THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION in my class is “How do I know when it’s done?” In fact, a piece of writing never really dies, though you are done when a blog post, an essay, even a book has … [Read more...] about Class Notes. The Most Asked Question in Memoir Writing: When is it Done?
Is That A Glue Gun in Your Pocket or Are You Just Really Not Glad to See Me?
DROP THE GLUE GUN. Back away from the scrapbook. That’s right. Slowly. If you were scrapbooking, you were defaulting to the simplest, most anemic of ways to remember the moments of your life. … [Read more...] about Is That A Glue Gun in Your Pocket or Are You Just Really Not Glad to See Me?
Writing Memoir? Include Transcendence
MEMOIR REQUIRES TRANSCENDENCE. Something has to happen. Or shift. Or merely move. Someone has to change a little. Or grow. It’s the bare hack minimum of memoir. But don’t confuse transcendence with … [Read more...] about Writing Memoir? Include Transcendence
Clever Damage: Writing Memoir About Family Abuse
A RECENT CLASS was one of the toughest online memoir classes I’ve ever taught. Utterly challenging, the evening was filled with pieces that while wonderful, were also emotionally wrenching. Many … [Read more...] about Clever Damage: Writing Memoir About Family Abuse
On the Road With The Memoir Project
I'VE HIT THE ROAD, if only in a cyber way. I'm teaching this week online at She Writes, a fine site where women get together and talk about writing. My topic? Memoir, of course. I'm the guest editor … [Read more...] about On the Road With The Memoir Project
Class Notes: A St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, or Editing Your Memoir
LAST WEEK IN CLASS, the question was raised about how to edit yourself, and suddenly everyone looked at their shoes. It’s a reaction I’ve come to expect as well as adore. And it makes sense. I mean, … [Read more...] about Class Notes: A St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, or Editing Your Memoir
