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Amanda Cooper | Writing From Memory
June 3, 2014
Do you have moments that remain in your memory, and you’re not sure why? I’m not
talking about the birth of your child, or wedding day, I’m talking about a
seemingly insignificant conversation, or a person you met once and then never
saw again. Or a random moment that you witnessed, and though you didn’t know the
participants it stayed with you, even haunted you. Do you have moments that remain in your memory, and you’re not sure why? I’m not
talking about the birth of your child, or wedding day. I’m talking about a
seemingly insignificant conversation, or a person you met once and then never
saw again. Or a random moment that you witnessed, and though you didn’t know the
participants, it stayed with you, even haunted you. Those are the things that this writer draws on. The most common question writers get asked is, "Where do you get your ideas?"
The standard answer is from everywhere, and that is so true. I’m inspired
by things I read, see, and wonder. Newspaper articles. Random comments by
friends. Song titles. Everything. But sometimes… sometimes… I dig back into my memory file, the one that
sits on the hard drive that is my brain. Magically a moment will pop up, an
image so striking in its clarity and so vivid I can smell the scent of lilacs on
the air, hear the wind in the treetops, feel the sun on my face. I’ll hear the
conversation, or see the occurrence, and remember intensely. It’s wonderful when
that happens. However, the image or memory doesn’t just get transferred onto the page. It’s a
tiny lump of clay to be played with, formed, rejected and re-formed into
something else. A bit from here, a bobble from there and before you know it,
it’s unrecognizable as the original. I don’t know if I’m explaining it right,
but the idea or memory comes to me, and I think it over, remember my reaction,
thinking about why the memory matters so much. Does it confirm or challenge my
set of beliefs? If it challenges what I know of people, what does that mean?
Does it mean I’m wrong, or does it simply mean there’s something I’ve not taken
into consideration? Sometimes I use only a bit of that memory, just a fragment
that I fit into what I’m writing, like the missing puzzle piece I’ve been
hunting for, for hours. But I’ve wondered something over the years: Is that how everyone’s mind and
memory works? Is it just that other folks don’t write down their thoughts, so it
never gets recorded? Or do most folks just love to visit a memory without
judgment, like going back home for a short visit? How does memory work for you? Is it pure nostalgia, or do you play with
the thoughts, testing your reactions, wondering if you are remembering it right?
Do you look back with an older eye and understand the memory better for it? Or do you let it be what it is, your memory, there to visit when you want? Giveaway: Comment to enter to win! You could win the prize package
pictured here; a Cozy
Mystery book tote, pen, and signed copy of TEMPEST IN A
TEAPOT.
Comments
29 comments posted.
Re: Amanda Cooper | Writing From Memory
Its scary when someone remembers something that was not imporatant at the time. haha Kinda mysterious. :-)
(Lisa Hutson 2:24am June 3, 2014)
It depends on the memory. I know that some of mine are just
childhood images that I smile at and let go back in my box and
others give me nightmares before hiding again. But if I want
to give details I will think on it and then be able to tell
you things.
(Tina Ullrich 6:14am June 3, 2014)
Some insignificant memories do pop up over and over again.
(Pam Howell 8:44am June 3, 2014)
Different things trigger different memories for me. I might
remember something and know it's completely true, or I could
wonder if it was maybe just a dream.
(Karin Anderson 9:41am June 3, 2014)
I have a terrible memory for things in the past - sometimes when people are telling a story and insisting I was there, I am TOTALLY not remembering any of it. Makes you wonder. Your book sounds great. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:51am June 3, 2014)
I have so many memories that are stored, and not all of them
are good ones. I plan on writing a book - hoping that it
will cast the demons out, once and for all!! There will
also be some good memories sprinkled along the way, but it's
the only way I can think of, short of therapy, to cast them
out. Some memories can be an awful thing, while others can
bring great comfort, as I've found from time to time. I
adore the cover to your book, and can't wait to read it!!
Whoever did the artwork, really went out of their way to
make it colorful, besides the fact that they put that
beautiful cat in the drawing!! Congratulations on your
book!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:01am June 3, 2014)
Memories always come unbidden for me. As simple a thing as one word can bring sometime or some person to mind. Some make me happy and some make me what I was doing! But, memories are what they are and they can't be changed.
(Vennie Martinisi 12:49pm June 3, 2014)
I have a very good memory stemming back to my childhood from age 3 on up. Many things have stayed with me and I've always wonder why they resurface in my mind. In some cases, I think it's because of the greatness or fondness I had for a particular thing or event. Sometimes, it's the hilarious moments I shared with particular people and what we did together. I love your book cover, it's very nice and sounds like one I'd enjoy reading!
(Linda Luinstra 8:08pm June 3, 2014)
I am very nostalgic and have some wonderful memories.
(Lisa Garrett 8:23pm June 3, 2014)
i have a real good memory and can remember things when i was a
small kid
(Denise Smith 6:06am June 4, 2014)
It is funny some of the things I remember.
(Mary Preston 8:05am June 4, 2014)
My memory of when I was a child is so bad. I wish I could remember way back when but I just can't. My sister and brother can remember everything but I just remember a few things. It's sad.
(Bonnie Capuano 8:20am June 4, 2014)
Like Peggy, it is probably best I try not to remember my childhood. Not good memories. At all. Since my mom died in 1995 (when I had so many doctors' appointments to relate to siblings), I have kept daily records of my life, so it is easy to go back and remind myself of those memories - much better memories....
(Elaine Seymour 8:23am June 4, 2014)
takes me a few days to a few weeks to find something or
remember something.
(Kent Cook 8:56am June 4, 2014)
You've put it so well."The image or memory doesn’t just get
transferred onto the page. It’s a tiny lump of clay to be
played with, formed, rejected and re-formed into something
else. A bit from here, a bobble from there and before you
know it, it’s unrecognizable as the original."
Yes there are so many things that stick to us. They don't
just fade away however insignificant they may seem.
(Geeta Nair 8:58am June 4, 2014)
Nostalgia has a great deal of influence upon my memories and I
do remember many things that occurred.
(Sharon Berger 9:55am June 4, 2014)
I agree with so many. I have some wonderful memories. As I've
gotten older the bad ones seem to recede. I do get nostalgic
when talking about the past.
(Sharon Shearouse 11:16am June 4, 2014)
I look back with an older eye now and savor the moments even more!
(Denise Austin 12:06pm June 4, 2014)
Actually one of my memories is kinda weird and pops up like one of those songs you can't get out of your mind. My friend and I went to a college production of "Bat Boy" based on long ago tabloids and it was the most disturbing yet entertaining play I've seen to date that is college done. I know it's random and weird but it kinda just makes me smile.
(Sally Hannoush 12:07pm June 4, 2014)
I love hearing a song & remembering what I was doing the
first time I heard it! One of my favorite memories is of
being in the car with my uncle, who is just 13 years older
than me, & hearing Carole King's "You've Got A Friend".
He's always been more of a big brother to me, & I know I can
always count on him!
(Maria Proctor 12:52pm June 4, 2014)
YOUR BOOK SOUNDS GREAT.
(Judy Ferguson 1:29pm June 4, 2014)
I don't write much down. But I do have those strange little snippets that seem insignificant but I am holding onto them for some reason. I so want to read this book!
(Brooke Showalter 2:19pm June 4, 2014)
I have so many memories, especially from my childhood. Some I can take out, reminisce over, laugh at or cry then put away again. Others hit me with no warning, brought on by nothing more than a familiar scent or sight. Those tend to be the most intense but the most elusive, coming and going at will with no conscience effort on my part. So strange but wonderful how the mind works.
(Debbie Kelly 2:28pm June 4, 2014)
I do love a good cuppa and I have a Siamese cat.
(Catherine Myers 9:41pm June 4, 2014)
I have a lot of memories of my childhood, they bring smiles and sometimes tears my face. I let my memories be that just memories - I don't need to re-evaluate from my adult perspective. thanks for the chance
(Kimberley Coover 10:56pm June 4, 2014)
I think it matters with the emotions involved. My earliest memory is of green carpet & throwing a temper tantrum.
(Laura Gullickson 11:56pm June 4, 2014)
I love Victoria’s other 2 series: Vintage Kitchen Mysteries & Merry Muffin
mysteries. So I KNOW I’m going to enjoy this one. Thanks for the giveaway
chance!
(Linda R 9:24pm June 5, 2014)
There are places, scents, or events that would trigger a memories from my childhood or even from my dreams. I think my long term memory is a lot better than my short term memory. It does takes me awhile just to recall what I'm thinking.
(Kai Wong 1:44am June 6, 2014)
Memory is a fascinating thing. Sometimes I remember random names and
people that seem to have very little significance to my life, and other times I
can't remember important events. I'm most perplexed about memories of
dreams. I dream so vividly about places and people I don't know and I
remember those dreams FOREVER! Thx for a chance to win your book.
(Laurie I 11:13pm June 14, 2014)
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