Porthole

WOUNDED CATERPILLAR, HIDDEN COCOON, WOUNDED BUTTERFLY

MHWA Topic of the Week: Memoirs

Memoirs are collections of experiences and memories that an individual writes about the events of their life. This week, let's talk about writing and reading memoirs. Here are some questions to think about when responding:

Some people argue that memoirs are self-indulgent and exploitative. Do you agree or disagree with those people? Why?

Would you ever consider writing a memoir based on your life? Why or why not? What would you include or exclude?

Have you ever read any memoirs? If so, which ones have been your favorites? Are there any memoirs on your to-read list?

In answer to #2: I have kept a journal since December 2003. I'm on page 5,044. I've blogged since June of 2005... over 2,500 entries.

But the time before? Seen though a glass darkly; heard as a echo of an echo; the smell, taste and touch of it rotted long gone.

I don't think a memoir is in my future...

BUT... I could speak of my homeless periods: light in 2003 till June 2004; heavy from July 2004 till May 2006; light from May 2006 - May 2007; the reemergence, May 2007 - July 2008; the beginning of flight and travel in 2009.

I have enough details written down, enough poems and prose as well from each period to capture the highlights.

I would have to decide what my purpose was to know what to leave out.

My working title: THE WOUNDED CATERPILLAR, THE HIDDEN COCOON, THE WOUNDED BUTTERFLY.

Answer to #3: I tend not to read memoirs but we have a wonderful memoirist, Judy Blunt, here in town. I've learned two things from her: fictionalize the details... the "exact truth" is less important; make it interesting, cut out the boring parts.

Answer to #1: Memoirs at their best can be informative and cathartic. Reading how someone has survived what you personally or others near and dear have gone through is uplifting. Even the boring parts can be a window into another mind or place in time. They need not be entertaining although that may help. Exploitative? Maybe if you have a product to sell. Most don't. Self-indulgent? Some probably are but those aren't necessarily the well-written ones best to read.

In many ways, my blogs are a memoir, sometimes edited, sometimes not. If someone learns from them... it's all to the good.

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