A Q&A with memoir-writing workshop participant, Theresa Southam
This fall, Notre Dame Kylemore hosted an exciting opportunity for writers: a memoir-writing workshop with award-winning author, columnist, and speaker Heather King. The workshop consisted of talks, discussions, prompts, and plenty of quiet writing time. Attendees described the workshop as "rich and deep" and "steeped in Irish culture, geography, weather, and food."
To get a full picture of the week, Emma Kirner, the research programmes manager at Notre Dame Kylemore, spoke with participant Theresa Southam about her experience attending the workshop. Southam is the department head of the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) at Selkirk College, an associate faculty member at Royal Roads University, and a Fielding ISI Fellow. Their conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Could you start by telling me a little about yourself and your background as a writer?
Theresa Southam: I came to writing early and late. In my early twenties, I attended a writing school in the region I now call home—Nelson, BC, Canada. I took that experience into my environmental conservation work. However, publication came only a few years ago through a small university press—Fielding, I have coedited a volume for them and recently published my own book.
What themes or forms do you usually explore in your work—and did this workshop deepen that practice, or open up something new for you?
TS: I am interested in how older women in more individualistic cultures like the United States and Canada are often misunderstood and misrepresented. However, ageism is just one ‘ism’ that troubles me deeply. I am also concerned about colonialism, racism, and other oppressions that are prevalent today. My book is about how we can make a difference by joining social movements that seek to change the world, such as #LandBack, ecofeminism, peace, multiculturalism, and eldering. Each chapter tells the story of an individual who has overcome their own trauma and contributed significantly to social change.
What drew you to this retreat in the first place?
TS: I am working on a new book. As part of my first book, it was suggested that I write memoir as a way of being present for the reader—the real human behind what could have been an overly academic text. Memoir helps me understand what is driving me to do this incredibly hard thing—write a book. I got deeply into the purpose of the next book while at Kylemore.
Spirituality is an inherent thread in this retreat—did that aspect influence your decision to join, or shape your experience in any way?
TS: To be honest, I didn’t understand how spiritual this workshop would be! The workshop leader, Heather King, has this uncanny ability to hold the space for writers at all levels to explore some deep traumas, safely, and without being a group therapy session!
What makes Heather the right guide for this program?
TS: The prompts really worked for me, as did the wonderful stories and quotes that Heather shared each day. She has crafted this balanced program where writing advice is interwoven with writing time, walking time, meals, and sharing. Heck, we even had movie nights!
How were your days structured during the retreat?
TS: I stuck to the program—attending the writing advice sessions, finding a beautiful window to sit beside and write myself, listening to others, and, probably most importantly, taking long walks on the grounds and enjoying the exceptionally fresh and delicious food!
Did your time at Kylemore have a meditative quality for you? What was the most meaningful part of it?
TS: My time felt contemplative. I didn’t feel lonely because of the sessions and the communal meals, but there was time for transcendent experiences in the woods, at the chapel, or just gazing out at the lake. I loved hearing the other participants read their work. I’m not sure if this happens every time, but the vulnerability in the group was exceptional. I made some acquaintances who I hope will become friends. A month later, we are still in communication as a group, encouraging each other and keeping up with what happens next! I loved the Kylemore staff as well—special people all of them!
For fun—what books are currently on your bedside table?
TS: Ooh. I very much want to read Helm by Sarah Hall! I’m reading the Empire of AI by Karen Hao, which shows how artificial intelligence began for the social good and, through greed, has evolved into a mostly destructive technology benefiting a few elite and wealthy people. The way AI is going now, this technology will further exacerbate bias, untruths, and worldviews that are generally harmful. People really need to learn about local language models (LLMs) like Aiden and start building LLMs themselves. Sneak peek for you: my next book is about how people can engage in AI that is more authentic and truthful. For something a little less expansive, I’m also reading everything that Elizabeth Strout has ever written—which is a lot! A reviewer was right in saying that she embodies radical empathy on each and every page!
Interested in attending next year's workshop? Learn more and apply on the Notre Dame Kylemore website.