[stylist] Memoire writing

[Jackie Williams]

Bridgit,
Your comments on memoire writing are an excellent guide for all of us. As
always, your craft knowledge in all genres benefits all of us.
Wouldn't it be interesting if a book of short memoires of all on this list
could be put together. Enough bits and pieces of everyone's lives here give
an indication of fascinating reading!

Jackie Lee

Time is the school in which we learn.
Time is the fire in which we burn.
Delmore Schwartz	 


-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit
Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 11:32 PM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [stylist] Hello!

Debby,

First, most memoir writers feel exactly the same way you do; that there's
nothing special about them. Not all memoir writers have life and death
stories to tell, or extreme, challenging stories to tell. In fact, most
memoir writers do not have stories like these. The difference is in how you
craft your story, the techniques and devices you employ, the voice and style
of writing and finding a universal that can connect your personal story to
the wider world.

As for displaying your faith without sounding saccharine, make sure people
and events are complex and full of depth. Don't go in for lecturing or
fables or even points really, just be honest and tell your story. Lots of
nonfiction writers share their faith in their writing. Again, it's all about
approach.

My specialty is creative nonfiction, which is memoir/personal essay writing.
In this style, you use literary devices to tell real stories. Often, CNF
reads like a novel. Personally, I like to employ scenic development, lyrical
prose, dialogue and imagery and metaphor. There's a lot of room for creative
expression and experimentation with structure and style in CNF. Two of my
favorite memoirist are considered creative nonfiction writers, Maxine Hong
Kingston and David Sedaris.

But even when crafting more traditional nonfiction writing, there's a lot of
room to play with structure and format and language too.

So just start writing what's important to you. As you write, you will find
those threads that can weave together to create a cohesive, well-rounded
piece.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Debby
Phillips via stylist
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 10:06 PM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List
Cc: Debby Phillips
Subject: Re: [stylist] Hello!

Hi Lynda, I have always wanted to write in a way that lets my faith come
forth.  I was part of a Christian Community for awhile and both kids and
adults in the Community loved my stories.  But I have a fear that people
will think my stuff is too "sweet".  I want my characters to be strong,
realistic, but I want the good to come forth.  So I'm thinking about what I
can write.  My mom wants me to write my memoirs.  But I don't think there's
that much special about me that it would make anybody that drilled to read
my memoirs.  Lol.  Well, I best go, I have some Saturday chores to finish
up.

I will look for some of your stuff.  Can you tell me the names of 
any of the periodicals you have written for?    Debby

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