Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Stall

I could name a million reasons describing why progress on this book has been stalled, but the main one is this: I tried too hard.  I tried to figure out a plot.  I tried to expound on points I thought were important but weren't as inspiring.  I tried to write a book and not a memoir.

Zinsser puts it best:
...beware of "about." Beware of deciding in advance how your memoir or your family history will be organized and what it will say. Don't visualize the finished product at the end of your journey; it will look different when you get there. Be ready to be surprised by the crazy, wonderful events that will come dancing out of your past when you stir the pot of memory. Embrace those long-lost visitors. If they shove aside some events you originally thought you wanted to write about, it's because they have more vitality. Go with what interests and amuses you. Trust the process, and the product will take care of itself. - Writing About Your Life
 Things have changed.  You'll see.