help and a few memoir writing ideas to stimulate memory
and stimulate creativity at the same time.
Memoir Writing Ideas...
to Stimulate and Engage
you know your past and you know quite well how to
write, thank you. You might instead just need someone
to inspire you, motivate you, give you a nudge--with
some memoir writing ideas.
Here are a few prompts to stimulate your memory and
to encourage your creativity...of which you have plenty
to work with and to share. So do the activities (or at
least one), and share them (or it) with loved ones...or
with me if you wish. I love reading your memoirs and
responding.
Prompt:
Starting on June 17, 1976, Diego and Susy Goldberg, of
Buenos Ares, Argentina, photographed head shots of
each member of the family...one day every year. Of
course, they started as a family of two--Diego and
Susy--and have over the years created a photo essay
that captures their physical growth (and more) over
time.
Visit the website and study the photo essay, "Time."
In words instead of photos, choose one day of your
family's life (starting with your parents or guardians and
adding you as a child) and describe what you each look
like. Do this for one day every year for as many years
as you can.
Prompt:
All art is a response to something--other art, an event
in our culture, a moment in history. Look at the photos
here and on the second Memoir Writing for Elders
page, and write a page or two of your immediate
associations with that picture.
For example, look at the photo of the drive-in. What is
the first memory that comes up for you? Who was
involved? Who was absent and why? What sounds do
you recall as predominant that day? What smells were
there? What colors do you recall? How did you feel on
that day?
Prompt:
Below are two pictures. One is clearly related to the
movie theatre and the other the stage (and
movies...later). Decide what one play or movie
influenced you the earliest.
What was the name of the play or film? When did you
first see it? What impact did it have on you? For
instance, if you and your family were poor and you only
saw one movie when you were a kid, maybe you grew
up to love movies or work in the movie industry.
Maybe, instead, you saw a play every year with your
since deceased uncle, and were inspired to go into
theatre or to study literature. Write whatever you want
about one movie or play, and then email me with the
draft(s) for a response and more encouragement if you
wish.
Note: The black and white photo below may remind you
of something other than your first movie experience.
Go for that draft, too!
Finished with these prompts? There are more
lessons in
Memoir Writing for Our Elders
Memoir Writing Using History Recall
find you working. ~ Pablo Picasso
art in the RoxanneWrites HOME page for art credits section.
