RSVP: Three writers on estrangement
Jenny Bartoy, Stephanie Foo, and Emi Nietfeld discuss the nuances of going no contact with family—and writing about it
Hi Memoiring friends and fam,
It might sound strange if I said this just anywhere, but there’s been a lot of excitement for our May Book Club Pick, No Contact: Writers on Estrangement — and our upcoming virtual event on June 3 with editor, Jenny Bartoy, and contributors Stephanie Foo (What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma) and Emi Nietfeld (Acceptance: A Memoir), who are also tremendous memoirists.
How I’m measuring excitement, as a graduate of three liberal arts degrees:
I’m getting DMs1 about your experience processing and writing about estrangement — this book is making folks feel seen. ❤️ The topic has personal meaning for me, and I’m so heartened (and so sorry) that it speaks to so many of us.
Lots of new subscribers are joining to read No Contact with us.
They’re also signing up for our author Zoom on June 3. If you want to drop your question for the writers in the Comments, below, to get a head start, please do!
Here’s the link to sign up for our virtual author event — it’s free for Memoiring subscribers of all tiers.
I predict a moving and much-needed conversation about families (and their myths), self-preservation, and writing about challenging material that’s widely misunderstood.
There’s no pressure to have finished reading No Contact to attend. Come and participate or listen to our convo with these incredible writers (which will likely inspire you to read the collection).
Hit me up with any questions and see you on June 3!
Memoiringly, Melisse
Deep Water Literary Festival. June 19-21, Narrowsburg, NY (Western Catskills)
This year’s Deep Water Literary Festival (where I’m an advisor, workshop instructor, panel moderator, and more!) is devoted to TIME SHIFT: stories, performances, and art that refuses to move in a straight line. From speculative fiction and historical revision to memoir, biography, installation, and live performance, the 2026 program explores what happens when the past won’t stay buried, and when the future feels suddenly very present.
The New York Times called Deep Water “an epic literary festival,” which is an achievement when you understand its set in a town of less than 500 people. Join us! Most events are $15 or free.
Authors attending include Joyce Carol Oates, Jad Abumrad, Siri Hustvedt, Francine Prose, Nghi Vo, Rebecca Lehmann, George Packer, Ben Fountain, Amal El-Mohtar, Marlon James, Fab 5 Freddy, Jamie Hood, Alexandra Auder, Nicholas Boggs, Natalie Alder, Hugh Ryan and more. 💥
Where you’ll find me
June 20 @ 9:30am Everyone in This Book is You: Memoir Writing Workshop with Melisse Gelula We’ll explore using two narrators to tell your story...
June 20 @ 4pm After the Fact with Jamie Hood, Alexandra Auder, and Melisse Gelula Memoir is never just a record of what happened. It is also a struggle between the past self and the evolving self—and with what can be made from the remains of memory...
Thank you for your kind DMs. They’re always welcome. As are your Comments on the post, which might inspire and support others. That said, I understand personal material doesn’t always feel like a fit in the Comments section, even for us personal essayists and memoirists.
OMG I can't even tell you how excited I would be to join this!