Flash Memoir Friday: My Neglected Gods
Delaying explanation; 3 exercises to try; more upcoming writing opportunities
In Wednesday’s post, I listed five things I’ve loved recently— including writing by former students and fellow writing instructors. One of those things I’m loving is My Neglected Gods (Vine Leaves Press), a book of flash memoir by Joanne Nelson that I was lucky enough to provide a blurb for. Joanne is a psychotherapist and a writing and meditation instructor, who also took courses with me through Creative Nonfiction.
Read the piece by Nelson below, and then try out one of the writing exercises that follow. Happy writing!
Exercise ideas:
Write a piece explaining the “why” of something in your life, repeating “because” throughout. Allow each “because” paragraph to be more about showing than direct telling— put us in a scene with you. Experiment with withholding the connection between the “why” title and the “because” scenes, allowing the connections to emerge for the reader over the course of the piece.
Write about hair and family connection (or disconnection?).
Write about a job that appealed to you when you were a child. What was it about the details of the job that you found appealing? (Also check out this illustrated piece I wrote with my brother on this subject. Words by me, pictures by Alex Lenhoff.)
Writing Opportunities:
On Saturday June 10th, I will host an online writing session for paid subscribers to this newsletter from 12-2pm Eastern. We’ll check in at the beginning and end about our work, and the rest of the time we’ll spend writing together in silence. (You can even turn off your camera!)
If you’re a paid subscriber who is interested in joining this writing session on Zoom, please drop me a line so I can gauge interest and add you to the invitation email!
On Saturday June 24th, 12-3pm Eastern, I will hold the last 2023 Generative Writing Workshop (at least until fall!). We'll discuss short readings together. Then you will receive prompts and we’ll do timed writing exercises. The regulars are a fun, warm, and supportive group, if you want to join us! ($75; if you can’t afford that right now, write me about a sliding scale spot).
I’ve extended Early Registration for summer courses through today! Work with expert instructors over five weeks to learn new ways in to your writing. The tuition for these classes is $300/$250 with early registration (TODAY ONLY), and there are now payment plans available! Courses available:
Writing Lyric Essay: When Poetry and Nonfiction Play. My popular course originally designed for Creative Nonfiction.
Memoir in Collage. A return of Megan Baxter’s beloved course on collaged approaches to memoir. (Also originally designed for Creative Nonfiction.)
Flash Fiction: Form and Fracture. Your chance to delve into flash fiction with Kami Westhoff, who teaches at Western Washington University and is an accomplished multi-genre writer.
Great prompts!