The Difference Between Memoir and Creative Nonfiction

Memoir is by definition “an historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or credible resources.” Most memoirs I have read do contain descriptions and or conversations that may not be exactly as they happened. This seems to be generally accepted as long as the essence of truth is obvious. However, it is completely unacceptableContinue Reading

Creating a Writer’s Group at Age 70 and Beyond

Writer’s Groups have many useful purposes. They provide encouragement and community and, If they are good, they provide honest critiques to enhance your work. Not all writer’s groups, however, are made up of experienced writers. Ideally, however, all group members are readers and therefore familiar with the kind of writing they hope to pursue. WhenContinue Reading

WRITING AT AGE SEVENTY – When Time is the Driving Force

Ironically, there seems to be a great deal to write about when the lack of time becomes the driving force. Yet, there are elderly writers, both published and unpublished, who announce that they are retiring from the effort. My guess is that often the decision is an unfortunate reaction to a bad day, or month,Continue Reading

Gain Confidence by Continuing Education

There is something wonderful about pulling out an old manuscript to edit/rewrite. It reminds me of who I was at the time of creating the story and, simultaneously, lets me see how far I have come or, conversely, how far I have slipped. Further, the whole process has been enhanced by the fact that IContinue Reading

Facing the History of George Wallace

Peggy Wallace Kennedy’s memoir, The Broken Road, transcends family loyalty by providing truth and moral guidelines for her sons, for her grandchildren and for the archives of American history. This takes guts. When a teenager rebels against parents we stand back and make room for his/her mistakes. However, when a much younger child instinctively knows aContinue Reading

Why I am Going to a Writers’ Conference

Why I am Going to a Writers’ Conference

My Application After Retirement I’m pretty old, although I don’t feel it, and I’ve been quietly stealing moments to write for several decades. My children are grown.  My working career is finished. I’ve paid college tuitions, sat on not for profit boards, facilitated civil rights activities and marched against wars. I’ve edited business papers andContinue ReadingContinue Reading

Memoir and Poetry

Memoir and Poetry

There is a rhythm to the written word, a rhythm that has obvious importance in poetry, but is equally important in prose.  I recognize it when I read it.  It entices me away from distractions and makes me take notice.  That one sentence – simplicity within swirls of symbols each pulling meaning from the pageContinue ReadingContinue Reading

Racism, Addiction, Politics and Thoughtfulness: A Memoir

Racism, Addiction, Politics and Thoughtfulness: A Memoir

Last night I finished reading Brother to a Dragonfly, a decades old memoir by Will Campbell who grew up in rural Mississippi at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement. I then had a hard time sleeping as I was thinking about my reactions. Clearly, there are many voices from that period, but few are asContinue ReadingContinue Reading

Inspiration from Living in Many Different Places

Inspiration from Living in Many Different Places

While editing old manuscripts, I find memories.  This doesn’t surprise me as I have always used the places I have lived to inspire stories.  Different houses, different towns, different cities have captured my imagination.  I was lucky to have traveled and to have lived in so many places.  I can’t say the same would beContinue ReadingContinue Reading

Traditional or Self-Publish: What’s Best for You?

Traditional or Self-Publish: What’s Best for You?

Robert Pruett, Founder and Publisher of Brandylane Publishers, Inc. in Richmond VA spoke at the Civic Center in Cape Charles about the many different publishing options currently available. It was a gray and raining day, but the wisdom Pruett conveyed along with some hard facts was like a ray of sunshine for the writers whoContinue ReadingContinue Reading