Charles Guittard: Scribblings from Storage & Other Works
I’m an octogenarian English major retired from law practice and mediation, now writing non-fiction biography and creative memoir.
Charles Francis Guittard, Author
Reflections from a later-in-life author
Everyone has a story, though some take longer to tell. It took me seventy-plus years.
I am Charles Francis Guittard. After retiring from a career in law, I turned to writing. With five published books, my goal is to encourage others to share their stories. Memoirs and nonfiction have value at any stage of life—dig deep, pull your story up, and write.
To English majors and anyone interested in reading or writing memoirs and biographies: the journey of self-discovery often brings greater self-awareness and confidence, though it can be a long and challenging road.
My own experience, spanning over eight decades, has been filled with moments of humor and, in recent years, opportunities to inspire others to explore their own stories and write. Read more about my journey on my author page.
Meet the Author
The art of memoir writing workshops
I aim to encourage students of every age to document their personal histories. Whether through memoirs, biographies, non-fiction, or stories inspired by real events, history is brought to life by the voices of real people. We need diverse writers to safeguard our past and educate future generations.
If your class, book club, or group seeks inspiration, I offer virtual book readings and memoir writing workshops. Please reach out via the contact link to share information about your group and to arrange a virtual session.
Latest Release
Scribblings from Storage
THE CONFESSIONS OF AN ENGLISH MAJOR
“From materials accumulated in his storage units over the years, Charles Guittard has created a treasure trove of humor and insight.”
What happens when you unearth boxes of old letters, dog-eared essays, rebellious cartoons, and forgotten report cards from a dusty storage unit? You get SCRIBBLINGS FROM STORAGE, The Confessions of an English Major—a candid, witty, and deeply human memoir by Charles Francis Guittard, Baylor class of 1964.
Told through the artifacts of his so-called “permanent record,” this unconventional memoir traces Charles’s winding journey as an earnest but often insecure teenager stumbling reluctantly toward adulthood. Dating dramas, debate, bridge and ping-pong competitions, college decisions, fraternity bids, career anxiety, and spiritual curiosity all collide as he tries to figure out who he is—and what on earth he’s meant to do.
Books
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![White book with red writing in cursive that says scribblings from storage]()
Scribblings from Storage
“Charles's story is hilariously specific—and surprisingly universal.”
Scribblings from Storage: The Confessions of an English Major (2025): Told through the artifacts of his so-called permanent record, this unconventional memoir traces Charles’ winding journey as an earnest but often insecure teenager stumbling reluctantly toward adulthood.
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![white book with red spine and two black and white pictures of children, red writing in all caps, Thinking Things Over]()
Thinking Things Over
“A rollicking good read and a view into the minds of a gifted writing team.”
Thinking Things Over, The Reflections of Two 80-Year-Olds (2024): What can happen when an 80-year-old Dallas widower meets an 80-year-old Austin widow?
Several things, one right after another.
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![green book with yellow writing and illustration of a man holding a tree branch, yellow title in all caps I will teach history]()
I Will Teach History
“A fascinating family story reaching from generation to generation with wisdom and charm.”
I Will Teach History, The Life & Times of Francis Gevrier Guittard, Professor, Baylor University (2021): The third volume of the trilogy about the legendary Professor and his times told conversationally in dialogues with the author’s grandchildren.
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![A book cover titled 'A Ph.D.'s Reverie' by Charles Francis Guittard with illustrations by Grace Elizabeth Daniel. The cover features a sketch of a young woman sitting by a window, holding a book and resting her chin on her hand.]()
A Ph.D.'s Reverie
“Haunting at times...I felt the struggles and pain Frank must have felt.”
A Ph.D.'s Reverie (2018): A biographical poem with historical notes focusing on vignettes from the life of Francis Gevrier Guittard (1867-1950) with illustrations by Grace Daniel, a Baylor art student. The work presents a series of imagined vignettes poetically rendered from the story of Frank Guittard, a game young scholar of limited means who, encouraged by his parents to leave home for Texas during hard times, struggles to achieve his central goal of a college education.
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![Cover of a book titled 'A Ph.D.'s Reverie' featuring a black-and-white photo of an older man in glasses and a suit reading a book, with a smaller photo of a young man in a suit in the background. The book discusses letters, courtship, and a Ph.D. student's ordeal, authored by Charles Francis Guittart.]()
A Ph.D.'s Reverie: The Letters
“eminently enjoyable;” “illuminating and entertaining;” “masterful, intertwined portrait”
A Ph.D.’s Reverie: The Letters (2019): Family correspondence between Francis Gevrier Guittard and his family members, including his first and second wives and his two sons, and largely focusing on the years he earned his Ph.D. in late life at Stanford as the oldest student in the room.
A (relatable) story to share
Announcements, events, thoughts, and blog posts from Charles Francis Guittard.
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