Personal History vs Memoir

Posted on July 18, 2010 by moonbridgebooks

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=cherrybloss03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=074324754X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrThe Yahoo group, Lifewriters Forum, that I follow recently discussed the difference between personal history and memoir. When does personal history become memoir?

“Personal history” seems to be a catch-all phrase for memoir, autobiography and life stories. The definition of memoir is a personal narrative covering a part of the author’s life, vs autobiography covering the entire life so far. Most, if not all, commercially viable life writings are written as memoir, either a chronological story, or a series of personal essays (chapters) that make a point. They read similar to novels in that there is an overarching theme or storyline, whether an obvious conflict resolved or a subtle message. It may be an exploration of cultural or historic experience. Having a theme does make a big difference in marketability. What is the takeaway, what do we learn, are we inspired?

For those of us who encourage life writing, any personal history format is good, but in the market place narrative memoirs rule so that’s what people know best. And maybe that’s what stops people from writing their stories – they think it has to be like one of those well-written popular memoirs. Unless you are a good writer and plan to sell your memoir book, forget about competing with Mary Karr, Jeannette Walls, or some celebrity with a ghostwriter.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=cherrybloss03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=097723231X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr
Your life is important, whether anyone else acknowledges it or not. Your experiences may be common, but they are also unique to you and your perspective. Future generations of your family can learn from your piece of history and carry a part of you onward. Write your stories however you want. Make them a reflection of you, and not some perfect image no one recognizes. More on that in the next blogpost.

Linda Austin
“Cherry Blossoms in Twilight”
http://www.moonbridgebooks.com
Posted in memoir writing, writing skills | 2 Comments

Perfectionism, Basketball, and Writing

Posted on July 10, 2010 by moonbridgebooks

Lit: A Memoir (P.S.)http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=cherrybloss03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0060596996&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr  I had a great time with the extended family over the holiday. It’s sad not seeing people you love very often, so when I can I soak them up and savor them as though they were gravy. The last day of our visit my sister and I noticed we hadn’t had time to try out the basketball hoop Dad got for his birthday –how many senior folks get a hoop for a present! My sister and nephew and I, plus Dad, practiced shooting wild air balls and inept rim shots, but soon progressed to guarding and blocking with lots of laughter. Going inside for my camera, I tried recruiting the others who excused they weren’t any good. “What, you think we are? We’re just having fun!” brought some of the kids outside. “I’m just watching,” became playing and we had a crazy game going, laughing and cheering each other on. It was worth the sweat.

Recently I heard the saying, “Perfectionism is paying too much attention to failure.” There’s also, “Perfect is the enemy of good.” A lot of writers struggle with creating the perfect sentence, the perfect book. Mary Karr, author of the bestselling memoir, Lit, says she threw out about 2,000 pages and still thinks her book isn’t good enough. So for the average non-writing person, penning a memoir or life stories for the family can seem like a swim across an ocean. Or being asked to play on a basketball team. But don’t worry. Family members don’t expect you to be an expert at writing or storytelling. Ask for help, do your best and have fun. It will be worth the sweat.

Linda Austin
“Cherry Blossoms in Twilight”
http://www.moonbridgebooks.com
Posted in writing skills | Comments Off on Perfectionism, Basketball, and Writing

Hurrah for the red, white and blue memories

Posted on June 29, 2010 by moonbridgebooks
July 4th is on a Sunday this year, meaning a long weekend for many and more reason than ever to gather around grilling burgers with family and friends and then throw down blankets for the fireworks show. Don’t forget the bug spray! My own extended family will be gathering at the folks’ big place to see how the kids have grown, swim in the lake, roast marshmallows over a bonfire, and set off some of our own fireworks – oops, I mean watch the neighborhood fireworks.

For many, the Fourth of July is one of those ritual holidays, where families do the same thing every year, instilling tradition into the next generation. My own kids love the bonfire and the fireworks glowing over the lake (and sometimes IN the lake). I love the gathering outdoors with all the family on my side, whom I rarely see. I love the bullfrogs bellowing in the darkness and the crackling sounds of the fire. I love how this particular holiday lends itself to relaxation, unlike the rush and busyness of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thank goodness for July 4th, and thank goodness we live in the U.S.A. Despite faults, America is still a great place to live.
When writing memoir or life stories, don’t forget the minor holidays. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Memorial Day, even St. Patrick’s Day might have some fun stories or traditions. What do I remember about childhood July 4ths? Dad driving us around in a lot of traffic trying to find a roadside spot to watch the fireworks at the stadium. Once we actually were in the stadium and, boy, those fireworks went so high and were so close that I thought the sparks would surely land on my head. And the booming that blasted through my little body. We won’t talk about my husband’s memories – boys and fireworks are a very volatile mix!

Hope you all have a great weekend exploding with fun and memories.
Be safe!

Linda Austin
“Cherry Blossoms in Twilight”
http://www.moonbridgebooks.com
Posted in holiday | Comments Off on Hurrah for the red, white and blue memories