At a discussion I led at our local library on memoir writing yesterday , I offered a series of writing prompts relevant to memoirs. My purpose in doing so was twofold. For those in a writing mood or who want to try to get some writing started, these are fun and interesting topical cues. At the same time, I think these prompts demonstrate the kinds of life details that can so easily be lost to the passage of time if no one bothers to write them down. Here are a few of the memoir prompts I suggested. If you are interested in creating some narrative nonfiction today, either as part of a memoir or just to exercise your writing muscles, given them a try!
1. Do you know where your parents got engaged? Have they shared a particular story about the event?
2. What were the favorite foods in your family when you were growing up? What constituted a holiday treat? What was considered everyday fare?
3. What were your earliest experiences with loss and death, and how did the adults in your life help you (or not) to understand those losses?
4. What has been the most extreme weather event you’ve experienced?
5. Is (or was) there a particular issue on which you disagree with your parents? How has it been addressed? Was it ever resolved?
1. Do you know where your parents got engaged? Have they shared a particular story about the event?
2. What were the favorite foods in your family when you were growing up? What constituted a holiday treat? What was considered everyday fare?
3. What were your earliest experiences with loss and death, and how did the adults in your life help you (or not) to understand those losses?
4. What has been the most extreme weather event you’ve experienced?
5. Is (or was) there a particular issue on which you disagree with your parents? How has it been addressed? Was it ever resolved?
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