Indeed, I especially like the way memoirs are written. I have created a personal account to share what I have seen and heard in my life. I think it is very important that I record my life insights. Especially during the pandemic, when I suddenly found that I was going through a historic moment, how I felt was very important.
Only, thanks for sharing this. I think that during the worst of the pandemic a lot of people had the chance to turn inward and write about their feelings and insights. Maybe that was the only good thing to come out of such a terrible time.
This is an interesting topic. Writing about one’s life. My life is still very much in progress, but the story is still writing itself. Much of it is unknown to those in my life. No one has all of the pieces. If I were to write it, it Would, perhaps, look more like four lives lived concurrently. Much too soon to put this one to print. :-) someday….
But, Meta, you struck a chord when you spoke of college essays. I remember the moment I found myself drawn to writing… to capturing my own perspective as a snapshot in an essay. It was a composition class freshman year in college. It changed me. The professor was so encouraging and as such I was inspired to put my thoughts on paper. My first paper was about my plain white beach towel among all the large colorful towels of my peers. An artifice to explore relationships and the facades people don so they can negotiate the world. I really enjoyed the assignment. So I would remind you of your importance in the world of coaxing talent from people who might never have caught the bug. Thanks for bringing back this memory.
I have been writing for Psychology Today for six years. Until last year I never injected “me “in any of the articles. Once I began to do that, the readership soared. It was quite remarkable. Often it is merely a little intro that references an incident or point of you. I have learned the personal experience connects the reader and the writer—“hey, me too!”
I have definitely had the thought that I'd become a successful fantasy author first, and then write a memoir. I had the attitude that if the first book someone writes is a memoir, and they aren't known for something other than writing books already, there's no reason for anyone to care about that person and their life's story. Back then I had very little compassion for myself, and that bled over into having less compassion for others than I wish I'd had.
The whole idea of my current newsletter is that my life as it has happened is as important to share as my imaginary life. My fantasy writing is inspired by my lived experiences. The pain of what I've gone through has always seeped into my writing, even when that was high fantasy and seemingly completely separate from reality as we know it. I have always loved getting the context of a work of art with the art itself, and so I've decided to start sharing the context for my work.
Now my stance is, how cruel it is to give voice to the imaginary characters inside your head, and not to give yourself a voice.
Lorelei, I'm really moved by your discovery about the importance of compassion (for oneself)--your last line especially. For everyone else, Lorelei's newsletter is here, and I highly recommend it! https://rootandbranch.substack.com/about
Thanks so much! I loved this post. Reminds me of the nonfic writing class I took. The professor was talking about how people think of memoir writing as navel gazing. She immediately proceeded to ask if she thought we could each write an interesting essay about navel gazing, and after a thoughtful pause basically everyone in the class said yes, yes they thought they had something unique to say on the topic. :)
Wonderful piece, Meta. I think those willing to expose their darkest places are the very bravest. They offer us a 'yes...me too.' We nod in sisterhood, brotherhood, or in an empathy we'd never find elsewhere.
Indeed, I especially like the way memoirs are written. I have created a personal account to share what I have seen and heard in my life. I think it is very important that I record my life insights. Especially during the pandemic, when I suddenly found that I was going through a historic moment, how I felt was very important.
Only, thanks for sharing this. I think that during the worst of the pandemic a lot of people had the chance to turn inward and write about their feelings and insights. Maybe that was the only good thing to come out of such a terrible time.
This is an interesting topic. Writing about one’s life. My life is still very much in progress, but the story is still writing itself. Much of it is unknown to those in my life. No one has all of the pieces. If I were to write it, it Would, perhaps, look more like four lives lived concurrently. Much too soon to put this one to print. :-) someday….
But, Meta, you struck a chord when you spoke of college essays. I remember the moment I found myself drawn to writing… to capturing my own perspective as a snapshot in an essay. It was a composition class freshman year in college. It changed me. The professor was so encouraging and as such I was inspired to put my thoughts on paper. My first paper was about my plain white beach towel among all the large colorful towels of my peers. An artifice to explore relationships and the facades people don so they can negotiate the world. I really enjoyed the assignment. So I would remind you of your importance in the world of coaxing talent from people who might never have caught the bug. Thanks for bringing back this memory.
It's funny how just one little bit of encouragement can open up a new world to someone. That's one my favorite things about teaching. Thanks, Brian!
I have been writing for Psychology Today for six years. Until last year I never injected “me “in any of the articles. Once I began to do that, the readership soared. It was quite remarkable. Often it is merely a little intro that references an incident or point of you. I have learned the personal experience connects the reader and the writer—“hey, me too!”
I'm having a similar experience with injecting more of my writing "woes" into these pieces rather than writing them from more of a distance.
“Fortunately there’s writing…” YES!
I love when people quote me to me (that's from When Harry Met Sally!).
I have definitely had the thought that I'd become a successful fantasy author first, and then write a memoir. I had the attitude that if the first book someone writes is a memoir, and they aren't known for something other than writing books already, there's no reason for anyone to care about that person and their life's story. Back then I had very little compassion for myself, and that bled over into having less compassion for others than I wish I'd had.
The whole idea of my current newsletter is that my life as it has happened is as important to share as my imaginary life. My fantasy writing is inspired by my lived experiences. The pain of what I've gone through has always seeped into my writing, even when that was high fantasy and seemingly completely separate from reality as we know it. I have always loved getting the context of a work of art with the art itself, and so I've decided to start sharing the context for my work.
Now my stance is, how cruel it is to give voice to the imaginary characters inside your head, and not to give yourself a voice.
Lorelei, I'm really moved by your discovery about the importance of compassion (for oneself)--your last line especially. For everyone else, Lorelei's newsletter is here, and I highly recommend it! https://rootandbranch.substack.com/about
Thanks so much! I loved this post. Reminds me of the nonfic writing class I took. The professor was talking about how people think of memoir writing as navel gazing. She immediately proceeded to ask if she thought we could each write an interesting essay about navel gazing, and after a thoughtful pause basically everyone in the class said yes, yes they thought they had something unique to say on the topic. :)
I'm adding that in to my writing prompts! :)
Wonderful piece, Meta. I think those willing to expose their darkest places are the very bravest. They offer us a 'yes...me too.' We nod in sisterhood, brotherhood, or in an empathy we'd never find elsewhere.
I agree. I'm always in awe of how honest and raw my students' personal essay writing is.
Thank you Meta!
Rosie, I'm so glad you've subscribed!