Author Archives: first person productions
Flash Memoir: Obey the pull of “concrete” or “object” writing
Last month I began a series of “writing workshop” posts here on Flash Memoir. Today that series continues with a look at “concrete” or “object” writing. Most of the stories presented as examples of Flash Memoir in that post were … Continue reading
Aboard Ship, continued
By Suzy Beal This is the fourth episode of a memoir that is unfolding, one chapter each month, here on True Stories Well Told. Stay tuned for more of the adventure as teenage Suzy’s family moves to Europe, builds a … Continue reading
It’s Thanksgiving: Listen Up!
Tomorrow is StoryCorps’ #TheGreatListen. Here’s what they have to say about it: The Great Thanksgiving Listen is a national movement that empowers young people—and people of all ages—to create an oral history of the contemporary United States by recording an interview … Continue reading
Flash Memoir: my definition
In my work as a personal historian, I often coach people on how to write, via workshops and 1:1 coaching. This keeps me interested in new techniques and ways to approach writing. In the past few years I’ve become aware of … Continue reading
Genetic Engineering is Child’s Play
By Faith Ellestad To my beloved sons, I was thinking back to my childhood, and thinking forward to my children, when it came to me. Guys, its not my fault. It’s the fault of summer in the ’50s. Let … Continue reading
Aboard Ship, Part 1
By Suzy Beal This is the third episode of a memoir that is unfolding, one chapter each month, here on True Stories Well Told. Stay tuned for more of the adventure as teenage Suzy’s family moves to Europe, builds a … Continue reading
The End
This short essay is an experiment in “The Rolling Now,” a structural technique I’m learning to use, taught by my mentor Ken McGoogan at the U-Kings MFA residency in August 2018. We were asked to shape an in-class free-write with … Continue reading
What meaning does a purse carry?
Writing prompt: I started a 4-week “Flash Memoir Write-In” workshop in Madison recently. One woman wrote about her dad’s anger when she wouldn’t start carrying a purse. (Every woman knows that’s the cusp of womanhood, like that other thing). I … Continue reading
Money Matters
By Jane Anderson August 15, 1945, the day World War II ended, was one of the most exciting days for me. I was nine years old and knew there would be changes in our lives—for the better. We had accepted the … Continue reading
Destination New York City
By Suzy Beal This is the second episode of a memoir that is unfolding, one chapter each month, here on True Stories Well Told. Stay tuned for more of the adventure as teenage Suzy’s family moves to Europe, builds a … Continue reading
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