Writing the Radical Memoir: A Theoretical and Craft-based Approach

Writing the Radical Memoir is a book that explores the theories of memory and the self to challenge assumptions about how we remember and tell the truth of our lives when we write about it. It provides original exercises and prompts for further reading to bridge the gap between the theoretical and how it can be put into practice, covering topics such as the writer/reader contract, thematic/symbolic exploration, neuro-scientific theory, character development, identity construction, self-erasure, and the Autrebiography trilogy of J. M. Coetzee.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

For those who have mastered the basics of memoir and seek to delve deeper into this genre of creative nonfiction, Writing the Radical Memoir offers a thought-provoking exploration. By employing salient theories about memory and the self, the book challenges prevailing assumptions about how we remember and convey the truth of our lives through our writing. This innovative approach makes critical ideas accessible, while each chapter outlines the key principles of influential writers such as Barthes, Lacan, Derrida, Lewis Mehl-Madrona, Philippe Le Jeune, and Joseph Campbell. Through literary examples, the book demonstrates how other writers have successfully embraced these theories, and it then encourages readers to apply them to their own writing.

To enhance the practical application of the theoretical concepts, the book includes original exercises and prompts for further reading. These exercises bridge the gap between theory and its practical implementation, allowing readers to explore various aspects of nonfiction writing. The book covers a wide range of topics, including:- The writer-reader contract- Initiating a thematic or symbolic exploration of themes and incidents from one's life- Incorporating neuro-scientific theories to understand memory and recall, as well as the effects of memory on our recollections- Developing characters and navigating the ethical considerations of writing about real people- Exploring how constructing one's identity in memoir offers a means to challenge traditional structures- Recognizing that memoir is not solely about preserving the past but rather a process of self-erasure- Examining how J. M. Coetzee's Autrebiography trilogy challenges traditional biographyBy combining lived experience, post-structuralist and postmodernist theories, praxis, and artistic vision, this book encourages readers to contemplate the self, its portrayal, creation, erasure, and strangeness through the process of writing and remembering.

In conclusion, Writing the Radical Memoir is a valuable resource for those who wish to push the boundaries of memoir writing and explore new critical perspectives. By challenging assumptions and offering innovative approaches, the book empowers readers to craft memoirs that are both deeply personal and socially relevant. Whether you are a seasoned memoirist or a newcomer to the genre, this book will provide you with valuable insights and tools to enhance your writing and storytelling abilities.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350272217