I TELL STORIES. That would be my sister's version of our tale, the suggestion being that she writes the truth. For me, even that distinction is a story. What to do when you have different versions of … [Read more...] about Differing Versions of a Family Tale? No Problem.
What Tone Should Memoir Take? In Praise of Humility in Memoir
SOMETIMES I CAN BE SUBTLE. And while no particular incident of that comes to mind right now, I maintain that I can be. Sometimes. I’m sure of it. Though never when teaching memoir writing, and so I … [Read more...] about What Tone Should Memoir Take? In Praise of Humility in Memoir
Need a Memoir Topic? Use the Calendar
USE THE CALENDAR. It's the best way I know to choose memoir topics and get memoir ideas. This is advice I give all the time in my online memoir classes, and I'm reminded of that advice every time a … [Read more...] about Need a Memoir Topic? Use the Calendar
There is No Such Thing as Writer’s Block
WRITER’S BLOCK? NONSENSE. There is no such thing as writer’s block. Nope. Despite the fact that writing books are chock full of time-wasting exercises with all manners and ways to get you to emerge … [Read more...] about There is No Such Thing as Writer’s Block
Ask Yourself: “What is This About?”
WHAT MAKES GOOD MEMOIR? I get this question all the time when I teach, including in a recent class, and it reminded me that it’s time to limn that line here between what is merely some great scene … [Read more...] about Ask Yourself: “What is This About?”
How to Write Your Truth
WHOSE STORY ARE YOU? Are you the tale told to you by the person who belittled you? Are you the story of your accomplishments? Are you burdened by a version of yourself that was handed down, like a … [Read more...] about How to Write Your Truth
