11 Comments
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Ariel Curry's avatar

This is so good!! A memoir has to also have that universal truth/big idea that makes it applicable to the reader. Sharing in my monthly endnotes for November!

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Mara Eller's avatar

Oh thank you! I take that as high praise. 🥰

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Rafia Khader's avatar

It's too bad I found this post too late for your class, but I'm glad I found it nonetheless. Thank you for distilling in such a beautiful way that transformational power that memoir holds not just for the author but for the reader, too. I'm writing my own memoir and I'm starting to make that transition from "I need to let this story out" to "How will the reader see it? What can they take from it?" It's a challenge, but it's an exciting one.

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Mara Eller's avatar

Congrats on your progress on your memoir! You’re at an exciting part of the journey for sure! I’m sorry you missed the class. There’s a chance we could still get you a ticket so you could watch the replay. Let me know if you’re interested!

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Jennifer Lazaro Kinard's avatar

Mara, this is so helpful. It sounds like memoir is like many other genres—especially fiction—in that way. The reader is an essential participant.

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Mara Eller's avatar

Yes, that’s a great way to put it! So glad it was helpful to you. 😊

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Camden Morgante's avatar

This is a great training, Mara! Have you read Stephanie’s new memoir? It’s beautiful!

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Mara Eller's avatar

I haven’t yet, though it’s on my (very large) TBR stack. Your comment tells me to move it a little further up the stack!

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Mara Eller's avatar

I look forward to it!

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Ann C. Averill's avatar

I love this! It’s what Mara has helped me do as my editor for my own memoir. Her professional help is invaluable!

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Mara Eller's avatar

Aww, thanks Ann! You did a great job weaving together your threads of meaning. ♥️

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