Monday, 15 March 2010
Memoir Malfunction?
Many meaningful memories meander through my mind, but as I jot them down, I fear they will subconsciously mutate, malfunction, morph into fiction rather than fact. Especially when I retrace the times that made me miserable, I frantically fight off fate's fundamental message to me, in fear that I may feel its familiar unfathomable fiery force again. If only there was a way to write these memories down, and maintain a fictitious distance from them, my memoir wouldn't make me miserable, it would make me motivated to tell others my story.
6 comments:
“I'm using my art to comment on what I see. You don't have to agree with it.” ~John Mellencamp
“Allowing an unimportant mistake to pass without comment is a wonderful social grace” ~Judith S. Marin
“I don't ever try to make a serious social comment.” ~Paul McCartney
“I'd make a comment at a meeting and nobody would even acknowledge me. Then some man would say the same thing and they'd all nod.” ~Charlotte Bunch
“Probably what my comment meant was that I don't care about the circumstances if I can tell the truth.” ~Sally Kirkland
“We're not going to pay attention to the silliness and the petty comments. And quite frankly, women have joined me in this effort, and so it's not about appearances. It's about effectiveness.” ~Katherine Harris
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I like the way that the story is building...
ReplyDeleteIt will grow, just let the words flow.
ReplyDeleteDo you think maybe you're meant to write fiction rather than the memoir? Or maybe you need to give yourself more distance for healing before trying to write the memoir. Just some thoughts...
ReplyDeleteHi Holly,
ReplyDeleteWell, yes, I do also write fiction. I've written one women's fiction novel which I'm seeking agent representation for at the moment. Plus another one on the go. I just felt that I really needed to write the truth for once. It really needs to come out! I have on days and off days. Sometimes I really enjoy it, and other days it depresses me. Bit like life really :) HA!
As your other commenters suggest, I think just keeping notes and allowing the text to develop is the best approach.
ReplyDeleteI was reading Homer Hickam Jr.'s great three book memoir (it started with one entitled the Rocket Boys), and found it interesting that the series focuses on four years of his life--the second year of high school through the summer after his first year of college as opposed to covering birth to retirement.
He is still able to discuss interesting parts of his childhood, but the short time span allows for greater emphasis on detail and character development.
I thought it worked in his case.
Thanks Slamdunk. Yes, I agree with you completely. I've already taken the shorter time span approach as my memoir focuses on my childhood, and teens, when certain aspects of my upbringing affected my choices and personality. If you'd like to see what it's about you can find a link to my web site in my profile page. :)
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