enfoque: From the Idea to Your First Book

Everyone has a story worth telling. Author and researcher Dr. Angel Contreras Cruz leads an interactive seminar designed to help transform one’s life experiences into the beginning of their own book. Through a combination of storytelling, practical instruction, and guided writing exercises, participants will learn how to organize their ideas, overcome the fear of writing, and discover ways to turn personal memories into meaningful narratives. Whether interested in writing a memoir, preserving family history, or simply exploring one’s creative voice, this is a welcoming space to begin. Whether you’ve never written before or have been working on your story for years, this is an opportunity to take the first step.

Dr. Angel Contreras Cruz is an author, researcher, and educator based in the Portland metropolitan area. His work explores migration, identity, and the power of personal storytelling. He is the author of Lecciones que nadie te cuenta al migrar: Memorias de un inmigrante en Estados Unidos, which was selected for the 2026 Multnomah County Library Writers Project. Drawing from his own experience as an immigrant and published author, Dr. Contreras Cruz is passionate about helping others discover the value of their own stories. Through engaging workshops and community-centered learning, he encourages participants to organize their ideas, build confidence as writers, and transform personal experiences into meaningful narratives.

Please note: Attendees should bring a favorite pen or pencil, something on which to write (notebook, journal, loose paper, laptop, tablet, etc.), an open mind, and a willingness to reflect on their experiences. They have the option of bringing a meaningful photo, object, or keepsake that sparks an important memory to use as a writing prompt.

Running time: 3 hours
Age recommendation: 13+