What is a “creative mistake”?

What is a “creative mistake”?

  photo credit: Pixabay.com I’ve been watching the winter Olympics, especially the figure skating. Magnificent, but what strikes me particularly is the falls and the recoveries. How quickly the skaters rise,  glide seamlessly (so it appears) right back in...
What makes a memoir great?

What makes a memoir great?

photo credit: Pixabay.com I just finished reading Pamela Jane’s engrossing memoir, An Incredible Talent for Existing: A Writer’s Story. This memoir found its way into my heart because it combined so many of the (heretofor) unconscious qualities I seek in...
The Difference between Memoir and Autobiography

The Difference between Memoir and Autobiography

photo credit: Pixabay.com   If you’re old enough to recognize the photo of the machine above (as I do), then maybe it’s time to consider writing about your life. Joy, insight, memories, feelings from long ago, maybe putting some old ghosts … all...
The Power of Story. How to start.

The Power of Story. How to start.

photo credit: Pixabay The Origin of Story Since the beginning of time, our ancestors recognized the power of story. When the first hunters returned to the cave, those waiting back home grunted, “How was your day, Dear?” And the hunters, novices at story telling, drew...
What Makes a Memoir Great. Part 3.

What Makes a Memoir Great. Part 3.

photo credit: Pixabay.com What Makes a Memoir Great. Part 3. Theme. In parts 1 and 2, we talked about the necessity for a memoir to have an engaging story and engaging characters.  In part 3, I draw your attention to the essential nature of “Theme.” A...
What Makes a  Memoir Great? Part 1

What Makes a Memoir Great? Part 1

What Makes a Memoir Great? Part 1 photo credit: Pixabay.com  The question itself – what makes a memoir great? – is highly subjective, so I invite you to weigh in, agree or disagree with me. But over the next few weeks, I’m going to propose a theory...