ââ⢠Judith Barrington Writing the Memoir From Truth to Art

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Jul 28, 2018 julieta rated information technology information technology was amazing

I have been reading a bunch of books on writing a memoir, I think its because I would like to try writing my long story with music, and I´ve gone through a few. This one would be one of my favourites, information technology is really helpful, concrete, and has some great explanations. Very recommended.

Mar 04, 2014 Tamara rated it information technology was amazing

Recommends it for: Katy S.

I decided to get serious most writing a memoir a few months ago. It's been a long time coming, but I feel now is the time. As usual, I enquiry the best of the best of books before ownership them. I would rather take the time to study a volume and its author than waste matter time reading one that won't benefit me in some way. I'm and so glad I did so with this volume. The author did a fine task explaining the memoir and how to effectively write one.

I found virtually helpful the topics of: voice, legal issues, and how

I decided to get serious about writing a memoir a few months ago. Information technology's been a long time coming, simply I feel now is the time. Every bit usual, I inquiry the all-time of the best of books before ownership them. I would rather take the time to written report a book and its writer than waste time reading one that won't do good me in some fashion. I'yard so glad I did so with this book. The author did a fine job explaining the memoir and how to effectively write 1.

I found nigh helpful the topics of: vocalisation, legal issues, and how to use summary vs. scene. I was lacking in scene writing as I typed away at my memoir. This volume has helped shape my writing in scenes and vox then that I (hopefully) accept brought the book more than to life. As well, the author explains using the senses - visuals which help u.s.a. put a graphic symbol together such as scents and color of skin. I was able to rewrite some of my memoir well-nigh a friend who wore Bohemian-like article of clothing when we were twelve:

"Sometimes nosotros invited friends like one I met who Mom did not corroborate of in the least. Her name was Janet and she was a smoker already at age twelve. I liked her, even though Mom had her suspicions. Janet was a free spirit who wore what she wanted, talked like she wanted, and was an interesting person. Often she wore purple with dangling things on her wrists and clothes. She smelled flowery with perfume and her long, flowing pilus and dangly earrings matched her nonchalant kind of mental attitude. She was immune to clothing purple makeup and lipstick to match her clothes. I was non withal allowed annihilation simply a very pale center shadow and a hint of blush. Mom called it rouge. "You can article of clothing a light pinkish middle shadow and a little rouge, Tammy, but that'south it. When y'all turn sixteen, you can exercise what yous desire, but you lot're non going to look like a clown like Janet.""

I believe even if a fiction author is struggling at all, this would exist a great book. The legal issues and answers about whether to include family and sensitive issues would be discarded, but information technology would still be worthwhile. The book is packed with great help, but is not lengthy and does not drone on like other ones I've picked up (and only read portions of due to the back-up).

One of the main things I got from this book is to write for the reader. Don't write for yourself. Don't expect annihilation from the reader except their attention. If writing about difficult topics similar child abuse, rape, losing a child, and the like, the author says that the reader wants to know that the person fabricated it out okay. She wants to know if the person is okay and not looking for pity. Whether incorporating sense of humor to these tough subjects is up to the author, but nevertheless it'due south done, never expect the reader to wonder, "well, what happened and did she survive it alright?" I chose to use humor for my memoir. It's tough, just with a lot of hard work, tin be done!

Also, the author gives many memoirs to wait into for way and such. I chose to buy three of the books she mentioned. "When I Was Puerto Rican" and "Half the House" are two of them that I am currently reading.

I'm certain I'll be rereading this book as time goes on.

- Tamara Blickhan
Apr 2, 2014

...more than

Feb 27, 2019 Meghan Pinson rated it it was amazing

Clear, practical, and useful. Recommended for writers of memoir and novelists writing in commencement person.

May 23, 2020 Andy Oram rated it it was astonishing

Even though I'm a professional writer, I got insights from Barrington that I think volition greatly better the memoir I'm writing. I recollect at that place's a lot here for writers at all levels of feel, and I hope the book will encourage people with limited writing experience to get started on a memoir.

Barrington's topics include selecting your cloth, setting a scene, fleshing out descriptions by using your senses and historical events, moving smoothly back and forth through time--all means to bring

Even though I'm a professional author, I got insights from Barrington that I think will profoundly improve the memoir I'm writing. I think there's a lot here for writers at all levels of feel, and I hope the book volition encourage people with express writing experience to become started on a memoir.

Barrington'southward topics include selecting your material, setting a scene, fleshing out descriptions by using your senses and historical events, moving smoothly dorsum and forth through time--all means to bring your writing live and brand sure it can exist meaningful to the reader. She likewise helps you face painful aspects of your by and figure out how to express them productively in a memoir.

Cyberspace use has expanded greatly in the couple decades since the book was published. It would be interesting to hear how Barrington thinks the modern Spider web changes inquiry, getting feedback, and treatment publishers--or even cocky-publishing.

...more than

Dec 05, 2018 Caitlin Hicks rated it it was amazing

I've had this book for a long time, and it's a wonderful guide for those who desire to begin writing their story and /or stories; it's practical and deals with many of the issues writers encounter in trying to tell non-fiction. I'k facilitating a workshop called 'What's Your Story?' and the problems of what to tell, how to dig for the truth, how to make the decisions about what you will tell with family and personal relationships at stake -- these are discussed so that the reader can navigate the la I've had this book for a long time, and information technology's a wonderful guide for those who want to begin writing their story and /or stories; information technology'southward applied and deals with many of the issues writers encounter in trying to tell non-fiction. I'm facilitating a workshop called 'What's Your Story?' and the bug of what to tell, how to dig for the truth, how to brand the decisions about what you volition tell with family and personal relationships at stake -- these are discussed and so that the reader tin navigate the landscape of creative non-fiction. All that other stuff, too! ...more

February 02, 2013 Nicole rated it information technology was amazing

Every author should read this book. It will put an stop to your creative blocks and assistance yous remove the mental obstacles that are keeping you lot from telling your story, and we all have them. It as well contains very practical advice most structure, memoir form and how to weave betwixt flashbacks and the present mean solar day without disruptive the heck out of your reader. I read information technology in ane day and it'll assist me for years. Every writer should read this book. It volition put an end to your creative blocks and help you remove the mental obstacles that are keeping you from telling your story, and we all have them. It besides contains very practical advice about structure, memoir class and how to weave between flashbacks and the present solar day without confusing the heck out of your reader. I read information technology in one day and it'll help me for years. ...more

Sep 03, 2020 Linda rated information technology it was astonishing

I encourage life writing and finally got around to reading this book! Although it is older (2002), it'south nonetheless an excellent guide to writing memoir. Chapters embrace the important basics, requite examples, and stop with exercises to help us think deeper near our writing or try different techniques - much more helpful than the usual writing prompts other guides tend to requite. This volume is generally meant for people who want to publish and sell as it teaches craft and brings up important considerations. I encourage life writing and finally got around to reading this book! Although it is older (2002), information technology's still an excellent guide to writing memoir. Capacity cover the of import basics, give examples, and end with exercises to assist us recollect deeper virtually our writing or try different techniques - much more helpful than the usual writing prompts other guides tend to give. This book is generally meant for people who desire to publish and sell equally it teaches craft and brings up important considerations. People who practise non consider themselves writers and just desire to capture some family stories may be overwhelmed, merely if they are inspired to learn more about skillful writing and storytelling or have questions that demand answering, they volition find this volume total of useful information rather than a lot of fluff and chat. The appendix, "Your Memoir and the Law," will exist important for some writers. ...more than

Jul 25, 2020 Jimmy rated information technology really liked information technology

Writing books tin be slow, but this 1 had some adept writing ideas at the end of chapters.

Give thanks yous Judith Barrington.

Jul 09, 2015 Kirsty Grant rated it it was amazing

I read this book in a couple of days and institute it to be incredibly helpful. I intend on writing memoir for my dissertation in creative writing next semester at university and was looking for some guidelines and tools to assist me, this book has it all. Barrington takes the reader step by step through the process of memoir writing and highlights the practice'southward and dont'southward in each informative chapter. Her greatest piece of advice is to read, read, read as many memoirs equally possible prior to the task. This I read this book in a couple of days and found it to be incredibly helpful. I intend on writing memoir for my dissertation in artistic writing next semester at university and was looking for some guidelines and tools to assist me, this volume has it all. Barrington takes the reader step by step through the process of memoir writing and highlights the do's and dont'south in each informative chapter. Her greatest piece of advice is to read, read, read as many memoirs as possible prior to the task. This book is not for everyone, after all not everyone wants to write a memoir, but for me, the book did its task and will be a very useful tool in the coming yr. ...more than

Apr 19, 2018 Beverley rated it information technology was amazing

As a beginner writer I found this book to exist a great read. The author offers lots of helpful pointers and practical communication on writing memoir in a concise and straightforward manner. Along the manner the author references her own writing as well equally that of others and each chapter ends with some writing exercises (although there is no necessity for the reader to do these). Having read a few other books about writing memoir, I especially noticed and appreciated the lack of author ego in this one past co As a beginner writer I plant this book to be a great read. The author offers lots of helpful pointers and practical advice on writing memoir in a concise and straightforward manner. Along the way the writer references her own writing as well every bit that of others and each affiliate ends with some writing exercises (although there is no necessity for the reader to do these). Having read a few other books virtually writing memoir, I especially noticed and appreciated the lack of writer ego in this 1 by comparison. ...more

Jun 29, 2018 Kathleen rated information technology actually liked it

Filled with excerpts from others' memoirs and practical suggestions about getting started and keeping with it, Judith Barrington'southward guide left me wanting to read her memoir, "Lifesaving," as presently as I tin locate it. If you never learned verb tenses, or forgotten most metaphor, Barrington brushes upwards your skills. Her detailed, progressive writing exercises at the end of each chapter frame your thinking about writing even if y'all decide not to practice them. I liked her treatment of ethical issues and promise Filled with excerpts from others' memoirs and practical suggestions about getting started and keeping with it, Judith Barrington'south guide left me wanting to read her memoir, "Lifesaving," equally soon every bit I can locate information technology. If you never learned verb tenses, or forgotten about metaphor, Barrington brushes up your skills. Her detailed, progressive writing exercises at the end of each chapter frame your thinking about writing even if you lot make up one's mind not to do them. I liked her treatment of ethical issues and hope never have to remember about the legal issues she carefully outlines. ...more than

Jun 08, 2017 Brandi Amara rated it liked information technology

Recommends it for: memoir writers

i skimmed this volume. Information technology was worth it for these two chapters alone:

V: Scene, Summary, and Musing
Half-dozen: Moving Around Time

Everything else was was meh.

Grab the book from the library and dig into to the 2 chapters above. You'll learn a lot.

i skimmed this book. It was worth information technology for these two chapters lonely:

FIVE: Scene, Summary, and Musing
6: Moving Around Time

Everything else was was meh.

Grab the book from the library and dig into to the two chapters to a higher place. You'll learn a lot.

...more

Mar 21, 2019 Sarah rated information technology really liked it

What a delightful exploration of memoir writing! After my misstep with my concluding book nearly memoir writing this was a breath of fresh air. Barrington'southward writing is crisp and pointed, and while she uses illustrative examples they are but enough to prove her indicate and no more than. Her writing style is approachable and made me want to read more of her writing. The book is filled with applied writing exercises, and a very useful department well-nigh legal liabilities of memoir. What a delightful exploration of memoir writing! Subsequently my misstep with my final volume about memoir writing this was a jiff of fresh air. Barrington's writing is well-baked and pointed, and while she uses illustrative examples they are but enough to testify her betoken and no more. Her writing style is approachable and made me want to read more of her writing. The volume is filled with practical writing exercises, and a very useful section about legal liabilities of memoir. ...more

Aug 29, 2017 Peter rated information technology actually liked information technology

A short just very nicely written book nearly writing memoirs. I read this every bit part of a creative writing form that I took with an eye toward writing some memoirs of my ain. The advice provided by Barrington is clear and straightforward, yet also insightful.

December 01, 2020 Ashley rated information technology really liked it

Used as a textbook for my artistic writing with a concentration on memoir course. It was an easily digestible book that clearly outlines the principles and practices around writing creative non-fiction.

I would definitely recommend to anyone because the craft.

Dec fifteen, 2020 Allyson rated it information technology was amazing

If you want to attempt your paw at writing "your story" or memoir, this book lays out the basics and bolts in a practical, succinct way. Y'all tin can jump around and find what you are curious about and experience satisfied. If you want to try your hand at writing "your story" or memoir, this volume lays out the nuts and bolts in a practical, succinct fashion. You lot tin can leap around and discover what you are curious nearly and feel satisfied. ...more

Of all the How to... books on Memoir I've read, I found this i to be the about helpful. The chapters are clearly defined, lead the reader through a footstep by step approach and each chapter ends with suggestions for writing. Highly recommended. Of all the How to... books on Memoir I've read, I found this one to exist the almost helpful. The chapters are clearly defined, pb the reader through a stride past step approach and each affiliate ends with suggestions for writing. Highly recommended. ...more than

I don't write memoirs myself, just I found this to be a articulate and useful writing guide in full general, and a practiced look at an interesting genre. I don't write memoirs myself, just I plant this to be a clear and useful writing guide in full general, and a skilful wait at an interesting genre. ...more

Sep 13, 2017 Hannah Comerford rated it liked information technology

Recommends it for: someone just starting to write memoir.

This was helpful in that information technology gave nifty writing prompts and helped motivate me in my writing. Nevertheless, information technology felt a little basic for where I'm at, personally. This was helpful in that it gave peachy writing prompts and helped motivate me in my writing. Yet, it felt a little bones for where I'm at, personally. ...more than

Oct xxx, 2017 Janessa rated it it was amazing

A fantastic guide for those who want to write and craft their own stories

October 05, 2018 Mina Widding rated it really liked it

Good and thorough advice, especially similar that it refers (and defines) just the memoir as such, and also very good writing excercises, and writing group guidelines.

This was ane of my reference books I used to research what makes a memoir. Information technology is very adept simply not my favorite.

May 13, 2019 Dede Fox rated it it was astonishing

This book is one I've read multiple times. Information technology's the best resource I've constitute equally a creative writing instructor and writer of memoir.
This volume is one I've read multiple times. It's the all-time resource I've found as a creative writing instructor and author of memoir.
...more

November 30, 2020 Robin rated it really liked information technology

Technically I read this as a textbook for a class, just I'm counting it on Goodreads 🤷‍♀️ Technically I read this every bit a textbook for a class, merely I'k counting information technology on Goodreads 🤷‍♀️ ...more

Jan 02, 2021 Kerri Kat rated information technology really liked it

Was easy to read and I will give it five stars if I am successful with my memoir.

Barrington's Writing the Memoir answered several of my longstanding questions about memoir writing. Her book provided the clarity I needed, and for that I'm giving her 5 stars! Woohoo! Barrington's Writing the Memoir answered several of my longstanding questions almost memoir writing. Her volume provided the clarity I needed, and for that I'm giving her 5 stars! Woohoo! ...more than

This book was helpful in reminding me to seek out
different types of information for sources. Fast read, worth the time.
I misplaced it and well-nigh recently found and finished it.

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"A discussion of warning here. The events equally you call up them volition never be the aforementioned in your retentiveness one time you lot have turned them into a memoir. For years I accept worried that if I plow all of my life into literature, I won't have whatsoever real life left - only stories well-nigh information technology. And it is a realistic concern: it does happen like that. I am no longer sure I remember how it felt to be twenty and living in Spain after my parents died; my book near it stands now between me and my memories. When I try to think about that time, what comes to mind most readily is what I wrote." — 13 likes

"If you want help in starting to write memoirs, you don't want to fall into the clutches of a famous writer who has been hired to teach at a writing workshop solely because of his proper name'south power to attract students, rather than because of any pedagogy skill. Yous should not accept to grapple with someone who secretly thinks you should be writing about his life rather than your ain." — 8 likes

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