I’m finding that writing memoir is like excavating the past. I’ve been digging in one area, but that leads to another completely different spot full of memories. For me, it’s such a mixed bag.

I’m just focusing on my childhood. Depending on how this goes, I might write about adult years at a later time. But for now, things will probably only go up to about 7th grade. Essentially the ending of a traumatic season of life. Although it’ll be focused on elementary and junior high, it won’t be Young Adult fiction. Or at least not intentionally. Some pretty adult and graphic topics.

For me, memoir has also proven to be a bit triggering. I was reading something aloud at a meeting last night, and suddenly had a flash of memory that stopped me in my tracks. I had to stumble around a bit to get back on track with my reading. People were looking at me with worried expressions, and I could imagine they were wondering if I just had a stroke. If they weren’t so concerned, it might have been embarrassing. But I didn’t feel judged. More like supported.

I think I’m going to head down to the library this afternoon and see if they have copies of Writer’s Digest and The Writer. I’d like to dig up some more articles on writing memoir. I’ve read a lot online, but I really like reading in print better. My eyes aren’t always behaving well when I read on the computer or phone.

The working title of the memoir is Growing Up in Mayberry. It’s both descriptive and ironic. The title will, of course, change, but I find it’s helpful to have a title/label to work with to keep things in focus.