Exploring the Craft of Memoir Writing

The panel discussion explores the motivations and challenges of writing memoirs, featuring insights from Richard Blanco, Dani Shapiro, and Kiese Laymon. Each author shares their personal journey, highlighting themes of identity, cultural background, and the art of storytelling. The session includes readings from their works and addresses audience questions, offering a comprehensive look at the memoir genre.

Who was President Obama's inaugural poet in 2013?

• Richard Blanco

• Danny Shapiro

• KSA

• None of the above

What was the primary reason Richard Blanco wrote his first memoir?

• To experiment with a new genre

• To write about his childhood

• To document his experience as an inaugural poet

• To explore his cultural identity

What discovery did Danny Shapiro make three years ago that influenced her memoir writing?

• Her mother was not her biological mother

• Her father was not her biological father

• She was adopted

• She had a long-lost sibling

What was the main goal of KSA in writing his memoir 'Heavy'?

• To save his relationship with his mother

• To write about his travels

• To document his academic achievements

• To explore his career as a writer

What central theme does Richard Blanco explore across genres in his writing?

• Political issues

• Historical events

• Home and place belonging

• Love and relationships

What contributed to the speaker's feeling of otherness?

• Lack of education

• Living in a different country

• A secret about their identity

• Financial issues

What was the speaker told every day about their appearance?

• They looked very young

• They looked like a celebrity

• They didn't look Jewish

• They looked like their mother

In Cassady's reading, what did the speaker do to cope with the emotional distress?

• Called a friend

• Went for a walk

• Ate peanut butter and preserves

• Wrote in a journal

What realization did Danny have about writing from trauma?

• It helps in creating better stories

• It doesn't allow prose to cohere

• It makes the writing process faster

• It is the best way to write memoirs

According to Richard, what is essential for writing memoirs?

• Writing quickly

• Using humor

• Having a clear thesis

• Connecting with the audience