Interested in writing and publishing a memoir? Learn from Olney Writer’s Group members Kaitlyn Jain and Amy Chan Zhou. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.

Olney Writer’s Group members Kaitlyn Jain and Amy Chan Zhou both recently published their memoirs and are happy to share their stories and experiences. Learn about their writing processes (how to stay motivated!), and tips and strategies on publishing your own work. Q&A and light refreshments to follow.

Kaitlyn Jain’s book is titled Passports and Pacifiers: Traveling the World, One Tantrum at a Time. It’s a moving, honest and highly entertaining account of her family’s experiences traveling overseas with 4 young children. Kaitlyn just recorded an audiobook version, and has presented her story to audiences around the country. She’s also published several stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, with the newest coming out in April. More information can be found at her website, KaitlynJain.com.

Amy Chan Zhou wrote Flowing with the Pearl River about her childhood growing up during China’s tumultuous Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. It’s an unflinching account of survival– her father tried escaping to Hong Kong multiple times before finally succeeding– during a time of great political and cultural upheaval. An essay she penned was published in Newsweek’s My Turn column in September 2022.

Both titles are on Olney Library’s local author shelf and in MCPL’s catalog.

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