Story in Memoir

Posted on November 3, 2008

Writers of Creative Non-Fiction and Memoir tell their true-to-life tales using the same ancient storytelling techniques that writers of invented tales employ. We all work to capture attention, create immersive dream worlds, and memorably move our audiences. But at times, it may seem as if truth and fiction share no common edges.

Don’t be fooled.

CNF, memoir, biography, autobiography, and other truth-based narratives aren’t all that different from a good old-fashioned work of fiction in shape and intent. They do however, present their own set of unique challenges not the least of which is separating author from narrator from main character.

In 2006, William Zinsser spoke on NPR about the challenges of writing personal history. His book, “How to Write a Memoir” offers this advice: Read on »

LA Times Books 2008 Summer Reading List

Posted on June 11, 2008

Lists, lists, and more lists! In case you didn’t find what you needed here, try this:

The Los Angeles Times 2008 Summer Reading List compiled by fellow Antioch devotee, Books Editor David Ulin.

Literary Affairs’ Summer Reading List

Posted on June 10, 2008

As you know, I love to plug LA writers and those who live a literary life. I stumbled upon Julie Robinson’s site a while ago and though I haven’t attended any of her salons, I wanted to pass her Summer Reading List on to you. The authors and works she’s selected are some of my personal faves. She’s collected a good variety of genres from fresh and established novelists around the world so there’s something sure to please everyone.
Happy reading!

Literary Affairs’ Summer Reading List

Ahoy, writerly folks. It’s that time of year again: Time to support your species and purchase the fine, fine fiction issue published annually by the Atlantic Monthly. Don’t be halted by the nagging awareness that The Atlantic may not ever publish your work unless you change your name to Updike. Instead, think rosy thoughts like this one: While the fiction ship sinks in these times of waning literary interest, the editors at The Atlantic are waving their fiction flags high!

Had enough nautical metaphor? Good. Now go buy the darned thing.

The Atlantic Monthly Fiction Issue 2007

And while you’re at it, read about the top MFA programs in the country of which my alma mater, Antioch University Los Angeles, is one.

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