The memoir manuscript grows to 100,000 words. How could I be so self-centered to expect an audience to appreciate such a lengthy narrative? The next step becomes a task of removing the redundant or insignificant passages – or those which may be doubtful memories. The obelus symbol used to mark these passages in ancient manuscripts is now commonly used as a division sign ÷ . Divide and conquer – final execution.
Category: Writing
Jejune
Another fear of writing has surfaced recently. The fear of staying within my current state of verbal bankruptcy. The A to Z list of words becomes an unwelcome daily prompt. My blog seems dull, naive and boring. I borrow motivational quotes from Cow Pasture Chronicles and hang them above my screen, retaliation to my inner critique. This is not jejune. It’s my sixty-seven words a day commitment.
Inkhornism
While Anne Lamott suggests writing a “sh*tty” first draft, I struggle with this task. If feels risky. What if I die before I have a chance to revise and remove the pedantic diatribes of my first draft? Will my headstone read “Master of Inkhornism?”
I say, write it all. Password protect. Hope to delete before you die.
Marjorie Witt 19XX to 20XX “She Deleted It All”
Facinorous
What does a word like facinorous have to do with writing a memoir? Here’s a hint. I discovered this word last year and immediately attached it to the one person who deserved to be portrayed as the atrociously wicked one. But writing sometimes heals old injuries and we can choose who surfaces in our memoirs. My advice – write what you need to write and erase with diligence.
A to Z Reveal
Everyone has been waiting with great anticipation for my A-to-Z theme reveal. I have a list of 26 words. While most can be found in a common dictionary, some appear to be Internet manifestations. I’ll reveal these words and tie them to my memoir writing in sixty-seven words a day. You get to dog ear your dictionary to figure out – proper word or manifestation.
WittBits 