Immersed in the World
I’ve been quiet here lately.
I took a break from blogging to focus on writing Immersed, the book.
Then I got stuck and wasn’t sure how to fix it.
So I read and researched.
I dissected the chapters of Blood, Bones and Butter to see how another writer wrote her memoir.
I read parts of Don’t Stop the Carnival, again, to read a (fictional) story of a Caribbean hotel operator.
I took notes while watching Secretariat to analyze scene transition and found there are many different ways to tell a story.
I made spreadsheets recommended in The Weekend Novelist Re-Writes the Novel (I highly recommend, even for non-fiction story telling) which helped me reorganize and find the purpose of my book.
I read the scene from A Million Little Pieces in which James Frey describes dental work done without novacaine for an example of raw and intense emotion (even though it’s not all true).
And I’ve been re-reading bits of The Motion of the Ocean, Bill Bryson‘s books, and one of my favorite memoirs, The Sex Lives of Cannibals, to help put a sense of humor in my voice.
I think I know where I’m going now with Immersed. I’m finding my way. And I really want to keep to my word and publish this book before year end.
Writing this book is one of the most challenging (and time consuming) things I’ve ever done.
I love every bit of it.
Do you have a favorite memoir or travelogue?
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I have missed you, Nicole, and am so glad to hear you are doing well and learning.
Under the Tuscan Sun was eye-opening and heart-enriching for me, as was Eat, Pray, Love. Their honesty, vulnerability, and notice of details is what I treasured most. I found myself in their personal discoveries. I can’t wait to read your story. 
Krista recently posted..Colorful Prague and Hearty Czech Food
You’re so sweet, Krista.
Thank you for your recommendations! I read those both and enjoyed them too. I like the qualities you list as important to you. More helpful hints to keep in mind as I write!
When it comes to novel writing, I’d rather not be influenced by others so I don’t find myself reaching for similar genres to get ideas. I know they tell you that you should read a lot, but having my own voice and story telling is just as important.
Glad to know you’re finding your way
Corinne @ Gourmantic recently posted..Photo Tour of Isola Comacina, Lake Como
Hi Corinne. It could be I’m better off not reading others’ work but writing doesn’t come naturally to me and I’ve struggled with how to tell our story. But you make a good point. I’ve thought about that too, maybe I shouldn’t think so hard and just write the darn thing!
I think being able to “feel” the special moments you had in St Vincent again is the best inspiration. Just yesterday I was talking to a friend about the “raw” beauty of the island and once again could see the black sand beach below the bananna plantation. The “lookout” bldgs on the ganga mountain….the old man riding his donkey home from the hills with a machete…the guys “pounding boulders” on the beach for building stone…so many beautiful and peaceful moments, mixed with the frustration of accomplishing simple every day tasks! I’ve been looking forward to your book since I first discovered the blog! Good wishes seem to be coming your way from many individuals!
Thanks for sharing your memories, Patty! I can so picture them, especially the guys (and women!) pounding rocks into smaller rocks on the northern leeward beaches. It really is an amazing place.
There will be many moments like the ones you described plus the daily (and crazy) life of operating a little off-the-grid resort reachable only by boat. Please hold on a bit longer!
Thanks for sharing this article!!! Thank you, again, for putting this together and for making all of our lives easier!
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