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.

1. Be ready to write, whenever

A memory can be triggered from just about anything. When words or phrases start moving around in your head, be ready to write them down at a moments notice because the words will act as a basic foundation. I find it easy to carry a pen and a 4×6 index card folded in half in my pocket.

2. Clear your mind

Once you find time to settle down, remove yourself to a place where you can concentrate without distractions. This is the time to read over the words from earlier in the day and focus on the memory. I find that listening to instrumental music helps out in this process.

3. Details

The more details that can be described, the better off the piece will be. Remember colors, shapes, smells, gestures, weather… anything that make the memory more realistic.

4. Keep writings together

I always write my work in small binded notebooks that help keep the words more personal and are easy to travel with on occasion. Whenever a piece is done in the hand-written sense, a digital copy and printout is good to have in a three-ring notebook. Someday that collection of writing could turn into a book.

5. Keep writing

Writing about a memory once and calling it quits is highly doubtful. There are always pieces to the memory that tend to be forgotten and reappear later on in time. You may understand the memory, but its movement is still with you for you to learn from.

6. Change is good

Description of the memory does not have to be exact. The whole process is to understand the meaning of the memory. The great thing about writing is that details can change inducing imagination to take the helm.

7. Let go

Eventually some memories have to move on just as in life. Reminiscing over the same memory do more harm than good. Take a moment so life can slow down, let go of certain pasts, and allow new memories to begin.

Take it from me, writing from memory is an absorbing task that can be emotionally and mentally hard. Each of us has a journey, whether we write it or not is of our on volition. Currently I am in search of the last pieces to my third poetry book, The Residual Solace, which has been in the works for five years and should be completed this summer.

Tags: poetry, Tips, Writing

One Response to “Writing from memory”

Vicki Lynne Wisecup

I love your writings, AND your photography. I love writing and keeping a journal. Hopefully one day it will become a biography for my family. I have one writer who’s finishing his novel and I’ve sparked his interest to do this for me based on what he already knows about my life. I’ve kept it since my oldest son was born. He’s now 37. My other two children are 32 and 27. They’ve appreciated my notes of their “growing up” years. I’m also a performing songwriter and recently became President of Georgia Music Industry Assocition (www.gmia.org).
Keep up the great work. Vicki Lynne
April 21st, 2008 at 1:21 pm