Melissa Febos, a bestselling author and professor, dives into the intricacies of memoir writing. She discusses how confronting fears and vulnerabilities can lead to healing and self-discovery. Listeners learn about the delicate balance between sharing personal truths and respecting privacy. Febos emphasizes storytelling as a liberating act, especially for women and marginalized voices. She also explores the journey of finding purpose in creative writing while navigating the ethical dilemmas of depicting personal relationships.
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From Fiction to Memoir
Melissa Febos started as a fiction writer but was encouraged to write a memoir at 26.
Her professor recognized her talent after reading an essay and told her to pursue memoir writing.
insights INSIGHT
The Urge to Write
Many people feel their stories aren't interesting enough for a memoir.
Febos emphasizes trusting the urge to write, as it signals a story's importance.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Nonfiction as Truth Serum
Write nonfiction as a "truth serum" to confront difficult truths.
Nonfiction writing offers a sacred space for honesty and self-discovery, unlike autofiction.
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The Dry Season, A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex
The Dry Season, A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex
Melissa Febos
No description available.
Bodywork: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative
Bodywork: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative
The Radical Power of Personal Narrative
Melissa Febos
Melissa Febos's "Bodywork" delves into the transformative power of personal narrative, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and healing through intimate storytelling. The book weaves together essays that examine the author's experiences with addiction, sex work, and relationships, using these personal narratives to explore broader societal issues. Febos's writing style is both vulnerable and insightful, inviting readers to confront their own experiences with vulnerability and self-discovery. The book challenges traditional notions of memoir and encourages readers to find their own voices and stories. Through her honest and unflinching prose, Febos empowers readers to embrace their own complexities and find healing through self-expression.
Whip smart
Melissa Febos
Whip Smart is a powerful memoir that chronicles Melissa Febos's four years as a dominatrix in New York City while attending college. The book explores themes of risk-taking, self-destruction, and recovery, offering a nuanced exploration of sex, power, and identity. Febos's narrative is both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the complexities of human experience with honesty and insight.
Girlhood
Melissa Febos
In 'Girlhood', Melissa Febos examines the narratives women are told about what it means to be female and how to free oneself from them. The book is a philosophical treatise and an anthem for women, exploring the transitions from girlhood toward a chosen self. It delves into themes of identity, culture, and personal transformation, blending personal experiences with broader societal analysis.
Abandon me
Melissa Febos
In 'Abandon Me', Melissa Febos delves into the intense bonds of love and the need for connection, weaving together stories of her family, lovers, and personal struggles. The book is a fearless exploration of love, loss, and identity, drawing on diverse sources like psychology, mythology, and personal narratives. Febos reflects on her relationships, including a tumultuous affair with a married woman, and her complex heritage, navigating themes of abandonment and self-discovery.
To some, the act of writing a memoir might seem daunting, invasive, or navel-gazing. But excavating memories, noticing patterns, and revisiting events from other points of view can lead to healing—regardless of whether your work gets published.
On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Melissa Febos. Melissa is the bestselling author of five books, including Girlhood—winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in Criticism—and a forthcoming memoir, The Dry Season. She teaches us how to create our own narrative in ways that are safe for you and empathetic of others.
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The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer.
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