Mōrena from a stormy dawn in Golden Bay,
How is your memoir coming along this week?
I’ve been neck deep in the story of a young man, editing it for a passionate Motueka memoir writer.
This young man and his world have come to life for me, I know his mum, dad and siblings. I know his likes and dislikes. I feel all his triumphs and losses.
Through all the rich imagery and emotion of this story, with every line that I read, I’m asking myself if future generations will understand it. Or if people who don’t know the author make sense of it.
Will his great, great grandchildren know that word? That phrase? That reference?
I’m pulling on the reins often, to suggest slight rewrites, or clarifications, so that future readers can hopefully understand and enjoy their great, great grandfather’s (or their friend’s, their uncle’s) life story.
This is why I suggest that you write messy and allow your story to emerge in raw form, for your first draft (so that it exists, because that’s the most important thing). But then go back through and polish it afterwards. And then ask others to go over it for you when you can no longer ‘see the wood for the trees.’ We can help with editing too.
There are AI programmes that you can plug your story into for critical feedback too. Once I’ve gotten to know one well, I’ll tell you about it.
Is there a notable character, someone important to you, in your story who you think you’ve done a good job of introducing? Send me through 100 words about them, and I might share it with readers of this newsletter.
Speaking of notable characters, this Friday 27 June, I’m hosting a monthly reading session with students on my course Write Your Memoir. I’ve invited them to share half a page of writing about a notable character in their story, for encouraging feedback. There’s no criticism, only response about how the writing lands for others. It’s incredibly rich. What this does is boost confidence for writers, and encourage them to keep going. If you’d like to join us, I’d love to welcome you into my course. Click here.
Do me a favour and keep writing ok? I’ve been reminded lately of the huge educational and healing value of memoir writing. Your people need your story, to help them make sense of their own.
Charlotte x
PS are you a memoir writer who struggles with typing? I’m brewing up a workshop for you. Let me know if you’re interested by emailing me: charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com
Charlotte Squire 