Episode 41: My Fair Junkie by Amy Dresner

Here’s what I learned from My Fair Junkie by Amy Dresner:

• Amy Dresner is the second memoirist I’ve read who had a life changing moment with a breathwork teacher—Glennon Doyle was the first, in Love Warrior. So I found a breathwork person near me and did it! I don’t know if it was life changing but I definitely had a moment. 

• Character intros should have lots of specific details, and don’t be afraid to make them long, like three or four sentences. 

• A rule about parentheticals: they should always only be hilarious.

• Lots of examples of how to not write your feelings or your own commentary to the story, especially when the dialogue is gold (as it was in Amy’s story). 

And a quick update on my memoir!