How about having Extreme Writing Now delivered to your email box? Input your e-mail address below! This list is private and we won't spam you. 
Oh, this is going to be good. We are going to write about our obsessions or passions this week in the memoirs group. Here is some guidance from Natalie Goldberg (paraphrased) from her book, Old Friend from Far Away.
“Memoirs are not about your whole life, they are more an expression of your life through something. You could write about your life with books, your life as a nerd, as a fry cook, as an addict. You have to find the access, the opening, some way the rough elbow of your mind can be revealed, and plunge forth on the page.”
She then goes on to give an example of an author named Steve Almond (pg. 43), who after having written two books, finally was noticed when he wrote “Candyfreak: A Journey through the Chocolate Underbelly of America.” It turns out that he has eaten a piece of candy every single day of his life. He didn’t think candy was a serious enough thing to write about but it was his passion. It was through candy that people finally got who he was, because he was able to share how some of his life experiences were connected to this passion for candy. Or I should say that his passion for candy came as a result of his life experiences?
First, Natalie suggests you make a list of your passions. Then, make a list of your obsessions. She asks, “What is the difference between a passion and an obsession?” Her hint is that obsession is linked to suffering.
Here are the dictionary.com definitions:
obsessions – the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.
passions – a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: i.e. a passion for music.
Would you rather have an obsession or a passion? Tell us about one of yours and create a blog entry if you would like it to be found!
© 2010, kimmanleyort. All rights reserved.
#Obsessions and… http://goo.gl/fb/lkgLi #featured #kim #memoirs #kimmanleyort #memoirwriting #nataliegoldberg
#Obsessions and… http://goo.gl/fb/lkgLi #featured #kim #memoirs #kimmanleyort #memoirwriting #nataliegoldberg
I keep reading about the memoir group…just not ready to dive in
Although this sounds like a goody. We shall see.
Correen´s last blog ..Dungeness Crab Summer Rolls
It’s kinda fun, Correen.
Now this one is going to take some thought…I’ve got a few obsessions…but am I ready to reveal them yet…not sure.
Passions, I have a few of those too…but which reveals the real me? Do I even know the real me? Oops…that almost sounds obsessive.
I might have to consult with a couple of my personalities. “Chloe what do you think?” “I don’t know Bev go talk to Matilda.” “I can’t she isn’t speaking to me right now..she’s mad because I won’t let her in a story.”
Lol, Bev. Can’t wait!
My foremost obsession might best be left unsaid right now. Sorry Natalie and Kim. This is intriguing, though.
That’s okay, MiMi. I just know you probably have lots of passions, though. Whenever you’re ready.
Revisited: Obsessions and Passions – Oh, this is going to be good. We are going to write about our obsessions or… http://is.gd/fTrnc #ewn
Revisited: Obsessions and Passions – Oh, this is going to be good. We are going to write about our obsessions or… http://is.gd/fTrnc #ewn
Revisited: Obsessions and Passions – Oh, this is going to be good. We are going to write about our obsessions or… http://is.gd/OHqTaU #ewn