Interesting site, Dr. Amidon. I look forward to seeing what kinds of contributions are made here by the other students.

Here's a question I'll throw in for discussion. What are the differences between an autobiography and a memoir?

For my project, I am writing a collection of essays and reflections about events in my life and how they've shaped my views on religious beliefs. I don't intend to share my entire life story - far too banal. But there have been key moments in my life that, with careful reflection and pointed prose, might make for some entertaining and, perhaps, enlightening reading. Basically, I'm taking the opportunity to put into words how events have helped shape who I am today, and who I may yet become. This, to me, is the definition of memoir.

Thoughts?

Leigh Gilmore's book, "The Limits of Autobiography: Trauma and Testimony" has a great introduction which deals with the recent developments in memoir, and its differences with traditional autobiography. The introudtcion is available if you search "Google Scholar." Just go to Google, click the "more" button, and click on "Google Scholar." Then do a search for the book.

A response to Tysdaddy's question, "What are the differences between an autobiography and a memoir?"

According to how I understand what an autobiography and an memoir are, I would write that an autobiography is a nonfiction chronological history of events, experiences, accomplishments, and etc. that took place in ones' life and that a memoir deals more with a personal recollection and views of how things took place in ones' life.

Are there others answers for this questions?

If yes, I would like to read them.

John Merhar

Well, I'm not sure of that position on Autobiography/Memoir. It seems like an autobiography is a life story in its enterity, whereas a memoir seems to be more specific and time sensitive. I plan to write a "memoir" about my experiences in the military from 1961-65 that requires a significant amount of research even though it is very personal. I believe what I am doing is a memoir, and not an autobiography. That's my view, right or wrong. John C Kennedy

I think you have a good idea of going through all those letters that your mother kept. You will probably reading things in those letter that you wrote a long time ago that will bring back memories to you. I suggest that you start on this review of your correspondence as soon as possible as doing so will probably have a strong beneficial effect on your writing project.

Dr. Amidon,

"Have there been any academic scholarly books written on how to improve on one's generation of vivid imagery in the mind of the reader while reading a work?"

As a side project I have working to create strong vivid imagery in the reader's mind while reading my work. You know, developing a strong suspension of disbelief for the reader and generating a strong realistic three dimensional reality with the reader while reading my work.

I thought there might be something written up on this topic.

Are there any other participants in our class that are into creative writting? If yes, I would like to read about your ideas of imagery and the generation of images.

Well, that is all for now.

I look forward to your response.

Bye for now.


To Happy Travels and Wondrous Discoveries,

John Merhar

P.S.- "What are you writing?"

P.P.S.- "What are you reading?"

Finally remembered to add my blog to the front page. (Also added some more sites to "Research beyond Google.")