It seems counter intuitive, but many older people don’t feel as if they have any stories to tell about their own lives. Maybe they just don’t want to remember, but I think the problem is we’ve been told not to brag or not to make ourselves center of attention for so long, that it feels… Continue Reading
Focus and Structure in Memoir for Writer’s Groups
There are dozens of books about how to write memoir and this is just a bare minimum suggestion of what most agree is a solid way to get started. Hopefully, It is also a helpful path to productive discussions in your writers group. Having decided on your audience (family, children, general, published, unpublished, etc) it… Continue Reading
Constructive Criticism in a Writers Group (At Any Age)
Joining a writer’s group generally means you are looking for feedback on your ideas and how you present them through your writing. It also means that you will be asked to read and give feedback to others in your group. If you have never done this before, please be aware that ‘constructive criticism’ is always… Continue Reading
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 unacceptable… Continue 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. When… Continue 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 Yet, there are elderly writers, both published and unpublished, who announce that they are retiring from the effort.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 I… Continue 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 a… Continue Reading
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 and… Continue Reading… Continue Reading
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 page… Continue Reading… Continue Reading