Where Memory Catches Fire: A Lyrical Séance
Rosemont College’s Writer’s Studio Summer Retreat is delighted to welcome acclaimed writer and educator Jennifer Rieger for a powerful weekend workshop. The Jennifer Rieger Weekend – CNF will take place from July 10–12, 2026, offering writers a transformative exploration of the lyrical essay.
Titled Where Memory Catches Fire: A Lyrical Séance, this workshop invites participants to treat the page as an altar and transform personal memory into resonant, poetic prose.
About The Workshop
In this intimate and inspiring session, Jennifer Rieger will guide writers to move beyond traditional memoir structures. Instead of simply recounting “what happened,” participants will learn to conjure the ghosts of experience; the lingering images, emotions, and echoes that refuse to fade.
Moreover, the workshop emphasizes the musicality, fragmentation, and sensory richness of lyrical forms. Writers will experiment with rhythm, incantation, and vivid imagery to create essays that feel both deeply personal and universally moving.
Meet Jennifer Rieger
Jennifer Rieger is a highly respected public educator, college professor, and award-winning writer in the Philadelphia area. She has been honored with the Franklin Institute 2020 Teaching Award, the 2021 Philadelphia Phillies Teaching Award, and was a finalist for Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year.
Additionally, Jen has received Pushcart Prize nominations for her literature. Her work has appeared in Chautauqua Literary Journal, Wisconsin Review, Philadelphia Stories, and Minerva Rising. In 2022, Minerva Rising Press published her lyrical essay collection Burning Sage, which explores themes of memory, loss, resilience, and letting go. She holds a BA in English, an MA in English Literature, and an MFA in Creative Writing.
Why You Should Attend
This workshop is perfect for writers seeking to infuse their nonfiction with poetic power and emotional resonance. Furthermore, the small-group setting at Rosemont College creates an ideal environment for meaningful feedback, creative risk-taking, and artistic growth.
Whether you are working on a memoir, personal essays, or hybrid pieces, studying with Jennifer Rieger will help you unlock new layers in your writing.
SOLD OUT – Explore more Writer’s Studio opportunities below:
The Rosemont Experience
At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.
In the Heart of Suburban Philadelphia's Iconic Main Line
- Beautiful 58 acre Main Line campus located in serene suburban Philadelphia.
- Current students have access to world class advanced degree programs through exclusive partnerships.
- Rooted in Catholicism we welcome all faiths and beliefs.
- Coveted 11:1 student to faculty ratio providing an unparalleled educational experience.
- An average class size of 13 ensures a high caliber, personalized education.
