“A memoir captures a meaningful slice of life - a memory, a lesson, or an experience that stands out. In our sessions, members come together to share short, reflective stories (up to 500 words) inspired by a new theme each month. As Time Goes By is not a writing skills class, nor is it about creating a full autobiography. It’s a space for those who want to record the stories that future generations might never think to ask about - a place to remember and share treasured moments in a welcoming, supportive environment with others who are also telling their stories.”
Writing and sharing memoir
Last month we stressed the importance of incorporating reflection on the impact on you of the experiences you are writing about. This can be subtle, can be strategically placed, can always be in the conclusion.
Interestingly, the ‘This (…..) Life’ topic,automatically incorporates a reflection, as you need to think about the topic and what is significant about it, eg. Heather’s ‘This (Chaotic) Life’.
This month, a reminder to keep focussed on the particular slice of life you are writing about. Usually when you craft your story so that it is within 500 words you don’t stray off onto other themes and lose focus. However, the more words you write, the more likely this is to happen.
There's a saying in writing circles 'Kill your darlings'...'A darling' is something which is meaningful to you, enjoyable to write about, but which looked at objectively isn’t a ‘good fit’ in this slice of life. 'Kill it'! Highlight it, “cut" it, then “paste” it into a document for possible use later! Your story almost invariably reads well without it. This is all part of crafting your story.
Creating a key sentence for your story can be useful in retaining focus... 'This is a story about ..... '. It’s a tool to refer back to when you find you've strayed delightfully off into a barely related memory.
Bev
Writing and sharing memoir
Last month we stressed the importance of incorporating reflection on the impact on you of the experiences you are writing about. This can be subtle, can be strategically placed, can always be in the conclusion.
Interestingly, the ‘This (…..) Life’ topic,automatically incorporates a reflection, as you need to think about the topic and what is significant about it, eg. Heather’s ‘This (Chaotic) Life’.
This month, a reminder to keep focussed on the particular slice of life you are writing about. Usually when you craft your story so that it is within 500 words you don’t stray off onto other themes and lose focus. However, the more words you write, the more likely this is to happen.
There's a saying in writing circles 'Kill your darlings'...'A darling' is something which is meaningful to you, enjoyable to write about, but which looked at objectively isn’t a ‘good fit’ in this slice of life. 'Kill it'! Highlight it, “cut" it, then “paste” it into a document for possible use later! Your story almost invariably reads well without it. This is all part of crafting your story.
Creating a key sentence for your story can be useful in retaining focus... 'This is a story about ..... '. It’s a tool to refer back to when you find you've strayed delightfully off into a barely related memory.
Bev
