"Have you thought about writing your family history, but found yourself stuck from the start? Writing a family narrative can be a daunting task, but Karen Jones Gowen found a way to bring her mother's story to life." (Homespun Magazine)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

"All things autobiographical"

One day this week as I was frantically scanning new blogs to follow and to be followed (over on the noisy blog, not this nice peaceful quiet one where I don't pay attention to such meaningless trivia), I ran across a blog from a woman who stated she was interested in autobiographical writing. "All things autobiographical" is how I believe she put it. Unfortunately I can't give you the link to this blog, or go back there myself because in my mad, clicking rush I lost it.

I want to find it again, because I love the sentiment of "all things autobiographical." Especially in blogland where most of the enthusiasm is for YA thriller paranormal romance and tear off the bodice romance and sci fi fantastical thriller killer romance. Hey, not that I mind a bit of romance in my life and in my books, but you get my point.

"All things autobiographical" brings to mind a home, a garden, two cats, green grass, a family which may or may not be dysfunctional, meals prepared, plain and fancy dinners, daffodils and tulips making their cheery appearance each spring, grandparents visiting, weddings, funerals, addictions, celebrations, vacations, tragic losses and joyful reunions.

Now I need to go find a really good book to read that celebrates these things. Eat,Pray,Love by Elizabeth Gilbert was like that. So is Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. So is Uncut Diamonds by Karen Jones Gowen. (hehe) I almost wish I hadn't written it. Then I could go read it. (hehe)

5 comments:

  1. Hi Karen,
    I have your book on my wish list! Thanks for visiting my blog! Yes, you must try to grow some lavender, it is strong and calming at the same time! Hang in there, I know you are strong, like the lavender!

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  2. Hi

    Oh I love that image of "two cats, green grass, a family which may or may not be dysfunctional..."

    :-)

    I probably mentioned this before but Wild Swans by Jung Chung is devastating. But family and family strengths and bonds (particularly between mothers and daughters) survive as they must.

    Take care
    x

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  3. Kitty, I have Wild Swans on my to read list. I wish I had it on my bedside table. I would have read it. It sounds just like the kind of book I was in the mood for when I wrote this post.

    Ellie, Thank you for visiting my quiet blog! I have lavender on my wish list as well :)

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  4. Karen, have you read Anne Tyler or Elizabeth Berg? They tend to celebrate those traditional family/friendship values in their writing.

    Milt x

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  5. Milty, No I have not! Thanks for the tip. I'll check out their titles next time I'm at the library. I'm always on the lookout for new authors that ring my chimes.

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I don't post very often, but if you leave a comment I'll know someone is out there reading. And then I will post more! Bwa ha ha!