Writer's Circle Newletter #132

** #427081 Not An Image **

Writer's Circle Newsletter

Issue #132 June 21, 2004

(To read back issues of the Writer's Circle Newsletter, see WC Newletter Back Issues.)

Memories in Writing

Yesterday was Father's Day; a day to spend quality time with dear ol' Dad or to reflect on his memory. I lost my father to leukemia fourteen years ago, so Father's Day tends to be a bittersweet day for me. Even during his life, we never had a big celebration but he was there. These days, I spend the day quitely remembering the man who bounced me on his knee, sang to me and taught me to ride a bicycle, among many other valuable lessons.

Why do I bring this up in a newsletter for writers? Because memories can be powerful tools in our craft. Who among us hasn't written something on how 9/11 affected us? What about eulogies and family anecdotes? Tales from our childhoods? But why stop there?

The examples I have given all have a non-fiction leaning. But what about fiction?

A clever writer will incorporate memories of events and people in their lives into their fiction. This not only brings a personal quality to their work, but will connect with their readers as well. We may not share the exact memories, but so many life experiences are similar enough that a reader will see your words and think Yeah! I've been there too. I know exactly what this writer is saying! All the while nodding their head as they read.

What kinds of memories can you, as a writer, use? The sky's the limit, my friends! Have you ever worked with the public? Lived in a small town? Then you know what kinds of characters lurk in these places. Use them to your advantage! You don't need to describe them down to the last detail. What stood out most about them? Was it the way they spoke, dressed, a trait? For example, I know a man that when he is thinking, he will pull at his eyebrows. This is a character trait that can be incorporated into your work. Mention once or twice why your character is performing this particular trait and throughout the rest of the story, you won't need to explain. Your reader will know that when this character performs this particular act, that he/she is thinking. Little things like this will make a character believable.

Another use for memories is the memory itself. Everyone has at least one funny, touching, angry or happy story. Take it, play with it a little, give it to your characters and make it part of your work. For example, I recently finished a short story about a couple at the beginning stages of their relationship. As the male lead goes to pick up his date, her younger sister opens the door and begins to grill him. "Are you Sue Ann's boyfriend?" "Are ya'll gonna kiss?"
My little sister used to do this kind of thing whenever I brought a new boy home. I thought it would add a bit of humor to the piece, so in it went.

Memories, old and new, pleasant and unpleasant, can add believabilty and life to a piece and its characters. These are those all-important ingredients that connect a writer with his/her audience. Try it! You just may be pleasantly surprised.

Edited by Nikola
Next week's editor is the ever fascinating esprit

Featured Items From Members:

ID: 440709 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 635731 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 320294   (Rated: E) Memories of Daddy  Memories help keep his love alive. by Starr* Rathburn

ID: 304556   (Rated: E) Father - A Cinquain  Part 1 of a series of Cinquain's by Red Writing Hood

ID: 859538 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 770417 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

Featured Items From Non-Members:

ID: 767999 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 284807   (Rated: E) Zen and the Art of Bathing Your Baby  A father offers a formula for inner peace and outer cleanliness. by PRD

ID: 817028 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 372343   (Rated: ASR) Dad  A poem in tribute to my Dad by Writer of the Winds

Writing Prompt:

Write a fictional poem or short story using a memory for character or plot.


Please feel free to submit your results to this prompt here: Prompt Response Forum.

Featured quote:

Success is living up to your potential. That's all. Wake up with a smile and go after life. Live it, enjoy it, taste it, smell it, feel it.

~Joe Kapp

Recommended Reading, Forums and Groups:

ID: 273363 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 858147 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 851214 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

You are invited to submit suggestions to the Writer's Circle editors. To submit an item for consideration in the WC Newsletter:

ID: 641406   (Rated: E) WC Newsletter Feedback and Submissions  WC newsletter submission, a cheer or jeer, or just want to join the group? Find it here! by Red Writing Hood

All comments about this and any WC Newsletter are welcome!

Tell your friends about our newsletter! They can sign up through the link above. Feel free to forward this newsletter, in its entirety, to your friends.

Issue #132
June 21, 2004
Edited by Nikola

© Copyright 2004 Nikola (UN: nmarshall at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Nikola has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.