Monday, October 4, 2010

Quotes & Tips on Memoir Writing - Dr. John Perkins

Dr. John Perkins, a keynote speaker at the Philly Conference, made some memorable statements both in the general session and in his workshop with Steve Lawson on Memoir Writing. At 80 years old, he shared from both wisdom and experience. Below is a sampling for your enjoyment:

1) "You've got to be the change you want to see. Reflect His image."

2) Dr. Perkins prayed until 4:00 A.M., waiting on the Lord for his message and the purpose of his being at the conference. "I'm here to rally you, confirming the importance of what you do."

3) Dr. Perkins and Steve Lawson are collaborating on a memoir of his life. "Memoir is a lot about reflecting on how other people affected your life."

4) "If you are practicing religion, you are serving self."

5) "God brings us to Himself individually, so we can serve Him corporately."

Here are some tips Steve Lawson gave about Memoir Writing:

1) It's slices and threads from your life with an overarching theme (forgiveness, a life transformed, etc.).

2) Know where you want to go and select the incidents.

3) Know your audience. What's important to them? Write to them.

4) What can you do in memoir? You're able to reflect on contemporary history. It's an eyewitness account. It's also a chance to look back.

I love the #5, which expresses God's care for us as individuals and as the Body of Christ. Do you see yourself only as an individual or as part of something bigger? Feel free to discuss any of the points above.

24 comments:

Rosslyn Elliott said...

These are wonderful points. I especially like the distinction between individual and corporate. It's really hard to understand that relationship nowadays. Makes me wish I had heard his whole talk!

Katie Ganshert said...

Wow - those are great! Thanks for sharing Susan!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Those are great nuggets. I really like number five, too. It's exactly what we were talking about in church yesterday and it really hit home then. Thanks!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rosslyn -

Thanks for stopping by.

The CD's might still be available. If you go to http://www.writehisanswer.com, you can contact Marlene Bagnull.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katie -

I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

We often get so focused on the individual that we forget we're part of the Body of Christ. There's a balance not many of us have achieved.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Anonymous said...

Gosh..80 years old? I know I am part of His big plan. And daily learning to patient. And be okay with me not know, and just trusting. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful points.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Yup, 80 years old! He's done a lot for the community and encouraged many young people.

Blessings,
Susan :)

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Thanks Susan for sharing such excellent points. Inspiring and encouraging.
Since I couldn't attend the conference, I so appreciate your sharing.
Blessings,
Susan

Rhonda Schrock said...

I like #4. I was raised in a legalistic culture and know full well the pain and agony of breaking free and learning how to walk in relationship.

Nancy said...

I can see the significance of knowing where you want to go and selecting the incidents, otherwise the memoir would just be a lot of little incidents that don't lead to anything important. Here would be a good placae to have a sheet of paper for other ideas to use later in another article.

Jessica Nelson said...

I liked the one about religion.

Thanks for sharing!

Jill Kemerer said...

Terrific checklist to keep in mind. I don't think I'll ever write a memoir, but I have friends who are interested. I'll pass on the tips.

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Excellent! Thanks for sharing those, Susan!

Terri Tiffany said...

#4 was a difficult one for me to teach at a memoir group I ran this summer. They wanted to write for themselves and forgot a memoir will be read!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Susan -

You're welcome! I hope you'll be able to attend the conference next year. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Dr. Perkins shared so much that I couldn't write fast enough. He had a way of throwing out these amazing one-liners.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

I like when someone gives general steps to writing a memoir or other piece. It keeps me on the right track.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Yes, he was very big on the difference between religion and relationship.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jill -

Most people don't know the difference between a biography and a memoir. I think they did a nice job defining memoir.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sherrinda -

You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

I'm surprised at how many people want to write memoirs. I hope these tips help you explain the process.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Sandra Heska King said...

"If you are practicing religion, you are serving self."

That's a zinger.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandra -

Yes, it's all about relationship with Jesus and serving our fellow man.

Blessings,
Susan :)