![]() A few years ago, I stopped sharing stories with some of my family members. Although they were well-intentioned, a couple of people in my life insist on critiquing my memory of stories from childhood. Instead of listening to the story and appreciating what I remember of it, they instead dedicate their energy to listing off the 547 reasons that my memory stinks because I remember my step-dad’s truck as white instead of red. After being interrupted and criticized on several occasions, I gave up trying. Why would anyone want to share their memories with people who lack interest and curiosity? No writer wants to sit in that corner. Writing memoir pieces, whether they are individual pieces or collective pieces, is deeply challenging work for any writer. The reflective aspect of memoir writing requires an inner strength to be able to identify memories worth preserving, self-evaluate events for their value, and compose those events into a logical format that others can relate to. Yet, any memoirist faces the criticism from multiple directions. Many writers, in any genre, tend to hold out considerations on how their work will be received while holding up a protective barrier around their work from the world’s exterior criticism. The balance is a challenge. To be able to write memoir, some writers need a bit of distance from the other people involved to be able to capture their authentic memories from their own viewpoint. Getting enough mental space can be the first step; accepting that not everyone will agree with one version of the truth is another. What memoirists need is a code of affirmation to lean upon during those days when Aunt Maisie lists the 42 ways you got your facts mixed up, because obviously, her memory is much superior to everyone else’s recollections. Memoirists need a bill of rights—a list of certain truths that support the intense work that memoir writing requires; memoirists need a solid, certain guarantee that no matter how many nails are bitten away during the hours spent dedicating personal recollections to paper, that the story will hold true. We need a bill of rights, because writing about our lives is gut-wrenching work that musters bravery by the bucketful. ![]() Have you thought about writing your personal stories to save for family and friends? Has the thought of writing your memoir intimidated you? Letters to the Future: The Simple Guide for Writing Your Memoir is a step-by-step guide book that can help anyone collect their personal stories for a memoir. Your stories are your greatest legacy. Preserve your stories for family and friends. Learn more about the book at Preserveyourstory.com Your stories are valid and valuable. |
About the SiteWelcome, Writers! Archives
January 2021
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