ABOUT JENNIFER'S TEACHING

I went to Jennifer to learn How to write, and she has taught me Why. Jennifer provided so much more than a classroom where I could write a memoir. She gave me a haven where I could tell my story. Having never written a narrative before, I thought 70 was too late to start. Then I found Jennifer—her guidance, her caring, the community she built that welcomed me in—and I knew: this was the perfect age. If you have a story you want to tell, now is the time to begin. ~Lilli Colton

Jennifer is a Master Teacher with an open heart, and she gently leads her students, and readers, to grow their own wings while untangling their own stories, with ingenuity, attention to detail, and empathy. The world gradually becomes a brighter, more compelling, and intriguing landscape, populated by an infinite number of stories, as seen through the literary and observational lenses Jennifer teaches us to craft. ~Lina Cuartas

What makes Jennifer a great teacher is her ability to critique and encourage at the same time. Her gift is helping students tease out the themes in our narratives, allowing us to find our focus and direction. She reads with understanding and evaluates our writing with an open heart. Jennifer is such a good teacher, in large part, because she is willing to learn from us, her students. In learning from and listening to us, she can better guide us, as a companion, a friend, a mentor, a memoirist. ~B. Daniel Blatt

My time in Jennifer Leigh-Selig’s Writing Down the Soul memoir class transformed my life.  Not only did it teach me everything I wanted and needed to know about memoir writing, but it guided me step by step through the process of completing a book I never thought I could write Without Jennifer’s loving guidance, carefully structured syllabi, and awe-inspiring knowledge of all things Memoir and Archetypal, there is no possible way I could have completed my memoir (Between Two Worlds: An Armenian-American Woman's Journey Home). I have several advanced degrees, and numerous professional certificates and have had many teachers in my life.  Without a doubt, Jennifer ranks as one of the best. I am eternally grateful to her. ~Jemela S. Macer

I originally took Jennifer’s course Writing Down the Soul in 2018. I reenrolled again in 2022 because I was inspired once again to continue my memoir journey and I missed her unique interactive style of teaching. Jennifer’s distinctive instruction has us critiquing our classmates writing in addition to receiving her valuable and creative feedback. Jennifer builds trust among us and encourages us when we are generating pages and when we are struggling with writer’s block. She genuinely cares about us, our story, and our well-being. It is as if she is teacher, therapist, and cheerleader, nurturing us through our memoir journey. I highly recommend any of her courses. ~Lawrence Markworth, Elder Warrrior

Jennifer being introduced at a conference by her student, Dr. Melvin Allen

Working with Jennifer Leigh Selig has been a privilege and a gift. Jennifer has the rare ability to create and hold intimate safe space in which writers are able to open up and release deep pockets of themselves on the page. This profound safe space becomes a loving non-judgmental witness for the storyteller to tell their story. And being witnessed in this way has proven to be nothing short of a true healing. I am forever grateful to Jennifer for guiding me to reclaim abandoned parts of myself through writing memoir and for gifting me the opportunity to do so in such a loving and supporting community. ~Jodi Plaia

Jennifer helped me to first find my true voice, and then use it as effectively as possible. She raised questions that helped me to first discover who I am, replacing who I thought I was, and then offered me choices, instead of rules, of how best to convey what I wanted to say about my true self, my true life and life in general.With Jennifer’s help, I found my genuine voice and that has changed my life. At 70 years of age, I eagerly wake up every day to learn what memories are still waiting to come out and new, imaginative ways to connect with others through writing. ~Bradley Pilon

Jennifer and her writers at the end of a successful retreat

Jennifer Leigh Selig's ability to foster a deeply engaging community of practice continually impresses me. Her skill in blending rich content with a nurturing, compassionate approach to teaching is truly admirable. Since joining her memoir cohort in 2020, a time when the pandemic necessitated a shift to online interactions, I've witnessed firsthand her adept transition to virtual instruction. Jennifer excels in creating an inclusive and supportive environment, proving her adeptness in both virtual and physical classroom settings. ~Laura Lee Summers

Jennifer’s writing class, “Writing Down the Soul,” built my confidence that maybe, after all, I could write. Her communication skills are crystal clear.  She is responsive and welcomes questions. The sense of community is strong and lasting. Jennifer sets the tone, which is non-judgmental, supportive, and inquisitive. She celebrates each writing piece as the artistic puzzle pieces gradually combine to craft a finished memoir. Jennifer’s classes are life-changing experiences to be treasured. ~Peggy Cook, author of the memoir Released: Walking From Blame and Shame Into Wholeness

Jennifer and her memoir writing group in the Philippines celebrate their graduation