Can I get a witness?

Several of my writer friends are on pins and needles, waiting for word from editors, agents, critique partners…you name it.  

A close friend tricked me into reading GLASS CASTLES, austensibly as a diversion from my own waiting  “Here, read this instead of obsessing about submissions for THAT’S HAUTE,” she said, thrusting the memoir into my hands. “Seriously,” she added, “you need to write your own story next.”

The more pages I read, the more I’m thinking maybe, just maybe, I will write about my own childhood adventures as the daughter of a tent revivalist. There are good reasons to write such a book, and there are also drawbacks to taking on this challenge. I am not sure I want to put them into words right now, but I’m mulling things over and putting out a few feelers about the topic. 

[info]bostonerin

 offered to send me materials from an adult ed class on memoirs she teaches, but if you also have suggestions or feedback, I’d love to hear from you, too. I’m looking for outstanding memoirs as models, and I’d also appreciate your thoughts on the topic and recommended resources for writing in that genre. 

Image credit:

[info]lizjonesbooks 

created an artistic rendition of THAT’S HAUTE that includes this and other images from my childhood.

67 Comments

  1. OK, I’m not a big memoir reader for no other reason than my YA TBR pile is so big, but I just found a new writing group partner who is writing a “YA memoir” about a specific period of her teenaged life, and I LOVED the idea. I thought, Wow, reading about how other kids grew up sounds so interesting — and can I just say being the daughter of a tent revivalist is something I’d pick up in 2 seconds? If the project idea is getting you excited, go for it!

    • There’s a trick, isn’t there, to creating a story arc that unfolds an issue w/o getting into longwinded and uninteresting narrative. That’s the first challenge I’m trying to figure out: What’s the point I really want to make?

      A YA memoir? Now that’s an interesting idea…

      Thanks so much for your support!

  2. Melodye, I think writing a memoir is a very personal choice–I love reading them and getting glimpses into people’s lives. Here are two of my favorites. The first made me laugh out loud. The second had me bawling into my sheets, but they are both amazing.

    I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK – by Nora Ephron: This book will have you laughing out loud and sympathizing, no matter what your age.

    TALES FROM THE BED – By Jenifer Estess: Everyone should read this book to know how lucky they are simply to be alive, breathing, and mobile.

    • I agree that it’s a very personal choice to write a memoir, but I also have to determine if there’s a ready audience. That’s part of my deliberations…

      Thanks for the suggestions! I read Nora’s book and loved it. The second one? I’ll put it on my list.

      We missed you at PFL. Maybe next week, eh?

  5. I think that if you’re emotionally able to write a memoir, you should pursue it. I’m sure it would be very interesting.

    I’m drawing a blank when it comes to good memoirs, even though I’m sure I’ve read many good ones. These are the only good ones I’ve come up with:

    A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers: very popular; definitely heartbreaking; I had trouble getting into it, but I probably should have waited until I was older to read it. (I was around 14) If I remember correctly, it’s about how Eggers took care of his younger brother while their mother died of stomach cancer.

    Smashed by Koren Zailckas: excellent book about her struggle with alcoholism.

    ‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara: fascinating book about the life of one of my favorite actresses.

  6. I think that if you’re emotionally able to write a memoir, you should pursue it. I’m sure it would be very interesting.

    I’m drawing a blank when it comes to good memoirs, even though I’m sure I’ve read many good ones. These are the only good ones I’ve come up with:

    A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers: very popular; definitely heartbreaking; I had trouble getting into it, but I probably should have waited until I was older to read it. (I was around 14) If I remember correctly, it’s about how Eggers took care of his younger brother while their mother died of stomach cancer.

    Smashed by Koren Zailckas: excellent book about her struggle with alcoholism.

    ‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara: fascinating book about the life of one of my favorite actresses.

  7. I think it would be a wonderful project, one that would take a lot out of you, probably.

    I got your card! Thank you!

    And whatis the Waiting Room? I tried to open the link in your post, but it’s a protected entry…

  8. I think it would be a wonderful project, one that would take a lot out of you, probably.

    I got your card! Thank you!

    And whatis the Waiting Room? I tried to open the link in your post, but it’s a protected entry…

  9. I have to admit that I’m not a reader of memoirs–not because I don’t like them, but because my fiction list is never-ending!

    Your story sounds fascinating, though, and I’d love to read it. I imagine there can be some emotional difficulties with delving into the past though. I had to throw out a whole story line about a mentally ill mother in my WIP because I realized I didn’t want to cause my own mom more pain. Maybe someday I’ll go there again.

    I hope it works out, Melodye–it looks like you have a ready-made audience here. 🙂

    • I’ve got stacks and stacks of unread books, but a girl can never have too many options, right?

      Yes, there are layers of emotional considerations, part of what I’m contemplating right now…

      I sure appreciate your support…and thanks for sending me your short story, by the way!

    • I’ve got stacks and stacks of unread books, but a girl can never have too many options, right?

      Yes, there are layers of emotional considerations, part of what I’m contemplating right now…

      I sure appreciate your support…and thanks for sending me your short story, by the way!

  10. I have to admit that I’m not a reader of memoirs–not because I don’t like them, but because my fiction list is never-ending!

    Your story sounds fascinating, though, and I’d love to read it. I imagine there can be some emotional difficulties with delving into the past though. I had to throw out a whole story line about a mentally ill mother in my WIP because I realized I didn’t want to cause my own mom more pain. Maybe someday I’ll go there again.

    I hope it works out, Melodye–it looks like you have a ready-made audience here. 🙂

  12. I’ve never heard of Cynthia’s waiting room, but I’m not really enjoying my wait that much either (who does?)…but I’ve read GLASS CASTLES, and I think your life, from what you’ve said, would definitely be interesting (though hopefully not as sad) as Jeanette’s.

    I’m about 1/3 to 1/2 done now — maybe by the end of the month?

    • I’m sorry I linked to a protected entry. 🙁 You got the idea, though…lots of angsty waiting and wondering what’ll happen next.

      Take your time…no hurries, I know you have plenty to do. I know it’ll be worth the wait.

  13. In addition to the writing resources, here are a couple of my favorite memoirs: (a disclaimer–all of them are very emotionally intense)

    The Year of Magical Thinking-Joan Didion. This is a *heartbreaking* book about how she lost her husband and nearly lost her daughter in the same year (her daughter passed away after she finished the book). Her portayal of grief earned her a National Book Award, I believe.

    The Liar’s Club-Mary Karr. Stunning. A fantastic, honest portrayal of growing up in a dysfunctional home with parents who love you very much, but can’t always get past their own issues to express it. Watching her mother’s disintegration is horrifying, in a “can’t-put-it-down” kind of way.

    Persepolis: The Story of A Childhood-Marjane Satrapi. This is a memoir told in graphic novel form about growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution. Read it for the honest, straightforward way she tells her story, using both text and illustration to convey the power of her experience.

    I’ll think of some more….

  15. The daugher of a tent revivalist? Oh man, that had to be rough. I bet there is a ton of writing fodder.

    Good luck on your book. I’m keeping things crossed for you!

  16. Hi Melodye!

    Well,you know how I feel about this becasue I’ve told you!
    But I can imagine it would be a very difficult memoire to write and you must be emotionally ready for it. I know it;s something I’d love to read myself. Your background truly fascinates me, but I know how difficult it is to write about oneself. I’m glad I write fiction, and can dress up some of my experiences!

    • The first thing I need to do is narrow the focus to one point I want to make, plus I need to figure out how to incorporate novel-writing strategies, to create a story arc. All new challenges…scary but exciting, both!

    • The first thing I need to do is narrow the focus to one point I want to make, plus I need to figure out how to incorporate novel-writing strategies, to create a story arc. All new challenges…scary but exciting, both!

  17. Well, we all come here everyday to see what’s up with you, so I’m guessing we’d all be interested to read your story. It sounds like you’ve had an amazing journey so far.

    And the waiting game… Sigh.

    • I think everyone has a fascinating story to tell…like Maya Angelou says, “We are more alike than unalike.” But one skill I need to develop first is the a writer’s ability to create and unfold a story arc. YIKES and HELP!

    • I think everyone has a fascinating story to tell…like Maya Angelou says, “We are more alike than unalike.” But one skill I need to develop first is the a writer’s ability to create and unfold a story arc. YIKES and HELP!

  18. Well, we all come here everyday to see what’s up with you, so I’m guessing we’d all be interested to read your story. It sounds like you’ve had an amazing journey so far.

    And the waiting game… Sigh.

  19. Well, you KNOW I’m excited to hear that you’re getting ready to tackle your own memoir. I don’t know of any How To books, but I would suggest reading as many memoirs as possible. Er, you may want to AVOID A Million Little Pieces. 🙂

    • LOL! Definitely not Frey’s memoir…although, I do need to develop a fiction-writer’s talents for creating a theme and story arc to carry the book. This is all new stuff for me, a nonfiction writer.

  20. Well, you KNOW I’m excited to hear that you’re getting ready to tackle your own memoir. I don’t know of any How To books, but I would suggest reading as many memoirs as possible. Er, you may want to AVOID A Million Little Pieces. 🙂

    • Know what? I hadn’t even thought of that being a title, but when I ran it past Emily, she loved it (and the idea for the book).

      Thanks so much for your support AND inspiration!

  23. I’ve been somewhat toying with a memoir as well…Not sure if it’ll ever become anything, but it’s nice to get it out there on paper. I think you should write about your childhood. I bet you have so many memories and stories to share. BTW, adorable picture =)

  24. Sounds like you’re on the verge of a wonderful project.
    Two of my favorite memoirs that I didn’t see mentioned:
    All Over But the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg
    A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel

  25. Like I said last night at PFL, I think it’s a great idea and would love to read it. If you’re feeling it, go with it. It’ll be a magnif followup to THAT’S HAUTE.

    • Quite the contrast, no? In context, though, readers will see the connection you already know.

      I’m starting to feel it. Maybe it’s one of those things that takes on significance and energy once you dive in. You think?

      • I think all writing projects take on more significance once we dive in. It’s like a relationship. The more time you spend with the words, the story, and the characters, the more you love them.

    • Quite the contrast, no? In context, though, readers will see the connection you already know.

      I’m starting to feel it. Maybe it’s one of those things that takes on significance and energy once you dive in. You think?

  28. Sounds interesting to me. Have you thought through how others, your family and friends, might react? That’s a potential stumbling block.

    I think you should look for memoirs by people who are not famous. If someone is famous, Nora Ephron for eg, they have the advantage of a ready-made audience. I suppose that can be a drawback as well since readers might bring certain expectations to the memoir. At any rate, I can’t think of one to recommend to you! But there is fairly obscure memoir by Nathalie Sarraute that I read years ago and liked. She’s obscure here but not in France. So it must of been good for me to remember it so well since I’d never heard of her before.

Comments are closed.