Writing from memory

» March 27th, 2008 | Categorized in Tips

For the last eleven years I have been writing off-and-on solely from memory for my poetry manuscripts, the first of which was published in 2000 under the title of The Truth Be Told. Although not a great success, it began this whole writing experience from reliving memories, both good and bad, through pen scribbling words.

Many non-writers find this rather difficult at times, especially from a poetic concept, to establish the sights and sounds that are no longer existent in colorful dialogue. It’s all in the details. And it’s a matter of concentrating with clarity.

Forcing a memory to resurface is not practically ideal considering that the images retained may be distorted due to immediate feelings or surroundings. Whether it is from anger, stress, or a state of denial, these do not shape the truest sense of the memories that are to be, per say, analyzed.

I find that reliving a memory for its sole purpose comes about through understanding and movement. What do I mean by that?

Understanding a memory can be done by anyone. We learn from our mistakes, move on with life and try again. Sometimes understanding a situation, either instant or from a distant past, can be difficult when life trips up and takes an awful spill. There’s nothing that says understanding a memory is easy – it’s a process of life.

However the movement of a memory is rather different. Much like how a camera captures an instance of time through light, a memory is the same in regards to capturing interaction with people and places. As the eyes close and the memory appears, all time stops for a brief moment to relive the past. But in this time within the past, the mind can replay movement with clarity and distinction.

Just as people say “I can remember it like it was yesterday,” that is the movement of a memory – always bound to you in ways that are true, shaping life for who you are.

Writing from these memories must come immediately afterwards, because silently the images will drift away into hiding for another time. Here are some tips for those who want to take this journey on their own.

Continue reading ‘Writing from memory’

Tags: , ,

Screw Resolutions, Set Goals

» January 1st, 2008 | Categorized in Misc, Tips

New Year’s Resolutions are a load of crap. Let’s be honest, who really keeps them throughout the year. And the word ‘resolution’ is a downer as well. Look at the definition – it’s a solution to a problem, setting a determination. There’s the problem, having to overlook all your problems to come up with a solution.

Screw that. It’s time to throw out resolutions with those old clothes that don’t fit and its time to set some goals. A goal is something that has an achievement in sight, something attainable that will make you feel good in the end. But don’t get too carried away and be a dreamer, be realistic here.

When I’m not at my less-than-fulfilling job, I make up a list of goals to accomplish for the day, usually carrying it around with me as items become completed and checked off. These goals are small and to the point - pay this bill, buy milk, laundry, etc… But when it comes to setting yearly goals, it’s all about perspective.

There’s 52 weeks in a year, plenty of time, right? Wrong. Time is fleeting and most people either live by the hour hand or totally disregard it. Instead of making outlandish resolutions like paying off all your debt, try cutting it in half. This allows your mind and body not to stress out over a goal that is not completely attainable, I mean a resolution. Remember, goals are intended to be accomplished while resolutions are problem solvers.

Here are some of my goals for 2008:

  • Pay off truck loan by March
  • Cut credit card debit in half
  • Check out SkyMiles/SkyPoints, which is better?
  • Finish local interviews for Saving Hunter book
  • Start selling photographic prints
  • Blog more
  • Buy a compact digital camera
  • Redo portfolio
  • Find a new, fulfilling job

One of the great things about goals is that they can be updated, marked off and added onto at a later date. Keep your yearly goals in a few stationary places, like next to the desktop, in the kitchen, in an online notebook and wallet. Remind yourself to look at the goals, evaluate the status and what are the next steps to having accomplishment.

It’s the first day of 2008 and I have my yearly and daily goal list ready, how about you?

Tags: , , ,