Post #17 – Women’s Memoirs, Conversations – Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett
I spoke with Becky Levine recently about the developing the opening for your memoir. She discussed two weaknesses that she often finds in writing: (1) a slow build up and (2) a lack of clear goal or motivation for the story.
To hear her solutions, be sure to listen to her interview below.
Becky has written several books and is currently under contract with Writers’ Digest to write a book focused on critique groups — The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. In the following interview, Becky gives us her insights into what makes an effective opener as well as to the importance of a critique group to help you improve your writing. Becky’s book will be out in January 2010. You can click on the Amazon link to pre-order.
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Very thoughtful interview. Helped me rethink some parts of what I am writing.
I need now to revisit especially my opening and be sure it is strong enough with good hooks.
Olga, Thanks for listening, and I’m glad if I was helpful! Good luck with your memoir.
Dear Matilda and Becky,
Yes, I feel it’s so important for functional critique groups have guidelines. I’ve tended to find writing/critique partners far more effected and suited to my temperament and way of working than critique groups. Some groups have proved to have been destructive both to me personally and to my work. Many do not at all understand the principles of good and ethical critiquing. Training in this is needed.
Writing buddies have been consistently supportive and helpful to my work…more focused…and, lots more fun.
In groups, I’ve seen several successful models…it’s good that Becky Levine is writing on this important topic.
If you google “critique riehlife” you’ll find several interesting posts on critiquing by myself and others in the archive of my site.
Janet Riehl
“Riehl Life: Village Wisdom for the 21st century.”
Janet, I think critique partners can also be a good way to start critiquing, although I like the interchange of ideas that can happen between more than two people! I’ll check out your site.
I appreciate your helpful suggestions. I am in a senior citizens writing group where we listen to one another, but no helpful feedback.
I am rewriting old journals, but realize it is best to pick one interesting episode such as serving on a jury here on Maui and work from there.
Thanks.