10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I write myself into existence.", September 2, 2008
This review is from: The Autobiographer's Handbook: The 826 National Guide to Writing Your Memoir (Paperback)
This is a particularly focused book, a perfect addition to a writer's library, unique in structure and intent, not limited to one author's perspective, but a collaboration, useful, specific suggestions for the writing process. Staring at a blank sheet of paper, or more likely, a blank computer screen, anyone writing a memoir is faced with daunting decisions: where to start, what to include, appropriate editing, the direction of the narrative. Concept is critical and the concept behind this guide is specific. Co-founded by Dave Eggers, "826 National" is a non-profit, tutoring, writing and publishing organization that encourages one-on-one attention to developing writing skills. "826" provides a network of volunteers for tutoring sessions, workshops and related programs for adults and children.
This handbook condenses the goals of the organization, arranged by subject: "Meeting Your Muse"; "You vs. Page One"; "Writing Through Pain"; and "Getting It Out There", fourteen chapters in a round table format, including a bonus chapter, "From the Mind, to the Internet, to the Book, to You." Some of the authors participating in this effort to "write oneself into existence", discussions of the memoir by those who do it best, include Jonathan Ames, Paul Collins, Stephen Elliott, Nick Flynn, Elizabeth Gilbert, Maxine Hong Kingston, Frank McCourt, Anthony Swofford and Tobias Wolff. The chapters address common problems, from inspiration to polished voice, assorted viewpoints offering perspectives and insights from every aspect of life. There is also a section on recommended reading, the history of the memoir and "history's strangest memoirs". (Exercises to complement the specific chapters are available online.)
Today there is unprecedented interest in translating personal experience into a finished memoir, a unique personal way to share life problems and solutions, the convoluted journeys from challenging situations to survival, the writer often the wiser for the experience. Not limited to one perspective, these voices represent a wide variety of experiences, giving birth to the personal narratives we share, sometimes harrowing, sometimes humorous diaries of the human condition. As a resource, this handbook is an important addition to a writer's working reference library, as a source of inspiration, it is invaluable. Luan Gaines/ 2008.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for someone who wants the world to read their story, November 14, 2008
This review is from: The Autobiographer's Handbook: The 826 National Guide to Writing Your Memoir (Paperback)
It has been said that everyone has one good book in them. "The Autobiographer's Handbook: The 826 National Guide to Writing Your Memoir" is a collection of tips and advice from masterful writers on putting down one's life story onto paper, and in a format that would be appealing to read for your audiences. A basic writing course with a focus on memoirs, "The Autobiographer's Handbook" is a must for someone who wants the world to read their story.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A roundtable discussion makes for interesting takes on memoir writing, March 29, 2009
This review is from: The Autobiographer's Handbook: The 826 National Guide to Writing Your Memoir (Paperback)
I'm one of these people who devoir memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies. I lke the idea of gatheing 38 contemporary memoirists to give their advice on writing memoirs.
Having written two memoirs and a pictorial history (Don Edgers), I can appreciate this book and the variety of opinions presented as there's no one formula fits all in writing in this genre.
Dave Eggers writes the introduction. I've read his heart-wrenching "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" which left me depressed. But this kind of writing appeals to a pretty large audience. I've got all of Frank McCourt's books And have read Tobias Wolf's tomes, but was treated to the views of 36 other authors - which I liked.
If you want a spectrum of views on writing a memoir, this book might give you the inspiration needed to get going.
I don't think the list price is worth it, though. Have your library order it.
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