Books on Memoir Writing
Writing Your Life, a Journey of Discovery
by Patti Miller, (Allen and Unwin 1994)
This book is essential for anyone seriously interested in writing memoir. An accomplished memoirist herself, Miller has structured the book as a series of “workshops” which cover the ins and outs of the genre. Each chapter includes a number of writing exercises. There is also an anthology section which gives examples form some of Miller’s past students.
Writing the Memoir
Judith Barrington (Eighth Mountain Press, 1997)
Another easy to read guide which is useful for all writers, not just memoirists. Chapter headings include Who Cares? Finding Form, The Truth: What, Why and How, Writing about Living People and Using the Senses. There is also a chapter which provides guidelines for critique groups.
Thinking About Memoir
Abigail Thomas (Sterling Publishing, 2008)
This pocket sized guide is perfect for popping in your bag and reading on the run – or doing one of the many writing exercises sprinkled through the pages. Thomas provides different ways to “look at the moment you’re in right now”. A lovely book written in a very personal tone.
Books on Memoir and Writing
The Writing Life
Annie Dillard (Harper Perennial, 1989)
In this tiny tome Dillard shares stories about her own life and writing experiences for fellow writers to learn from and enjoy.
The Faith of a Writer – Life, Craft, Art
Joyce Carol Oates (Harper Collins,2003)
This prolific writer sets down her thoughts on the importance of writing, and like Dillard, intersperses them with her own life experiences.
On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King (Hodder and Stoughton, 2000)
While not a book on how to write memoir, this classic book is half memoir and half writing advice. An absolute must for anyone interested in any form of writing.
Recommended Memoirs
Whatever The Gods Do,
Patti Miller (Random House, 2003)
Miller’s story of learning to sing, storytelling and dealing with loss.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Joan Didion, (Fourth Estate, 2005).
Didion’s account of the year following her husband’s death, written in an intensely honest, personal style.
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Georgia Blain, (Vintage Books, 2008)
As the title suggests, this is the story of Blain’s life and the happy and not-so-happy events that have punctuated it.
Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert (Bloomsbury, 2006)
The subtitle for this one is One Woman’s Search For Everything. Gilbert sets off to “find herself” after the break up of her marriage, a journey which takes her to exotic locations and has her doing some sight-seeing while she soul-searches. A huge hit and one you’ll either love or hate.
Broken Music
Sting (Simon and Schuster, 2003)
One for the music lovers, especially those of us enamoured with the brilliantly talented, strikingly handsome singer/guitarist. Yes, you guessed it, I’m a fan. This memoir covers the early part of his life up until his initial success with the Police. An interesting profile of the influences that informed Sting’s life as he was growing up.
Paula
Isabel Allende (Harper Collins, 1996)
Allende’s vivid account of the death of her daughter, written in her usual hauntingly beautiful style.
Gone
Margaret Wilcox (Penguin, 2008)
This is the story of the writer’s search for her daughter after she was kidnapped by Margaret’s estranged husband as a three year old. It details the obstacles and heartache faced along the way and portrays the determination of a mother desperate to be reunited with her daughter. Margaret is a member of The Writers’ Dozen. More information on this book can be found in the Archives.
A Brush with Mondrian
Yvonne Louis (Murdoch, 2010)
Also a member of The Writers’ Dozen, in this book Yvonne tells the story of her quest to uncover the identity of a painting she has inherited. But as her search continues it becomes a family story as Yvonne discovers relatives she has never met and finds a sense of belonging in her homeland, Holland.
For links to websites on memoir see the Links Page
If you have any other memoir titles you’d like to share please email them through to pamela@justwrite.net.au
And if reading any of these memoirs inspires you to write your own, check out dates for classes and workshops under Courses.
For more information on memoir writing see the June Newsletter in the Newsletters Page.
To find out about Memoir Writing Workshops see the Courses Page.
See examples of Pamela's memoir writing at www.pamelacook.wordpress.com |
