Goal-Oriented Reading: Assigned Page About Memoir Writing

Why Every Writer Must Have an Assigned Page

When we write memoir, reading becomes a strategic act. We dissect every book, analyzing how other memoirists shape their narratives, craft their voice, and delve into their past. We treat each book like a blueprint for our own, studying character development, plot structure, and the use of language. We ask ourselves, 'What can I learn from this author's approach that will help me tell my own story?' We read not just to consume, but to learn, to engage with the text on a deeper level, to understand the author's intentions and how they translated them into powerful writing.

The Right Page Assignment

Not all reading is created equal. To find the most helpful sources, we need to be discerning. What does our memoir really need? Is it a deep dive into family history? A focus on emotional themes like trauma and fear? Our reading should reflect these priorities. We can't just read anything. If trauma is central, we need to seek out books that explore those issues, whether they're memoirs, poems, philosophical treatises, or even works of sociology. Cross-genre reading is key. We can learn valuable lessons from unexpected sources – from poetry to politics, from medicine to technology. But always, our reading should serve our unique narrative and thematic goals.

When we engage with our reading, we go beyond simply highlighting passages. We ask ourselves: Why does this resonate with me? How can I apply this narrative technique to my own story? Does this author's voice inspire me? Our reflections should be easily accessible as we begin to write. Every technique we observe, every insight we glean from our reading, becomes a valuable tool in our own writing arsenal.

A Dialogue Between Pages

Each page we read becomes part of a larger conversation. We're not just reading for pleasure; we're engaging in a dialogue with other writers, particularly those who have explored similar themes or experiences. How does this reading validate or challenge our own perspective? As we annotate, we're not just marking the text; we're reflecting on how these ideas connect to our story. The goal is to translate these insights into our writing. We filter the wisdom gleaned from each page, using it as inspiration, guidance, and a model for our approach. Each reading session becomes a coaching session, offering fresh perspectives and new techniques for our own memoir.

Partnering with the Assigned Page

Writing a memoir is not just about recalling events—it’s about weaving them into a cohesive, resonant whole. Our partner in this journey is the page we assign ourselves to read to guide us toward a true and compelling story.

A regular schedule of purposeful reading helps us filter what matters most to the writing of our memoir. We prioritize the pages that make us pause and think critically about our writing. Each page we assign ourselves to read can shape our story, inform our choices, and elevate our narrative. We deepen our connection to our memoir when we cultivate the habit of treating each assigned page as a unique tool in our creative toolbox.

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