Memoir Snob Episode 28: Viola Davis, Norm Macdonald, and David Sedaris
Aug 12, 2023
Viola Davis shares writing tips like 'show don't tell' and considering ghost writers. Norm Macdonald discusses storytelling techniques and blurring truth and absurdity. David Sedaris reveals the humor of repetition and the power of responding with stories. The podcast explores the influence of childhood memories, admiration for David Sedaris, and the effectiveness of ending a story without reflection or lessons.
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Show, Don't Rely On Punctuation
- Repeated vague phrases and punctuation weaken memoir writing and pull readers out of the story.
- Treat readers like smart adults by showing meaning through specifics, not ellipses or exclamation points.
Reading And Listening Simultaneously Failed
- The host tried reading and listening to Viola Davis's audiobook simultaneously and found it distracting.
- Listening plus fast rereading clashed because the audiobook kept moving while she wanted to pause and reflect.
Trust The Scene, Not Punctuation
- Excess punctuation signals the writer telling the reader what to feel rather than trusting the scene.
- Strong writing shows importance through detail and choice language, not ellipses or exclamation points.