The Art of Writing Memoir

Finding the Past in the Present

By: Natalie Goldberg

Narrated by: Natalie Goldberg

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

This weekend workshop, recorded live, is a primer on writing the modern memoir, which, unlike your grandmother's memoir, can be written at any age. Also, a memoir can be about just part of your life. "The more you are present, the more the past will come up and be alive," says Natalie. "Only right now can give you your past."

©2011 Natalie Goldberg (P)2011 Writer's AudioShop

For right brain writers, not left brain

Any additional comments?

If you want to learn the mechanics of how to write a memoir, this is not the program for you.

It is mostly her giving out writing prompts, and then you hear students reading what they wrote. If this is what you want, you'll love it. Some of the student writing is great!

The program is poorly edited, in my opinion. There are a lot of bells ringing and musical chimes that are too loud, serve no purpose in the audio program, and take up a lot of time. I found that very annoying.

She gives a lot of inspiration quotes that right-brained writers may find inspiring. For a left-brain writer like me who likes practical instruction, nuts and bolts, and bulleted lists, this was not the best choice.

Best Seminar I Ever Listened To

What a wonderful audio seminar. It's great for any type of writing you want to do, not only memoir. Natalie Goldberg is an awesome writer, presenter and I look forward to reading more of her books!

Next best thing to being in Taos

I loved listening to this writing workshop, and hope to listen to it again, when I have time to do all the exercises and develop a writing practice. Natalie Goldberg was so engaging and lovely. The participants were very brave and demonstrated the importance of reading your writing out loud and listening to others read. Write - Read - Write - Read. Just wonderful!

Discusting excuse for mrmoir help!!

waste of money and no prscticsl help im eriting a memoir at all..
silly talk of energy and such that's more religius practice than crestive writing and

Great for getting the creative juices flowing

If you are looking for a step by step "How to," this is not really the book for you. This one is excellent for getting the creative juices flowing. it talks a lot able the angle you come at the writing, best ways to engage and offers helpful writing exercises to get you into the flow of being a writer. imI liked it very much for that reason. I felt like I was there with the class.

This will get you writing

Would you listen to The Art of Writing Memoir again? Why?

Yes!

The short, timed exercises are unexpected and useful. And Goldberg's enthusiasm and experience, and questions to participants spurs one on. it is just like doing a seminar with her, for a fraction of the cost.

What other book might you compare The Art of Writing Memoir to, and why?

Natalie Goldberg's Writing down the Bones or Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way or The Right to Write. All encourage one to just do it, to put pen on paper, and trust what comes out.. Or Natalie Goldberg's Old Friend from Far Away on memoir writing.

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Natalie Goldberg is being Natalie Goldberg- speaking about her life experience. Unique and forceful. Also strong, nasal accent!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This will get you writing.

Doing Writing

I loved the energy created by the readings. Best way to write is to write daily - write anything but be sure to write!

A pleasure

I really enjoyed this seminar, so glad to be introduced to Goldberg I will be listening to more of her. Namaste