Memoir Snob

In this podcast, they discuss the impact of repetition and analogies in writing. They also explore the use of alliteration and em dashes. The importance of reading writers you admire and using callbacks in storytelling is emphasized. They reflect on missed opportunities and the power of foreshadowing. Additionally, they talk about body image struggles and the effects of alcohol in the book.

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.

Here's what I learned from Crying In H Mart: -Food is a very visual theme she uses throughout the book. What's a visual theme I could use in my book? -Specific, observational details are interesting and engaging. -Whenever you write about a person, you have to show the good and bad. People are never one-dimensional. -Litter your book with continuous stories, where you tell a piece of a story and let it hang, then come back to it later. This creates a feeling of satisfaction for the reader that a loop has been closed. -When you admit the things you're ashamed of, it's not only relatable to the reader, it's also freeing and empowering for you, the writer. -Include a chapter about your spouse/partner if they are a part of your story! -Endings feel satisfying when there is an actual end or culmination. In this case, she ends with her music tour, and the last stop is her birth place and mother's home. References: Danica Delacruz's ⁠essay⁠

In these memoir deep dives I highlight my takeaways from the book and how I can apply what I learn to writing my own memoir. Here's what I learned from Greenlights: - Coin a term for the title of your book. - Open with a powerful, visual scene. - "The choices we make write the chapters." - Take creative liberties: experiment with more dialogue! - Repeat themes/ideas you want the reader to remember. - Make your book unique: McConaughey had little poems written throughout; I want to write fantastic Acknowledgments. - The midpoint of your book should be an up or a down for the "protagonist" (ie me). This is similar to feature length screenplays. The midpoint of Greenlights is the moment McConaughey becomes famous. - Write a chapter on how you met the person you chose to spend the rest of your life with (obviously... because this is the most important decision of your life). - Endings are hard, but it might just write itself. Write the bulk of the book, and then think about the ending. I don't need to start with the ending in mind.

Charlie is going to write a memoir. What better way to learn about memoir than to read them and reflect on them? In this episode, Charlie talks about what resonated from the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and how her notes can help her as she thinks about her own writing. This new format was inspired by David Senra's Founders Podcast. If you haven't listened to his podcast, you should.

Charlie forgets to press record on the first hour of her conversation with Polina. No matter! Polina is a gem. They talk about how they write and their relationships with alcohol. Polina shares her thoughts on personal writing and failure. And they end with a new segment they came up with together called Slow Burn And Smooth Jazz. You won't want to miss it. Pre-order Polina's book, out June 20! ⁠Hidden Genius⁠: The Secret Ways Of Thinking That Power The World's Most Successful People References: Colleen Hoover 15 Months Without Alcohol Militaristic — definitely a word I’ll Show Myself Out: Essays On Midlife And Motherhood by Jessi Klein ⁠Why It's So Hard to Create Original Work In the Face of Conventional Wisdom⁠ (Polina’s essay on originality) An Orgasmic Birth (Charlie’s essay on childbirth) Judy Blume Educated by Tara Westover The Bachelor The White Lotus Season 2

Charlie hates hates hates hates hates feeling stupid. And she did something REALLY stupid this week. References: I Hate Feeling Stupid Shrinking on Apple TV

The Bleeckers got COVID. It sucked, but it could be worse. Charlie and Sam talk about their bad habits with sweets and their relationship with alcohol (not great, but they've come a long way). George has gotten particular with his food preferences which makes mealtime a struggle. They debate whether George is speaking words yet, and Sam calls Charlie selfish for making him sleep in the guest bedroom.  References:  Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch 15 Months Without Alcohol (The Profile) The Pomp Podcast #836 Balancing Work & Marriage with Polina, Pomp, Alex, & Matteo The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Dave Chang on The Darya Rose Show

Charlie and Sam discuss the mindfuck that is sleep training your baby. Then Charlie opens up about her chronic neck pain and anxiety and explores what it means to live a happy life. She ends with a song. You're welcome. References:  Boyd Varty on The Tim Ferriss Show Zero-based budgeting The Disease of More

Charlie struggles with her need to be liked and Sam admits a recent parenting fail with the newborn. They excitedly discuss a new purchase: suitcases!! Then Charlie tells the story of how she and Sam met and tries to articulate some thoughts around the idea that "timing is everything." References: The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga The Tim Ferriss Show with Boyd Varty Away Luggage