MUCH LIKE FINDING MEANING IN LIFE, finding the message in your memoir writing requires some digging. I would argue that in both life and in writing what you should dig past are the easy questions and … [Read more...] about Writing Lessons: Finding the Message in Your Memoir Writing
Writing Lessons: The Steps To Finding Your Writing Voice & Structure
FINDING YOUR WRITING VOICE requires experimenting. It’s as simple – and complicated – as that. And when I say this to my classes, I frequently get back accusatory stares. I think people feel cheated … [Read more...] about Writing Lessons: The Steps To Finding Your Writing Voice & Structure
Writing Lessons: How to Write About Yourself When Writing Memoir
HOW TO WRITE ABOUT YOURSELF is one of the most difficult assignments facing memoirists. Who are you, and what role do you play in a story that is not about you, but about something for which you are … [Read more...] about Writing Lessons: How to Write About Yourself When Writing Memoir
Writing Lessons: Becoming Part of an Anthology
BECOMING PART OF AN ANTHOLOGY is a great achievement for a writer. Along with the obvious joy of allowing you to keep fine company with the authors in the book, some of the other upsides to being in a … [Read more...] about Writing Lessons: Becoming Part of an Anthology
Writing Lessons: Writing About An Exceptional Experience
SPEAKING WITH A STUDENT recently, I was dismayed when she claimed that hers was not an “exceptional” story. There was no death, no loss, and so she thought her story of little value. I disagreed. In … [Read more...] about Writing Lessons: Writing About An Exceptional Experience
Writing Lessons: Finding Time to Write
HOW DO YOU FIND TIME to write? This is the question I get most – online, in person, in email, and on the phone -- and it has taught me that I must include some discussion about time and writing in all … [Read more...] about Writing Lessons: Finding Time to Write