Capturing Memories in a Memoir
To embellish or to minimize, that is the question. According to the late William Zinsser, an American writing expert, a “ Memoir isn’t the summary of a life; it’s a window into a life, very much like a photograph...” At the end of the day, the key questions are what to include, what to omit, and how juicy to make the content. The answers lie in the memoir writer’s purpose along with their inner comfort level.
In this era of bearer-tell-all, there can be an appreciation of the power of restraint. The measured tale carries a certain grace. After all, it preserves the dignity of the writer as well as reader. There is just enough space left for the reader to fill in the blanks and capture whatever resonates across the written page.
In my upcoming memoir, The Beauty World Through The Lens Of A Psychiatrist, I will acknowledge that I had to dig deeper than usual, overcoming my naturally circumspect tendency. Perhaps this fits with the training to become a psychiatrist, more comfortable listening and reflecting than disclosing personal details.
For instance, was it a leap to discuss my parents’ initial surprise with my choice of psychiatry over a different medical specialty? Maybe, or maybe not. But let’s face it, this is a common scenario. I mean whose parents totally approve of or understand their career choices?
Another of my” leaps,” lies in the central premise of the memoir itself- a psychiatrist entering the retail beauty world during a time of challenge in order to maintain a sense of balance, a unique path to navigate. I hope that you will find something of value in my soon to-be-released story.