Writing the Memoir: From Truth to Art

by Judith Barrington

Description

Since the first edition came out in 1997, this book has been praised as "the best book on memoir out there." It is thought-provoking, explanatory, and practical: each chapter ends with writing exercises. It covers everything from questions of truth and ethics to questions of craft and the crucial retrospective voice. An appendix provides information on legal issues. Judith Barrington, an award-winning memoir writer and acclaimed writing teacher, is attuned to the forces, both external and show more internal, that work to stop a writer; her tone is respectful of the difficulties and encouraging of taking risks. Her nimble prose, her deep belief in the importance of this genre, and her delight in the rich array of memoirists writing today make this book more than the typical "how-to" creative writing book.--From publisher description. show less

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4 reviews

Cantsaywhy 356 reviews

Second time through, and I still like it and find it helpful. Quite a bit of practical nuts-and-bolts advice for memoir writers, or those aspiring to write one. The author has a number of memoirs that she refers to in a positive light and I have been very happy with the suggestions that I followed up on. Has a permanent place on my writer's reference shelf.

Nov 17, 2022

eas7788 412 reviews

Best memoir-writing book I've read so far. Good exercises, clear organization comprehensive instruction.

Feb 5, 2026

lovejunkie 16 reviews

Indispensable, esp. if you are writing a memoir.

Aug 1, 2008