"Occasional Writers: Bringing the Past Forward" is the work of the Past/Forward memoir group based in Charleston, Illinois. Past/Forward began in 2007 when Daiva Markelis, a professor at Eastern Illinois University whose memoir "White Field, Black Sheep: A Lithuanian-American Life" has garnered critical acclaim, taught a memoir writing class for adults. Open to anyone with a love for writing, the group grew. Its members were serious about learning their craft. They gave and received constructive criticism, brought in guest speakers, and participated in focused workshops.

These are...