MY FATHER DIED forty-one years ago this week and, as it does each year, it got me thinking about what I miss. But what to write? How to characterize someone in a personal essay? How to show who he was … [Read more...] about How To Characterize Someone in a Personal Essay
What is a Memoir? Let’s Define It and Get You Working.
I HAVE A NEW response I give when asked how to define memoir and I’ve been testing it on people, hoping it resonates. Now, I think I’ll share it with you. When defining what is a memoir, one can scour … [Read more...] about What is a Memoir? Let’s Define It and Get You Working.
How To Write a Personal Essay? Go Small to Reveal Life’s Large Themes
THE PERSONAL ESSAY will always be among my favorite forms of discovery. In it, one can have a little look, bounce something in the hand and gather one’s wits on the larger issues of life by reflecting … [Read more...] about How To Write a Personal Essay? Go Small to Reveal Life’s Large Themes
One Big Tip on Planning A Memoir
WHEN IT COMES TO the work of planning a memoir, the advice you will receive online, in books and in person should always include the words “structure” and “argument,” as well as the question, “What is … [Read more...] about One Big Tip on Planning A Memoir
How To Start an Excellent Memoir? Try This Free Online Class
LATER THIS WEEK, I’ll be teaching a free class called “How to Start an Excellent Memoir.” I last offered this class in August, and it was very well received. So, we’re doing it again. … [Read more...] about How To Start an Excellent Memoir? Try This Free Online Class
How To Write That First, Messy Draft: The Perfect Recipe
SINCE PUBLICATION OF THE MEMOIR PROJECT, my irreverent little book on how to write memoir, there has not been one day that I have not wanted to tweak it, adding a small thought or a phrase to what I … [Read more...] about How To Write That First, Messy Draft: The Perfect Recipe
