My friend Sandra Miller spent years writing and revising her forthcoming memoir, Trove. Below she explains what prompted her to write this story, and how the memoir developed. - Lynette Sandra (above) writes: The idea of finding treasure has been with me since I was little and would search … [Read more...] about Writing “Trove,” a Memoir
Boomers and Seniors
Non-Writing Writers
I’ve been trying to figure out where the notion of the writer’s life as glamorous got its start. I know as a kid, I thought being a writer was something special, probably because then as now, I read a great deal. What I read astonished me. I was impressed and enraptured by writers' ability to … [Read more...] about Non-Writing Writers
Who Do You Write Life or Family Stories For?
If you are writing about your life or your family, whom do you envision as your audience? Are you writing for family and friends or for a larger audience? Are they old, young, or in between? Men or women? Working or retired? Like to travel? Enjoy romance novels? Prefer mysteries? Addicted to reading … [Read more...] about Who Do You Write Life or Family Stories For?
Try Small Vignettes in Writing Your Memoir
Dani Shapiro has written a number of novels and memoirs; perhaps the best known of the latter is Devotion. A few months ago I found her newest, Hourglass: Time, Memory, Marriage. It's a quiet book, which isn't to say that it's boring or tedious. In fact, its contents consist of small vignettes … [Read more...] about Try Small Vignettes in Writing Your Memoir
Combining Family History and Travelogue
Writer Barbara Boudreau has written a good deal about her life and her family over the years. She's successfully used the tools of creative writing to bring her stories to life—and add humor to them. When I learned she would be researching her Lithuanian roots, I was captivated. When I was in … [Read more...] about Combining Family History and Travelogue
QUESTIONS ABOUT WRITING ABOUT YOUR LIFE OR YOUR FAMILY?
Have you been mulling over ideas about writing life stories—stories about your life or your family, but just can’t seem to get going? Or, have you started writing, but find yourself stuck by a seemingly intractable obstacle? Need to know what to do next? Send me your questions. Perhaps … [Read more...] about QUESTIONS ABOUT WRITING ABOUT YOUR LIFE OR YOUR FAMILY?
Repaired Link: Welcome to My New Memoir/Family History Website!
First I apologize for the broken link to this site. The renovating a web site unfortunately creates undesirable vulnerabilities. I'm so sorry you were subjected to the 404 or 403 errors, whatever they mean. We think finally we've wrestled the problem to the ground! If you remember my previous … [Read more...] about Repaired Link: Welcome to My New Memoir/Family History Website!
Compelling Reasons to Write About Your Life or Your Family
Can’t think of reasons why you should you invest the time or effort to write about your life or your family? Here are just a few reasons to write down stories about your life or your family. To create a record To preserve memories To protect personal and family history from being lost To … [Read more...] about Compelling Reasons to Write About Your Life or Your Family
Memoirist Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. Wears Many Hats: Part 1
For years, I have admired the work of Linda Joy Myers, prominent author, memoir writing instructor, and founder and president of the National Association of Memoir Writers. She now appears here to share her wisdom and experience with all of you who write and read memoir and family history. - … [Read more...] about Memoirist Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. Wears Many Hats: Part 1