3 Things That Make Memoirs Really Sing
Believe it or not, what separates some stories from others is word choice. This is what creates the rhythm, the flow, the cadence, the VOICE of a story, comparable to a singer grabbing a mic and belting out a tune. For the minute I’m thinking Patti LaBelle, a voice that can be picked out if Ms. Patti was belting out the Star-Spangled Banner…over the radio…or humming Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in the shower. Patti's voice can even be picked out among a tier of giants, a sort of cinematic rhyme in stories. I still recall (and get tickled) thinking about Patti's memoir when she spoke of being asked to tone it down when singing with choirs. Her voice is so big. But that's how it is in books. Some stories can carry a note. Some simply sing. And then there are the sangers, stories hosting distinct voices that will make you drop your fork and your eyes pop open. You know. The page-turners.
This brings me to COURAGE, having the courage to silence the inner critic, (and sometimes well-meaning literary mavericks and staid editors familiar with routine), to let that VOICE go to work and really sang. Otherwise, it’s words on a paper anyone can sing.
Just finished reading 3 memoirs. Daring to Date Again by Ann Anderson Evans. (thoughts here). The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper. (thoughts here). A Pot of Rice to the Wonders of Wonton by Lorraine Witte. (thoughts here).
#ILoveMemoirs #ILoveReadingMemoirs #JustBlogged
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