Acclaimed memoirist and writing teacher Judith Barrington has revised and updated her bestselling book aimed at those aspiring to the highest literary standards, but useful, also, to those who simply want to record stories for family and friends. Here are chapters on getting started, finding form, telling the truth, using fictional techniques, expanding your language skills, developing sensory detail, writing about living people, placing your story in a larger context and steering clear of common pitfalls.
· Detailed writing exercises are included in each chapter. · Legal issues pertaining to memoir are explained in the appendix. · Guidelines for critique offer an invaluable tool for writers' groups.
"No student of memoir writing could fail to learn from this wise, pragmatic, and confiding book. One hears on every page the voice of an intelligent and responsive teacher, with years of thinking about memoir behind her." --Vivian Gornick
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A must-read for those writing a memoir:
An excellent book answering FAQs that you didn't know you had or if you did, you didn't know how to ask them. As I was crafting my own memoir, this book helped guide me on the path. I kept going back to it again and again as a reference, a reminder and as encouragement. Note that it has writing exercises to help you learn by doing.
Best of the Lot:
During the past year, I've read half a dozen books similar to, but not as worthwhile as this one. Judith Barrington is a fine poet, and the poetry of her thoughts and language, both, strike something much deeper than a 'how to' on the subject of memoir. If you are a writer looking for a guide in spirit as much as in craft, buy the book.
Writing Memoirs:
"Writing a Memoir" by Judith Barrington is the text used for an on-line class I am currently taking. It is a practical guide for discerning the elements of the memoir. This book, coupled with an excellent teacher, is responsible for improving my writing as well as giving me a clear picture of the differences between a memoir, an essay, and a short story. I highly recommend this book for people interested in writing their life stories.
Comprehensive guide for serious memoirists:
For memoirists working alone or with a group, Barrington is an insightful and skillful guide. She gives excellent advice on how to maintain the delicate balance between the demands of accuracy and of engaging readers. And she offers solutions to the challenge of protecting yourself and others in your story from painful public exposure without compromising your tale.
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