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
Two Sides to the Same Story? At Least. Here’s My Sister’s Version
I TOLD YOU my side of the story. Now, it’s my sister’s turn. It’s what I call the "She Said, She Said" of all sisters. If you have a sister, you know. If not, believe me when I tell you that no two … [Read more...] about Two Sides to the Same Story? At Least. Here’s My Sister’s Version
Two Sides to the Same Story? At Least. What to Do? Write Your Version.
CAN THERE BE two sides to the same story? Of course. That's both a hallmark of families, as well as of memoir. What to do? Read this, as well as the accompanying piece linked below in which my sister … [Read more...] about Two Sides to the Same Story? At Least. What to Do? Write Your Version.