"So my memories and the stories I tell about myself, don’t define who I am either. They describe the things that have happened to me, what I have witnessed, and the emotions I have felt." I appreciate this distinction, Amanda. We are fluid, just as memory is fluid, even though that can be uncomfortable. Thanks!
I’m fascinated by memory and our sense of self/reality. I suppose all of my writing about it is me trying to make sense of it. Although at the same time I know I don’t really have a clue what it’s all about! 😂 But I’m okay with that.
Amanda, Very well done. I do believe our memories morph and remorph over time. Characters are a way to touch segments of being human. To that extent - there are common threads to which we can relate. A good character weaves the threads in a way that the reader can identify as real. D
Thanks for sharing Amanda. An insightful, personal read, that also chimes with me in many ways, including the fascination with memory. I'm editing my first novel, Heartwood, which explores memory and how - based on some research I read - the same part of the brain that's used for making sense of the past is also used for creating an idea of the future, and that you cannot have that future projection without forming some sort of narrative and understanding of the past. One of the books I used for research was Memory, an anthology by Harriet Harvey Wood and AS Byatt. A real 'dip in and reflect' kind of read.
It’s always very personal round here! I love the sound of your novel and that aspect of memory. I’ve got a novella-in-flash publishing next week which explores the unreliability of memory. I’ll see if I can get hold of a copy of that anthology too as my new novel that I’m just starting to write has memory as a theme too. I’m obsessed!
Peter Russell is wonderful. That course with him must have been great!
Thank you for the post, with so many things to reflect on, and especially the writing promt - it immediately made me rethink a character as I was reading through your questions.
Hi Ollie, thanks for reading and commenting 😊 The course was great. It’s all pre-recorded so I didn’t get to hang out with Peter. Would’ve been lovely if I could have as he’s brilliant! He’s been an important part of my journey so far.
I’m really happy to hear the writing prompt helped you with a character. More coming soon!
"So my memories and the stories I tell about myself, don’t define who I am either. They describe the things that have happened to me, what I have witnessed, and the emotions I have felt." I appreciate this distinction, Amanda. We are fluid, just as memory is fluid, even though that can be uncomfortable. Thanks!
I’m fascinated by memory and our sense of self/reality. I suppose all of my writing about it is me trying to make sense of it. Although at the same time I know I don’t really have a clue what it’s all about! 😂 But I’m okay with that.
Yes to both trying to make sense and also the understanding that we can’t.🙂
This is great post, I will return to read it again, thanks for sharing x
I’m glad you like it, Kirsty 😊🙏
Amanda, Very well done. I do believe our memories morph and remorph over time. Characters are a way to touch segments of being human. To that extent - there are common threads to which we can relate. A good character weaves the threads in a way that the reader can identify as real. D
Thanks for sharing Amanda. An insightful, personal read, that also chimes with me in many ways, including the fascination with memory. I'm editing my first novel, Heartwood, which explores memory and how - based on some research I read - the same part of the brain that's used for making sense of the past is also used for creating an idea of the future, and that you cannot have that future projection without forming some sort of narrative and understanding of the past. One of the books I used for research was Memory, an anthology by Harriet Harvey Wood and AS Byatt. A real 'dip in and reflect' kind of read.
It’s always very personal round here! I love the sound of your novel and that aspect of memory. I’ve got a novella-in-flash publishing next week which explores the unreliability of memory. I’ll see if I can get hold of a copy of that anthology too as my new novel that I’m just starting to write has memory as a theme too. I’m obsessed!
Peter Russell is wonderful. That course with him must have been great!
Thank you for the post, with so many things to reflect on, and especially the writing promt - it immediately made me rethink a character as I was reading through your questions.
Hi Ollie, thanks for reading and commenting 😊 The course was great. It’s all pre-recorded so I didn’t get to hang out with Peter. Would’ve been lovely if I could have as he’s brilliant! He’s been an important part of my journey so far.
I’m really happy to hear the writing prompt helped you with a character. More coming soon!