The Healing Power Of Writing Your Memoir with Brenda Peterson

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Writing a memoir is not just for established writers and celebrities, as we might expect. Memoir writing can be a way of leaving a legacy for generations and imparting wisdom from real life experiences. It can also be a tool for gaining a better understanding of one’s self. Brenda Peterson teaches that writing a memoir can reveal who we are and can answer the question: “What is the story you are telling yourself about yourself to yourself?” A memoir has a narrative arc, a plot which is “the evolution of the soul through any experience or through time.” Peterson believes that a good memoir will incorporate all of the senses. The memoirist should bring to the surface as much depth of experience as possible to create a meaningful and compelling story. And, she adds, a little levity can change everything. A memoir doesn’t necessarily have to be all about the writer, but inevitably, the writer is the narrator and main character. One of the first things Peterson teaches is the chapter on ‘’Showing up, creating a character of the self.” She often uses playful exercises to draw out the inner critic and to encourage epiphany. Writing a memoir requires reflection, emotion and patience. Memoirs take time, she acknowledges, and becoming an apprentice to the craft is important. She uses an exercise to help spark the process that might be referred to as the “one scene” method. Peterson believes that everyone has a story to tell, “So do it now.” (hosted by Justine Willis Toms)

Bio

Brenda Peterson is a novelist, nature writer, and writing teacher. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Orion Magazine, and O: The Oprah Magazine. She’s a regular commentator for Seattle NPR and the Huffington Post.

Brenda Peterson is the author of eighteen books, including:

• Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals (W. W. Norton 2001)
• Duck and Cover (Backinprint.com 2004)
• I Want to Be Left Behind: Finding Rapture Here on Earth (Da Capo Press 2010)
• Wolf Haven: Sanctuary and the Future of Wolves in North America (coauthor Annie Marie Musselman) (Sasquatch Books 2016)
• Wolf Nation: The Life, Death, and Return of Wild American Wolves (Da Capo Press 2017)

To learn more about the work of Brenda Peterson go to www.brendapetersonbooks.com.

Topics Explored in This Dialogue

• What is a memoir
• What are some of the compelling reasons to write a memoir
• What story are you telling yourself about yourself
• Is there one scene that sums up your story
• Why a memoir does not have to be chronological
• What are some ways to jump in and begin your memoir
• How to turn your inner critic into your protector

Host: Justine Willis Toms   Interview Date: 9/11/2014   Program Number: 3520

Music Playlist

From Album: The Lark's Bride
Artist: Radhika Miller and Eugene Friesen
1987 Radhika Miller Music #RMM 1107

Opening Essay: Track 01 The Lark’s Bride
Music Break 1: Track 01 The Lark’s Bride (reprise)
Music Break 2: Track 03 Skylarking
Music Break 3: Track 03 Skylarking (reprise)