I wish I had read this years ago when I was writing hundreds of pages of memoir. There's an art to embedding meaning in the voice of your earlier self. Brooke, I love what you've written here. It's a great reminder that readers don't want to be taken out of a scene to be reminded that an older, wiser you is telling it.
This is also so relevant to fiction writing—whether and how and why to incorporate the narrator’s consciousness into the through line. I find this difficult to do without inviting clunkiness.
What beautiful examples you've included, Brooke. Staying in scene and using the correct narrator's voice is challenging when you write memoir. In addition, Laura M wanted me to write in first person present, and that was hard. There were times when I didn't think I would make it to the other side.
I can’t tell you how this discussion helps me, Brooke. I’m about 30,000 words into my coming-of-age memoir, but feel I’m running out of events I remember with enough detail to render them in scenes. Perhaps, if I go back and work in this kind of reflection, I can simultaneously beef up and deepen what I’ve already written. I still wonder how much reflection each scene needs. I can’t imagine it’s close to 50/50. Is it more like 90/10? Or perhaps it’s impossible to say; each scene varies. Thanks again! And hello to Karen from Sara Coppler and me.
You're delivering primo advice here! The toughest skills are simple to understand but difficult to implement consistently. As Shelley points about above, this concept has broad applications. ♥️ Big thanks!
Thank you for such a clear description of the reflective voice and how it need not interrupt scene. Also, thank you for the tempting book recommendations. I've read some of these but not all.
As usual, advice I needed. Lots of work to do. It will take me forever, it seems. But I got a good start today editing lots of places where I said something like, "Looking back now..."
Thank you for this. I always admire when writing and also films use a narrative voice to move the story along in a compelling way and give insight/perspective. So challenging!
I wish I had read this years ago when I was writing hundreds of pages of memoir. There's an art to embedding meaning in the voice of your earlier self. Brooke, I love what you've written here. It's a great reminder that readers don't want to be taken out of a scene to be reminded that an older, wiser you is telling it.
This is also so relevant to fiction writing—whether and how and why to incorporate the narrator’s consciousness into the through line. I find this difficult to do without inviting clunkiness.
What beautiful examples you've included, Brooke. Staying in scene and using the correct narrator's voice is challenging when you write memoir. In addition, Laura M wanted me to write in first person present, and that was hard. There were times when I didn't think I would make it to the other side.
I can’t tell you how this discussion helps me, Brooke. I’m about 30,000 words into my coming-of-age memoir, but feel I’m running out of events I remember with enough detail to render them in scenes. Perhaps, if I go back and work in this kind of reflection, I can simultaneously beef up and deepen what I’ve already written. I still wonder how much reflection each scene needs. I can’t imagine it’s close to 50/50. Is it more like 90/10? Or perhaps it’s impossible to say; each scene varies. Thanks again! And hello to Karen from Sara Coppler and me.
Indeed I think you can beef up the word count with observations and ideas about your themes and aboutness. Good luck with it, Kathryn.
You're delivering primo advice here! The toughest skills are simple to understand but difficult to implement consistently. As Shelley points about above, this concept has broad applications. ♥️ Big thanks!
Love thinking about the reflective narrator, such a difficult concept! Your examples bring such clarity and understanding. Thank you!
I loved reading Wild and Educated. If Another Word for Love is in that league, I’ll have to give it a read!
This is the kind of wisdom I relied on from you as you coached me. Thanks for your generosity here.
I like to play back and forth in time and this piece was very helpful! I’m more watchful now and that’s fun and useful.
Thank you for such a clear description of the reflective voice and how it need not interrupt scene. Also, thank you for the tempting book recommendations. I've read some of these but not all.
Such a contribution. Thank you. 🙏
These posts are inspiring me to consider writing a memoir!
Love this!!
Thank you so
Much for this.
As usual, advice I needed. Lots of work to do. It will take me forever, it seems. But I got a good start today editing lots of places where I said something like, "Looking back now..."
Thank you for this. I always admire when writing and also films use a narrative voice to move the story along in a compelling way and give insight/perspective. So challenging!
What is the best way to incorporate reflection/takeaway into your writing when your scenes are in present tense, without breaking the fictive dream?