Rhianna Banana

Memoir writing workshop

My mom was just here, visiting Pierre and I and Malaya, Julia, Sasha and Nathan in DC. My mother loved hanging out with Malaya, and I knew that she would rather spend time with her granddaughter than do anything else. Nevertheless, Pierre and I tried to keep her entertained when she was here for her 4 day stay.

On her first day in town, I took her to a memoir writing workshop in Bryant Park. I thought I would share some of the tips from the workshop just in case anyone else is interested in writing a memoir, or documenting family history. The instructor was Miranda McLeod, a local author and lecturer. She first talked generally about memoirs, and then gave us 30 minutes to write up something from our lives. Some people then shared their stories and Miranda gave them constructive feedback. My mom and I didn't share what we wrote. Some of the stories people shared were really good! I was impressed. My mom thinks some of them must already be established authors.

Here's some of the instructor's advice:

Memoirs can take various forms. They can be informal family histories, or a more traditional memoir focusing on the experiences of one person. The purpose of a memoir is to preserve.

My mom, Pierre and I are now thinking of trying to get the older members of our families to record their memories for future generations. We were thinking we could just record their stories with a tape recorder and then transcribe them to share with the rest of the family. Maybe I could get my Grandpa to record some of his stories!

Steps to writing a memoir:

1. Be yourself – capture the way you speak.
2. Speak freely – editing comes later. Don’t worry about hurting someone at this stage.
3. Think small

Identify a specific time period. Find small, vivid, concrete, self-contained memories to write about it. These memories are the stuff of memoir.

What you write does not have to be literally true. Memory does not work well enough to hope for complete accuracy.

You do not have to overexplain or describe every thought and detail. Let the reader figure some things out for themselves.

Your memoir can be written in an adult voice (your present self) or the voice in the time the instance occurred (your childish self).

Consider using humor writing. Self-deprecating sarcasm can allow you to get at uncomfortable truths.

Now, how do you go about actually sitting down and writing a memoir? The instructor suggested writing on a daily basis. Write down vivid, clear, concise memories. Do that every day for six months or so, and then take those memories and look at them all. You should notice themes, identify what’s interesting and figure out what can be deleted. Through these small, concrete memories, you can build a book.

Recommended reading:

On Writing Well (30th Anniversary Edition) by William Zinsser; HarperCollins Publishers
The Elements of Style by William Strunk; Allyn & Bacon
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott; Anchor Books

Here's what we wrote:

Mom’s vignette

The tropical heat was upon us. We were packed in my sister’s private jeepney. I looked around me and saw the faces of my loved ones, deep in their own thoughts. There were my three offsprings and my son’s girlfriend. We had planned an outing – a picnic that would include snorkeling at a local beach. My sister and her family had planned it along with my brothers and their families. My older sister who was visiting from the US was also with us. I wanted to savor this moment in my mind, keep it forever in my inner photo album, never to be taken away from me by anyone. When you find a treasure in your life, it’s yours to keep forever.

My vignette

Sasha was always there for me. Always looking out for me, taking care of me, for as long as I can remember. We’d fight and say cruel things occasionally, but we’d always forgive and love each other again. She would try to protect me from any hurt the world could throw at me. And while she tried to shield me from disappointments, she also knew when to push me and encourage me.

The summer before my senior year of high school, I attended a workshop to help students prepare their college applications. We were working on our admissions essays and the instructor had given us examples of successful essays. I read those essays and felt intimidated and overwhelmed. There was no way I could write an essay like that. I tried writing, became frustrated, took a break, then tried again. I soon gave up again, and started to think acceptance to the college of my choice was impossible. I emerged out of my room crying and told my sister that there was no way I was going to be able to write an adequate essay. My sister listened patiently to me, then put a record on our turntable and played “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel. That was all it took. With that simple action, my sister told me that she believed in me and that she knew I could write a decent essay. I returned to my room, soothed, and churned out a first draft. I still cannot hear that song or think of that moment without getting a little weepy.

I really enjoyed the workshop. And it was free! I had another I love New York City moment, thinking about all the great, free stuff to do in the city.
We also took my mother to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Admission is free on Saturdays from 10-12! Pierre took these pictures. He takes the photos, I write up our adventures =)
A lovely purple orchid.
We thought the plant above my head looked wicked cool!
Here's a tree from the garden's bonsai collection.
My mom and I posing near the reflecting pool.
I was aiming for a silly, dramatic pose. This just looks stupid. Oh well.
A giant hybrid oak!
Along one of the pathways was a Walk of Stars for famous people from or who've lived in Brooklyn. This leaf was for Barry Manilow.
The Japanese garden.
There were lots of fish, turtles, and even a loon in the Japanese garden. Here was a turtle sunning himself. He looked like Superman, extending his front and back legs as far as he could!
Lovely waterfall.

posted by Unknown @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008