Well, I've completed 80000 words or more, some of it is references that will get removed. I've figured out the frame for many of the chapters, some though, I'm not sure about, I'm still considering. It's somewhat difficult to take scattered memories and say, this is important to me because it shows why I feel this way, the real issue behind it all.
I've found twelve pieces that I need to write, plus the edits from the work I've put in and completing some of the scenes that were partly written up. It's still in pretty wobbly shape, some sections unneeded, other sections still needing to be fleshed out. I'd like to get this work done by the start of the next semester (not the residency), because I'd like to use the next semester to enhance references, and do a first draft edit before reaching my final term.
I like to edit at a different point than when I write because I have to move out of a carefree, easy writing and dreaming functions to a hard, critical look at everything.
With memoir, there's the desire to delve into material more, to find out, what did I learn, how did I change, what did I change my mind about. Part of that reflection is about the passing of time. Part of it is about lessons learned. Some of it is looking at how we behaved and seeing if there would be different answers now.
I'm very slow and not doing well about getting the main book written and then excerpting material into other forms.
I feel very old and too sleepy all the time. Bob says, lyme disease. Well, maybe.
I still have to deal with how I put emotion or lack of emotion in parts of the book so that it comes out honest, like it was at the time and also not like something I tacked on at the last minute.
I am finding that my memories are a source of material, but somehow I don't value them much because I've already been there so many times. It's like the difference between a trip to the local beach and visiting Antarctica.
Meanwhile, I read an awesome article in Sun Magazine, about a nonfiction book a writer, Maya Schenwar wrote, titled "Locked Down, Locked Out" based partially on her pen pal communications with people in jails. Some of what I am writing deals with jail, and I have several other sources but this one looks interesting. She believes jail is ineffective and tends to turn people into people who belong in jail and so she'd like to abolish jails by replacing it with better programs.
Still reading for Riverteeth, what a great experience to see the stories and examine the different ways people tell stories, different stories, and different interests.
I've found twelve pieces that I need to write, plus the edits from the work I've put in and completing some of the scenes that were partly written up. It's still in pretty wobbly shape, some sections unneeded, other sections still needing to be fleshed out. I'd like to get this work done by the start of the next semester (not the residency), because I'd like to use the next semester to enhance references, and do a first draft edit before reaching my final term.
I like to edit at a different point than when I write because I have to move out of a carefree, easy writing and dreaming functions to a hard, critical look at everything.
With memoir, there's the desire to delve into material more, to find out, what did I learn, how did I change, what did I change my mind about. Part of that reflection is about the passing of time. Part of it is about lessons learned. Some of it is looking at how we behaved and seeing if there would be different answers now.
I'm very slow and not doing well about getting the main book written and then excerpting material into other forms.
I feel very old and too sleepy all the time. Bob says, lyme disease. Well, maybe.
I still have to deal with how I put emotion or lack of emotion in parts of the book so that it comes out honest, like it was at the time and also not like something I tacked on at the last minute.
I am finding that my memories are a source of material, but somehow I don't value them much because I've already been there so many times. It's like the difference between a trip to the local beach and visiting Antarctica.
Meanwhile, I read an awesome article in Sun Magazine, about a nonfiction book a writer, Maya Schenwar wrote, titled "Locked Down, Locked Out" based partially on her pen pal communications with people in jails. Some of what I am writing deals with jail, and I have several other sources but this one looks interesting. She believes jail is ineffective and tends to turn people into people who belong in jail and so she'd like to abolish jails by replacing it with better programs.
Still reading for Riverteeth, what a great experience to see the stories and examine the different ways people tell stories, different stories, and different interests.
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