On taking risks, pushing the orphan-genre forward, and keeping faith in your vision. In this Behind the Scenes post, Sarah Fay talks about writing a “verifiable” memoir, going against the idea of a wholly subjective art form (one-story), taking risks, and telling the story that a lot of people do not want to hear.
Ach-- just wrote a comment and it disappeared :-( It was a joy listening to the two of you, women I respect, who have both been through incredibly difficult times, and come through the other side and write with honesty and observation, not blaming or staying stuck in victim mode. I love listening to the two of you talk about craft and pushing the genre forward. I haven't read Pathological, I will do so now. And Sarah, you will not be disappointed if you take a class from Jennifer. Every class is a masterclass for those who want to learn.
The one thing I didn't like is Sarah saying essays don't sell. Phooey!!!! That's my best form of writing. Oh well, it's a good thing I just want to write and selling something would just be icing on the cake.
What I took away from this conversation is hope to consider getting back to writing with instructor Jennifer Lauck. Additionally, I I was encouraged to look at mental health as a topic based on Fry's relatable story that brought her to the topic and the overall project!
What I hear is that there are many ways to write memoir. My attempt was recently compared to W.G. Sebald’s “Austerlitz” in its structure because I use a lot of images and much is despairing. But after reading a few examples of the kind of memoir I was writing (a DNA surprise) I wanted more of a story arc which I found lacking in others because so much is about names and dates in the story. Fascinating to hear two great writers give their perspectives. Thanks!
Exactly…writing is in many ways vision+research+example+execution (and this is the part that often takes years). Then rinse and repeat. No matter, there are as many elements to a book and its completion as words on the page. 🤓
Your Turn:
Finish this sentence: What I took away from this conversation is…(fill in the blank).
Post below:
Thanks Sara, we’re in a rugged spot in publishing to be sure but hold steady, make great art. We reach those we need to reach.
Ach-- just wrote a comment and it disappeared :-( It was a joy listening to the two of you, women I respect, who have both been through incredibly difficult times, and come through the other side and write with honesty and observation, not blaming or staying stuck in victim mode. I love listening to the two of you talk about craft and pushing the genre forward. I haven't read Pathological, I will do so now. And Sarah, you will not be disappointed if you take a class from Jennifer. Every class is a masterclass for those who want to learn.
The one thing I didn't like is Sarah saying essays don't sell. Phooey!!!! That's my best form of writing. Oh well, it's a good thing I just want to write and selling something would just be icing on the cake.
I hope this was Act One and more will follow.
What I took away from this conversation is hope to consider getting back to writing with instructor Jennifer Lauck. Additionally, I I was encouraged to look at mental health as a topic based on Fry's relatable story that brought her to the topic and the overall project!
A double wammy. Thanks for the share.
What I hear is that there are many ways to write memoir. My attempt was recently compared to W.G. Sebald’s “Austerlitz” in its structure because I use a lot of images and much is despairing. But after reading a few examples of the kind of memoir I was writing (a DNA surprise) I wanted more of a story arc which I found lacking in others because so much is about names and dates in the story. Fascinating to hear two great writers give their perspectives. Thanks!
Exactly…writing is in many ways vision+research+example+execution (and this is the part that often takes years). Then rinse and repeat. No matter, there are as many elements to a book and its completion as words on the page. 🤓