"... readers of creative
nonfiction are not so much interested in your life, but what you think of your
life, the steps you have taken to understand it. It is what makes a book
memorable; it is what sticks."
-Ira Sukrungruang
Life story writing delves into a composite of strengths
and struggles. It takes insight and courage to confront mistakes and failings
with permission to let them trickle onto the page.
How is it possible to provide a patchwork of self without
gathering unpleasant choices to write about? Missteps lead to the joy of dance.
Everyone suffers from what Thomas Merton calls the
"trembling self." Individuals are not always heroic and right. Delving
into troubling notions begins the eternal search for "how am I" in
addition to the "who."
Write to discover ways beyond taking revenge, taking sides
or sharing war stories. Artifacts of courage include unfinished efforts.
Creative Write: Consider your
unfinished efforts. Write into, around and through an issue that causes a
"trembling self." Take notice of how you get in the way of your
self-discoveries in this situation. Write from another perspective you do not
agree with. Make notes of insights that result.
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