Thanks to Faith Adiele, I’ve been reading Robin Hemley‘s A Field Guide for Immersion Writing: Memoir, Journalism, and Travel. In this book, Hemley suggests writing a blog as a way to research a writing project.
It sounds like great advice, but as you know I already have a blog (well, more than one). He also warns in a June 2012 interview:
It’s quite easy for writers to spread themselves too thin: writing a blog, tweeting, Facebook updates, all that. Most writers need good long stretches to simply be alone with their work and their thoughts.
So I decided that rather than spread myself more thinly, I would use this blog for the month of February as my laboratory. I’ll work on some of my prep and research for my book Scrap. For this project, I am studying my history and experiences, particularly as they involve my father and our relationship (which looks like both drama masks) and arranging these memories into a new and enriching vision.
I hope you won’t mind coming along and visiting during this nostalgic trips to the fifties, sixties, and seventies.
from Wikipedia
Great sentiments… The space to muse is certainly necessary. I look forward to popping back!
Oh, thank you so much. I’m so glad t hear that . . . and, yes, the space and time to muse is so important.
Sounds like fun. I’m currently working on a fictional short story set in my college years (early 1980s) and it’s been fun reconnecting with old friends and blogging about memories and made-up things.
I wish you well on your journey.
Thakn you so much, indytony. Oh that does sound fun! Were your friends willing and able to help you with memories?
Somewhat. 30 years is a long time ago. We were able to construct enough detail to make for believable fiction, anyway.
Thanks for asking.
I’m glad they were helpful to you!
Sounds like an adventure! I won’t mind looking over your shoulder. I’m sure I’ll learn something as well!
Hah, thanks, Green Study! I look forward to seeing you here ;).
I racconti sono il cibo dell’Anima!
Un cordiale saluto
Claudio
Thank you so much for reading, Claudio!
I love it! I’m writing a memoir on paper and starting another one in my head, which is more related to my father and that side of my family. I’m interested to read about your new project. Very inspiring!
Haha, you sound like me with more than one project going on at any one time!! Thank you so much for your sweet comments!
Sounds great. I look forward to it!
Thanks for being a willing participant, Wilma!
I can’t wait…when I read your post, Luanne…truly makes me remember things I thought I lost with brain surgery……Jill
I hope you will find that my February posts bring back happy or at least interesting memories for you, Jill! xo
Have a great week, Luanne!
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Sounds fascinating! I’m using my blog to post excerpts from my own memoir about battling panic disorder and agoraphobia. Your project will motivate me. Cindy
Looking forward to it!
Looking forward to it!! I’m at work on another project also, although not a personal memoir. Good luck!!
Luanne,
I love how you bring another voice to bear in your process of writing this book… and I so feel the quote–I long to immerse myself in long stretches of time to just focus in on one project–
And, your title is so appropriate! I’m excited to tag along here and see what structure you will use to frame up the moving pieces that are Scrap! And, I feel lucky to have had previews! – Go! Go! Go! – Renee
Luanne,
Brave effort that I know will attract and provide lots of creative support. All a writer’s journey needs is the courage to open a door and the willingness to be carried on our imagination’s magic carpet ride. Thanks for being a power of example.