Ok, this is fascinating on many levels. I need to really ponder on this difference between memoir and novel. Structure for narrative essay or memoir has always felt so nebulous to me and I think this might unlock some things.
On a personal note, can I just say that as someone from Utah who grew up and is still a very happy and active part of the LDS community (VERY much not the same thing as FLDS) I am fascinated by these stories as much as anyone, but i also really would love to see more not-fringe Utah/LDS representation some day. It seems so often that's all we really get. (Ugh don't get me started on the Hulu "secret lives" show. I kinda wonder if that show could get away with what they're doing if it was about any other faith group). Anyway! I'll step off my soap box 🙂 Maybe I should write an essay about this ehehe.
Great question! There's definitely a bunch. But basically I would eventually love to see sort of casual representation the way that there's casual Jewish or Muslim or Catholic representation in some things, although all those groups most certainly have their own battles for fair and accurate representation too. But did you know there's as many members of The Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Jews in the US? Trivia fact of the day haha.
This is an interesting study on what a good story needs to set it apart from the rest. For example, I didn't think I needed more true crime in my life, and now I'm going to queue up this doc! As a self-help nonfiction writer, I am curious what your thoughts are about the hero being the reader?
that’s an interesting question! I guess I don’t think of self-help as “narrative” nonfiction. If your self-help book has a client case study, that client would be the hero
That makes sense. I guess what I'm wrestling with here is the premise that you can set yourself apart in a saturated market with well developed story arc, plot, characters, etc. I will reflect on how that may apply. Thank you!
This was so fascinating to me after a dog sitting/writing retreat weekend during which I watched two movies/musicals: The Testament of Ann Lee and Merrily We Roll Along. Ann Lee was one of those protagonists you can't stop watching because of the strange ethics of her life. Whereas Merrily was more of the dilemma of watching a MC's life fall apart in such a way that it cannot be rectified... and yet, you are sucked into the hope until you come full circle. Such good stories. Can't wait to watch this cult doc. Thanks for sharing!
Another great post, Leigh. I really resonate with your analysis about the documentary and Memoir writing. Thanks.
Ok, this is fascinating on many levels. I need to really ponder on this difference between memoir and novel. Structure for narrative essay or memoir has always felt so nebulous to me and I think this might unlock some things.
On a personal note, can I just say that as someone from Utah who grew up and is still a very happy and active part of the LDS community (VERY much not the same thing as FLDS) I am fascinated by these stories as much as anyone, but i also really would love to see more not-fringe Utah/LDS representation some day. It seems so often that's all we really get. (Ugh don't get me started on the Hulu "secret lives" show. I kinda wonder if that show could get away with what they're doing if it was about any other faith group). Anyway! I'll step off my soap box 🙂 Maybe I should write an essay about this ehehe.
I hear you! Seems like a great prompt for you: who is someone who happens to be Mormon who you think deserves more recognition and credit?
Great question! There's definitely a bunch. But basically I would eventually love to see sort of casual representation the way that there's casual Jewish or Muslim or Catholic representation in some things, although all those groups most certainly have their own battles for fair and accurate representation too. But did you know there's as many members of The Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Jews in the US? Trivia fact of the day haha.
This is an interesting study on what a good story needs to set it apart from the rest. For example, I didn't think I needed more true crime in my life, and now I'm going to queue up this doc! As a self-help nonfiction writer, I am curious what your thoughts are about the hero being the reader?
that’s an interesting question! I guess I don’t think of self-help as “narrative” nonfiction. If your self-help book has a client case study, that client would be the hero
That makes sense. I guess what I'm wrestling with here is the premise that you can set yourself apart in a saturated market with well developed story arc, plot, characters, etc. I will reflect on how that may apply. Thank you!
This was so fascinating to me after a dog sitting/writing retreat weekend during which I watched two movies/musicals: The Testament of Ann Lee and Merrily We Roll Along. Ann Lee was one of those protagonists you can't stop watching because of the strange ethics of her life. Whereas Merrily was more of the dilemma of watching a MC's life fall apart in such a way that it cannot be rectified... and yet, you are sucked into the hope until you come full circle. Such good stories. Can't wait to watch this cult doc. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you wrote this!! I've been thinking about the documentary since I finished it.
Oooo, Mistress Dispeller is so fascinating. Definitely recommend.