Dash Off a Memory / Create a Memoir, Lesson Two

Once again, my friend and critique partner, Dorothy Ann Skarles, is sharing one of her lessons on how to create a memoir.

Here’s hoping she will continue to share her lessons, maybe even start a series.

Dorothy taught memoir writing at Lodi Adult School until her retirement. She is the author of two novels and one non-fiction book—Learning To Write The Easy Way published by Twilight Times Books.

Create a Memoir Lesson Two: Going down memory lane.

A memoir is based on the memory of events. The people are real and the story is true as you know it. From now on as you write, you will be a story teller. You will explore all aspects of your life in depth and, as in fictional writing, you will use fictional techniques like adding characters and dialogue. These elements will turn your memoir into a story that may even be published.

Everyone’s life is unique. It is after all your very own. But even great memories require some research. Check with family members about people, places, and special occasions. Write down what they can add to your story. Look at old magazines, books, movies, old photos, and listen to music to help you remember. Check out timeline books in the library. They will describe the highlights in any given year and will help you add details to your story. Specific aspects bring your story alive for the reader. It helps to visualize memory and makes the story more interesting for the reader.

Example:  “Tom Brokaw referred to me as the Greatest Generation in his book because I fought in World War II.”

Or you might write: “I was a republican but I voted for Obama in 2008. The man was for change and I wanted change.”

You will need one or two notebooks to write down facts so they are not forgotten. Carry a notebook with you at all times and as memories come to you write them down.

Guidelines to write in your notebook:

• Write down street names, towns you lived in, neighbors’ names, what you cooked with, what you wore and how fashions have changed.
• Write about family life, relationships, your accomplishments, and other interesting or unique experiences.
• Use dialogue and describe your characters’ personalities, appearance and actions. Remember that you, too, are a character, so be sure to give a sense of your own physical presence by what you said and did.
• School, work and the places you traveled are also good sources for stories.
• As you write, use the five senses in your descriptions. At least two or three so the reader can see, hear, smell, taste or touch the scene. You remember what it was like; your challenge is to recreate that scene in your reader’s mind. You smell good, he said as he kissed me. “Like your mother’s red roses in the garden.

Where to start/Your birth

You need not write chronology, but most people remember something about their birth and what others have told them about the event. It is an easy place to start your memoir. Take a moment to think about it. Do you know the who, what, when, where, and how of that dramatic event? Answer all the questions you can and give your piece a title. “Baby Boy Turns Into Twins. Girl Of The Year. One Month Late. War Baby. A Gift Of Life.”

Questions to ask yourself:

• Where was I born? Hospital, at home or in a car?
• What did family and friends say about your birth?
• Did they guess if you were a boy or girl?
• How was your name picked?
• Do you like your name?
• Did your name give you problems?
• Were you an only child or did you have brothers and sisters?
• Name them and give ages.
• Did you like being the oldest, middle or youngest? And why?
• How old were your parents at your birth?
• Were your parents rich, poor, or considered”well off”?
• Did your mother keep a baby book?
• Is their something humorous you can say about your birth?
• What kind of work did your mother and father do?
• Where were they living at the time?
• Did your grandparents say anything about your birth?
• Were you born with any health problems?
• Who was the president of the United States at the time

Never let anything stop you or be afraid to try something new when you write.

Remember, “Amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.” ~ Anonymous

Happy writing.

Dorothy.

Thanks as always for stopping by,