“Every writer can benefit from reading Diane Taylor’s wonderfully clear, down-to-earth, practical, and inspiring book. But for the memoirist, in particular, Taylor’s expertise is invaluable.” –Philip Marchand, National Post columnist and author of Ghost Empire: How the French Almost Conquered North America
The Gift of Memoir is Diane Taylor's gift to writers of every kind, but especially those with a personal or family story to tell. In words that are themselves a stellar example of literary craftsmanship, Taylor shows writers how to show up, open up, and write. She shares moving stories from her own adventurous life. Her short chapters, full of practical advice and inspiring examples, cover such topics as:
- Establishing a writing ritual
- Why write memoir?
- Joining a writing community for diversity and connection
- Telling the truth when you aren’t sure
- Journaling to unlock the soul
- How to approach traumatic events
- Four strategies to retrieve memories
- The ingredients of a good anecdote
- The several senses, not just five, for vivid writing
- How to choose a form that fits your writing
- The revision process
