Marion Roach Smith – we our writing meets algebra
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“Just listened to Marion‘s interview #108 with Allison K. Williams (GuerillaMarketing).
There were so many takeaways in weaving elements of Marion’s The Memoir Project with Allison’s Seven Drafts (both their books are heavily marked up!).
Marion’s algebraic formula: it’s about “x” as illustrated by “y” as told by “z” — struck a cord between my computer science and writing selves :-)
SOME Takeaways:
You can’t make it better by yourself. There’s a time for emotional support for your project, but there comes a time when you need to have outside help to make it the best it can be.
From Allison’s theater experience—it’s not your job to cry, it’s your job to make the audience cry.
Between drafts, you can still be writing. Take portions from your memoir or things that didn’t make the cut and spin them into something that is culturally relevant (Letters to the Editor, Op-Eds, Personal Essays, blog posts, etc.)
When reading other books notice when you love a piece of writing. Analyze what makes it so compelling: details, bookend, metaphor, a new clue. Then try to use that technique in your writing.
Sometimes writing memoir is energizing, other times a slog. Keep the focus on finding the right words that will help people who need to hear them.
When you print out and read a draft after letting it sit for awhile, mark and cut it up. Rearrange. Then re-type it. If your eyes glaze over when retyping, readers’ eyes will glaze over too.
52 card pick up: write one sentence to describe a scene and put it on an index card. Throw all the index cards up in the air. Let them land. Then search for the one that needs to come first. Then next. Until the end. There may be cards left on the floor that don’t belong in the book anymore.
I listened to this while walking on the treadmill and pausing (a lot) to add notes on my iPhone :)
I highly recommend QWERTY, as well as Marion’s book—The Memoir Project and her classes. The same with Allison‘s book—Seven Drafts and her webinars.
Thank you both!”
bbonness via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/15/23
More reviews of QWERTY
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“Marion Roach Smith is known for teaching memoirist, but this podcast is aimed at writers of all genres. Marion, a former journalist, is a skilled interviewer. Her delight in these discussions, which almost all include her heart laugh, is infectious and makes you want to return to your own writing...”Read full review »
Kobe Kelsey via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/17/21
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“I just finished the deRuiter episode and am so grateful to have been introduced to this author. She's had a varied career- journalism, blogger, book author-- and her experiences are fascinating. I always come away from this show-- inspired, informed, and encouraged.”Read full review »
abt41253 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/06/22
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“Marion knows her craft well, but even more importantly she is a great teacher who can package and communicate her ideas in memorable little vignettes. A must listen for any memoirist or emerging writer.”
Mark W1944 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
10/13/19
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