the ups and downs along the way. The workshop was focused with vision and the assignments made the impossible seem more possible. Her prompts and ability to give constructive feedback with care during sessions served as an excellent model for the participants as we explored, shared and grew as a group. After the workshop, I was surprised at how much more manageable writing a memoir now seems and I feel like I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I finished the workshop with sadness that it was ending but with renewed joy in the writing process as I look forward to the next steps on my path."
-Nicole Forbes Wagner, Educator
"For most of my writing life, I've been composing letters, journaling, producing academic papers, and editing other people's work. Finally, I admitted to myself that I want to tell my stories in more constructive and proactive ways. I enrolled in Lisa's Memoir Writing Course twice, once one-on-one to get my juices flowing, and another time with a group of three other friends with similar ambitions. Both workshop settings gave me the tools and courage to put into words my unique and sometimes uncomfortable life experiences, while Lisa created a safe and extremely affirming space for self-expression. The group was doubly affirming, as I got to know my friends in a completely new light; we continue to share our writing with each other every other week now that the workshop has ended. I am currently working on a solo-show, something I would have never considered before taking this course.
I highly recommend Lisa's workshop to anyone -- especially those with complex cultural backgrounds -- interested in getting to know and sharing themselves more deeply through writing."
-Kilian Kröll, Education Specialist and Intercultural Coach
"I signed up for Lisa’s class because I had an idea that had been knocking around my brain for quite some time. I wanted to tell my family’s story, but I didn’t know what form it should take--memoir or fiction, book, play, one person show--much less how to begin. Not to mention that the thought of writing anything at all was pretty intimidating. From our first class, Lisa put me at ease. She was welcoming and encouraging and I could tell that she was passionate about helping the students tell their stories.
Lisa gave us timed writing exercises to do in class, and I was always amazed by what I managed to create. There is something about having a time limit that is very liberating; you write what comes up and the impromptu nature of it leaves little room for self criticism. Stories and characters appeared that took me by surprise. By the end of the class, I felt a lot more comfortable about sitting down to write and I knew that when I was ready, I would be able to tell my family's story.
Lisa is a kind and supportive teacher, who will gently guide you in bringing forth whatever story you have to tell. I can't recommend her class highly enough!"
-Dawn G., Actress
"Dear Lisa,
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed & was stimulated by your memoir writing workshop this summer. When my parents died 34 years ago, I thought I should--for the sake of my progeny--add a chapter about my life to the extensive family history they had cobbled together from documents dating back generations. I started & stopped numerous times and accumulated quite a few fragments, but I never finished the job. When I heard about your workshop, I joined in the hopes you would inspire me to do just that. Your prompts & assignments aroused long-repressed memories, and I have added them to my work in progress. Most importantly, I was surprised that what I had to tell impressed the others in the group, who were all young enough to be my grandchildren. They made me realize that my experiences were unique and worth recording for my descendants. Although I'm still struggling to put it all together, I'm determined to do so--thanks to you and your other students.
Gratefully, John"
"Lisa gave me great tools and guidance--I enjoyed the class and her as an instructor."
-Participant in Winter 2015 Workshop
FEEDBACK FROM FIGT 2013 PARTICIPANTS
Very interactive + best session @ FIGT.
Absolutely excellent!
Loved it!
Awesome!
Very much inspiring! Thank you!
Thank you for great ideas + handouts + very practical help.
Great- enjoyed for show + writing exercises. Thank you!
Helped me to express.
PLEASE DO THIS AGAIN NEXT YEAR!
Fantastic.
Super well paced, excellent opening (solo show excerpt), created really safe space to share stories.
Superb! Invite her back next year!
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
(Photograph by Daniel Lawrence: Princeton University)
My five+ years of leading workshops have produced inspiring results for participants at conferences, on college campuses, and in private sessions. See testimonials above and list of past workshops below.
click for list
LIST OF WORKSHOPS
One 75-minute workshop at NAFSA XII Conference in November 2019
One 5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2019
One 5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2019
One 3-week local (L.A.) workshop in April 2019
One 3-hour workshop for Wellesley College in March 2019
One 2-hour workshop for Saint Mary’s College (IN) in February 2019
One 5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in fall 2018
One 2-hour workshop for California State Summer School for the Arts at CalArts in July 2018
One 6-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2018
One 3-month cross-country workshop via Skype in winter/spring 2018
One 4-month local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in winter/spring 2018
One 5-hour local (L.A.) workshop at Chromolume Theatre in March 2018
One 90-minute workshop at the Critical Mixed Race Conference at University of Maryland in March 2018
One 2-week international workshop via Skype in February 2018
One 2-hour workshop at Bootleg Theater in November 2017
One 4-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in fall 2017
One 2-hour workshop at California State University, Los Angeles in October 2017
One 6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2017
One 6-week local (L.A.) workshop at Chromolume Rehearsal Studio in summer-fall 2017
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in spring-summer 2017
One 6-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2017
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in spring 2017
One 5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in winter 2017
One 6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in winter 2017
One 6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in fall 2016
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2016
One 6-week workshop at Chromolume Dance Studio in L.A. in summer 2016
One month-long cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in spring 2016
One 6-week international workshop via Skype in winter 2016
One 90-minute workshop as guest lecturer at DePaul University in September 2015
One 5-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in summer 2015
One 5-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer 2015
One 5-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in winter 2015
One 5-week international workshop via Skype in fall 2014
One 6-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in summer 2014
One 50-minute workshop as guest lecturer at Princeton University in February 2014 (pictured above)
Two 90-minute workshops at California State University, Los Angeles in January 2014
One month-long workshop at Vs. Theatre in L.A. in January 2014
One 5-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in fall 2013
Concurrent Session on writing a TCK solo show, memoir, or personal essay at the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference in Virginia, March 2014 and in Maryland, March 2013
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