The first book length memoir I wrote came in at 689 pages. Clearly I had a lot to say back then. The first edit cut 300 pages but still, there were too many pages left to read. At the other end of the wordiness spectrum is a succinct little memoir like the classic,“Wedding dress for sale, never worn.” Now there’s a story.
I’ve never been comfortable with the idea that ‘less is more’ but I love the way poets manage to capture an entire image in just a word or two. That is what I strive for in writing memoir ~ images. I strive for brevity in my writing. Using craft to create images that describe a moment in life. Fewer words frees me to write the best with less.
I taught classes last summer to Alaskans keen on writing a story about their life in Anchorage. My favorite brain-storming technique starts with one key word or phrase — the bear, Denali, winter camping, and circles out from there to find the story line. Then, with craft technique to flesh out the story, add some tension and conflict, the first draft takes shape. A revision strengthens word choice and refines the story. The anthology Anchorage Remembers published by 49 Writers, is filled with mini-memoirs. We’ll take a look at them in class.
I invite you to sign up for the 49 Writers in-person Anchorage class Mini-Memoir: Let’s Do Some Writing! There’ll be time for in-class writing and a chance to read your piece aloud.
A final word about word-lengths. The class description allows for 750 words. That should read “750 more or less.”