The Butterfly Hours: Transforming Memories into Memoir - Softcover

"Patty Dann has collected 25 years of teaching experience in this generous book of advice to writers. She delivers a series of prompts that open up tiny worlds of memory and feeling. If God is in the details, God is here."--Betsy Lerner, author of The Forest for the Trees

"Seamlessly blending writing wisdom with memoir, The Butterfly Hours promises to spark not only your writing, but also your heart. This book is a testament to why writing continues to be one of humankind's most essential superpowers."--Laraine Herring, author of Writing Begins with the Breath and On Being Stuck

"If all books could be this wonderful! From the first page, I fell in love with Patty Dann's warm, witty, sound advice and the glimpses into her own life. Refreshingly modest and gently profound, The Butterfly Hours is a treasure--and the perfect present for all who feel they have memories to share. Brava, Patty Dann. I so loved this book."--Elinor Lipman, author of The View from Penthouse B and I Can't Complain

Discover the power and pleasure of writing from your life.  We all have stories to tell, and Patty Dann can help you bring them forth.

Sometimes all it takes is a single word to spark a strong memory. Bicycle. Snowstorm. Washing machine. By presenting one-word prompts and simple phrases, author and writing teacher Patty Dann gives us the keys to unlock our life stories. Organized around her ten rules for writing memoir, Dann’s lyrical vignettes offer glimpses into her own life while, surprisingly, opening us up to our own. This book is a small but powerful guide and companion for anyone wanting to get their own story on the page.