In this week’s writing challenge, mine your memory and write a memoir.
Memory… is the diary that we all carry about with us.
–Oscar Wilde
One of our not-so-secret goals of the weekly writing challenge is to encourage you to try new genres and forms. This week, we’re asking you to write a memoir. The way in which you choose to share your memoir — be it a story, poem, flash non-fiction, or a song — is entirely up to you.
Memories, memories! Help me get started!
Here are some ideas on excavating your memory for new material.
- Your first day of school. Buffy tails. A navy-blue sailor dress. Matching navy leotards that made me itch. “Buster Brown” shoes I was not to scuff on pain of death. A hand-made, purple corduroy book bag, my name stitched on it in squiggly yellow ribbon. Mom took my picture in front of our house in Winnipeg with a film camera that sported a flash cube. This is what I remember of my very first day of school. I was terrified. What do you remember about your first day of school? Where were you living? What did you wear? How did you feel?
- Mine a grudge.
You must grudge to write memoir. If things had turned out exactly right, as your due, there would be no story to tell. You must know that you grudge, and that here, unlike your diary, you are probably not a hero (If you are a hero, let someone else write you). You earn the right to write the pettiness, the silliness, the nasty selfishness of others, as you write your own. —Allison K Williams
Recall a time you felt disrespected, passed over, unappreciated, or “less than.” Now write a story, poem, or bit of flash non-fiction about it.
- It was the best of times. Write about your best day, ever. What about that day makes it a happy memory for you? Leave no awesome detail behind.
- It was the worst of times. If you feel like you’re in a strong enough place, write about your worst day, ever. What made it so horrible? How did it change you for the better? For worse? How have the events of that day changed or influenced your perspective?
- “I remember…” The timed writing exercise. If you’re feeling a bit free-form and not sure which memory to reflect on, let your subconscious be your guide. Set a timer for a minimum of five minutes. Write I remember at the top of your page or screen and… just write. You might write fifteen sentences that each begin with “I remember,” or, you might write of one or two memories during that time. Try not to judge, just allow your fingers to type, or your hand to write.
- Go meta-memory. If you’re not ready or inspired to write about a specific memory, write about the quality of your memories in general. Are they shape-shifting and ethereal, constantly evolving in your mind as their molecules merge and dissolve or, are they brilliant, detailed, and in sharp-focus?
- A memory of your choice. Many regular readers, (I’m looking at you, @LittleMissMenopause, @Bumblepuppies, and @Philosophermouseofthehedge) often come up with their own fantastic, creative twists to the weekly writing challenge. Choose the memory you will write about and the way in which you’ll share it, be it a haiku, a prose poem, a stream-of-consciousness piece, a bit of flash non-fiction or a story. (Be sure to check out the comments on this challenge throughout the week for twists that readers suggest! One of their ideas may become the germ of your next great piece.)
Looking forward to reading your work!
hey, it might not be exactly what you’re looking for. But it resonates one of my memorable day.
http://adreamingheart.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/silence/
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http://nabielalala.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/memoir-madness-science-project/
memory of madness and restless
my Friends, science project, and me
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I think I’ll cook one up for you 🙂
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How lucky are we that still have our memories – a topic close to my heart this week http://joearlam.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/lost-for-words/
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Thanks Memoirs!!!!
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How do I participate in the writing?
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Here are some instructions for participating in writing challenges.
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Monsoon Anew
http://wp.me/p4tJ6D-F
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http://agarwalsanchit.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/how-can-a-bear-do-the-handstand/
Wrote this one a couple o’ days ago. Fictional 🙂
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It was the best of times…
http://sunshinewitch.com/2014/08/04/daily-prompt-memoir-madness-it-was-the-best-of-times/
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Thanks for the mention, Krista. I hope this week’s submission doesn’t fall short of the recommendation:
http://bumblepuppies.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/forgetfulness-insults-my-intelligence/
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Hi, I’m not sure if I did the pingback right…could you let me know? Thanks.
http://vgfoster.com/2014/08/04/that-time-charles-bronson-offered-to-rub-suntan-lotion-on-my-back/
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Hi there! I see your pingback on the grid. Looks like you’ve done it correctly. Huzzah!
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I’m writing an embellished memoir.
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I have been writing my memoirs on here all ruddy year… If anyone wiould care to take a look.. They are here… http://auntdoris.wordpress.com/the-auntie-doris-years/
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I don’t know if I can bring myself to go along with you on this one, Krista: the only story I have to tell is a memoir, and it cost me greatly – also after it was published, as the publishers didn’t lift a finger for it. (Yes, I know that happens to every author except best-sellers.)
But as I consider your prompts the tops, I’ll think … 🙂
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I understand, M-R! Not every challenge is a good fit for every writer, though please feel welcome to write fiction if that’s better fit.
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This is my first time on the challenge! Check out my post and let me know how it is:
http://reveriesofanimaginationjunkie.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/memoir-madness-a-frugal-farewell/
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did you know you lose 80% of memory —- things that you dont need to remember ..
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This is fortuitous. I was trying to tighten up an old post for Writing 201 and it’s actually about an old memory 🙂 Now I’ll really have to do it properly!…
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A short skirt memoir.
http://maryjmelange.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/the-differential-memoir/
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I was so little … and it was 1951.
http://teepee12.com/2014/08/05/first-day/
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Kudos! This is one of the best articles that I’ve read. You got me inspired. Keep inspiring others, okay? 🙂
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Naked angels, holy bread scraps and sucre à la creme
This is my first contribution. I enjoyed writing it. I find this weekly challenge very inspiring.
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My father died last week so it was impossible not to write a memory of him from my childhood.
http://masterofsomethingyet.com/2014/08/05/just-enough-to-wet-your-tongue-an-early-wine-education/
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I’m sorry for your loss.
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Thank you, Krista. But it’s been enormously helpful to write about him so your writing challenge has been well timed. 🙂
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Writing has helped me get through the toughest times in my life. I can relate!
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That was a quick trip down memory lane.
Let me know how I did!
https://lifeinlightofeternity.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/29-brief-memories/
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Ping back doesn’t seem to be appearing – my life!
http://mrscarmichael.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/love-letdown-and-toffees/
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Success! I see your pingback toward the bottom of the list.
Note that they may not appear immediately.
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http://www.beajalandoni.com/2014/08/autumn-is.html
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Hi! I’m on blogger, hence I’m not really sure if just posting the prompt link serves as a pingback
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Looks like your pingback worked! Hurray!
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http://tbetz2014.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/reflection-on-the-beatles-arrival-in-1964-2/
I’ll try this
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Love getting challenges from all of you. Here’s a childhood ,e,org I can think fondly of. Thanks ..
Isadora
http://insidethemindofisadora.com/2014/08/05/egg-cream-please/
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Near death experience…
http://experticle.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/memoir-madness-near-death-experience-the-challenge-4/
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One of the scariest moments of my life….
http://experticle.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/memoir-madness-near-death-experience-the-challenge-4/
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A little memoir of what made me start my company, check it out and I would love some feedback https://wordpress.com/read/post/id/72323443/15/
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