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When the memoir phenomenon of the early nineties hit bookstores with Mary Karr's THE LIARS' CLUB and Frank McCourt's ANGELA'S ASHES, people everywhere jumped at the idea of recording their life stories, but how does one begin such a monumental task? I gave this question a lot of thought, and the answer came to me at a writers' conference in a workshop led by Susan Tiberghien. She discussed the personal essay as a mosaic of life. I immediately thought of a memoir as a collection of personal essays much like a photo album is a collection of pictures. I decided to design a memoir writing workshop to help people write the snapshots of their lives.
I designed the workshop by drawing on my teaching experience. Teaching English and writing for twenty-five years taught me that rewriting strengthened writing skills so I decided to concentrate on writing one essay and rewriting it with a new focus each time. I knew writers needed tools to construct their stories so I included the building blocks of story writing: characterization, dialogue, conflict, and resolution, and I incorporated the components of composition: grammar, usage, mechanics, and style.
As I presented my workshop, I saw first hand that writing provided a catharsis for inner turmoil, and with each workshop, I added new information based on student requests and questions. Then I took my students' advice and compiled all the workshop's lessons into this book, and these lessons are what make this book unique.
Unlike other memoir writing books, WRITE THE SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE, not only shows you how to begin a written memory album, it also helps you sharpen writing skills. Then it takes another step and shows you how writing provides positive effects on health and well being. I designed it so you can take what you want and leave the rest. Not interested in complex sentences? Overlook them. Want to know when to use who or whom? See page 69. Want to see if you really feel better when you write about something that bothers you? Write it out and experience the relief.
In six easy lessons, I show you how to perfect one memory at a time. You can set a six week goal for yourself, or you can take as long as you want to develop your story. Use this book as a reference. When a question arises, turn the pages and find the answer.
Writing takes practice, and the only way to improve your writing is to write. WRITE THE SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE provides you with enough information to begin recording your stories for future generations. Do not leave your loved ones unacquainted with you. Show them your memories. Write the snapshots of your life.
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