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Naked, Drunk, and Writing
by
Adair Lara
A personable and funny book on how to write about your life in essay and memoir, by Adair Lara, whom Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird) calls "San Francisco's legendary writer and teacher"
Kindle Edition
Published
(first published April 1st 2009)
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The bottom line: Writing a memoir is just like writing a novel, only you don’t have to make anything up.
I subtracted one star for her weird gender bullshit. (I would have subtracted two, but it all takes place on one page and afterwards it's never heard from again.)
She says that men don't like to share their work during the drafting process. She doesn't even say some men. Many people have asked me to read their works-in-progress, and most of them have been men. But she says, "This is how men op...more
I subtracted one star for her weird gender bullshit. (I would have subtracted two, but it all takes place on one page and afterwards it's never heard from again.)
She says that men don't like to share their work during the drafting process. She doesn't even say some men. Many people have asked me to read their works-in-progress, and most of them have been men. But she says, "This is how men op...more
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Gender issues: "All women are like BLAH BLAH. All men are like BLAH BLAH."
Psychology issues: "don't be a victim; don't ever say you're in therapy; if you have a theraputic insight, write it as coming from a talk with a friend or a sister." Because why? Author bias, apparently, since there's no reason given for this find and replace your therapist advice. Books like Hornbacher's Mania and Wasted, the Prozac Diaries, and Girl, Interrupted are classic memoirs that prove there is an audience for me...more
Psychology issues: "don't be a victim; don't ever say you're in therapy; if you have a theraputic insight, write it as coming from a talk with a friend or a sister." Because why? Author bias, apparently, since there's no reason given for this find and replace your therapist advice. Books like Hornbacher's Mania and Wasted, the Prozac Diaries, and Girl, Interrupted are classic memoirs that prove there is an audience for me...more
One of the best writing coaching books that I've read. Thorough, concise and often humorous, Adair Lara gives helpful and very usable advice on producing your own memoirs, journals and essays. Full of tips that may seem common-place, but that we somehow miss when it comes to writing: "Having trouble figuring out where to begin? You don't have to start writing at the beginning, that part may come later." Very helpful advice for me as I can let the 'beginning' keep me from ever writing anything.
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Definitely a cut above most of the writing instruction and coaching books out there. Naked, Drunk, and Writing focuses on how to write memoir, but is also useful for fiction writers who are pursuing a project with strong autobiographical elements, or a novel with a memoir-like plot and structure. IMO the section on how to construct a narrative arc was worth the price of the book by itself - it forced me to envision the plot as driven by the believable actions of evolving characters, and cured my...more
Funny, inspiring book about writing personal essays and memoirs. Although some of her advice is easier said than done ("write every day even if you're not in the mood"), overall it offers excellent tips on the process from beginning to getting it published. Very straightforward without any woo woo "embrace the spirit within you" faux artistic mysticism.
Naked, Drunk and Writing is the first in a lengthy list of books loaded upon my Nook intended to enhance my writing skills. I found a ideas as well as exercises to spark the creative spirit. I felt the author was a little condescending. Perhaps she was naked, drunk and writing.
Cannot say enough about what a great book on writing this is! Funny stories, good writing exercises, and valuable advice make this book a must-have for any writer, whether thoselonging to be published for the first time or reading on the plane while on way to accept Pulitzer!
The title and cover art were initially a turn off, but this is a great reference book for essay and memoir writing. Will definitely be keeping this on my bookshelf and revisiting it often.
Minus the goofy title, this book provides a helpful and encouraging guide to writing and publishing personal essays.
I'm "finished" reading it, but I don't think I'll ever be finished reading it. That's what I love about instructional non-fiction, so many gems to keep you coming back! I have every page dog-eared practically, especially the ones with the "try this" exercises.
This book has me writing up a storm and I highly recommend it.
This book has me writing up a storm and I highly recommend it.
Feb 10, 2011
Victoria Costello
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
about-writing
Adair is great on humor and pep talk. This is some of her best stuff. Read it if you want to get a poke with some fun.
Presents the information in a clear yet entertaining way. One of the best essay how-tos I've read.
I liked this book, it makes me think she would be a good person to take a workshop from.
Mar 09, 2013
Mary Mendoza
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
inspirational,
writing-craft
One of the best books on writing. Nudity not required to enjoy this book.
A little bit more than I cared to learn about writing a memoir, but I liked the information on structure of an essay. Who knew there had to be an epiphany, even in a short essay?
Interesting guide to writing and publishing personal essays and memoir.
Helpful, inspiring, and funny, this was by far the best writing help book I've read. Okay, I've read maybe three, so I guess that's not saying much, but let me just say- I feel like writing now and I haven't had that feeling for a few months.
My favorite chapter was Chapter 11- "What Goes in and What Doesn't"- with its handy lists of questions and practical tips.
And by the way, the title is to catch your eye and has nothing to do with the content. Or the reader.
My favorite chapter was Chapter 11- "What Goes in and What Doesn't"- with its handy lists of questions and practical tips.
And by the way, the title is to catch your eye and has nothing to do with the content. Or the reader.
A great text for beginners in creative nonfiction, though I would prefer a little more about the personal essay, as opposed to the memoir. Easy to understand, not condescending, well-organized and explained, and practical. In my experience, students often sell back creative writing textbooks (the didactic--not novels, memoirs, books of poetry, etc.), but think most students would hold onto this book after the class is over.
Lara gives practical writing advice with a sure and witty voice. The book helped me get out of my own way. A fun read from an author who treats her readers as peers.
It only took me so long to read because I like to have a good writing book to dip into now and again, and I didn't want this one to end.
It only took me so long to read because I like to have a good writing book to dip into now and again, and I didn't want this one to end.
She makes a writing career as an essayist or memoirist seem easy and doable.
Awesome reference book for writers. I bought it on my iPad but plan to buy the hard copy, it's that good.
Jan 04, 2011
Carole A.
is currently reading it
Recommends it for:
Anyone wanting to let it all hang out with writing their personal memoirs or essays.
Recommended to Carole A. by:
It had me at hello.
Absolutely LOVE the title! Dug into this one last night, and it's on its way to becoming a fave of mine.
Jun 11, 2013
Sasha
marked it as to-read-unlimited
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
really-want-to-read
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“You can’t just come out and say what you have to say. That’s what people do on airplanes, when a man plops down next to you in the aisle seat of your flight to New York, spills peanuts all over the place (back when the cheapskate airlines at least gave you peanuts), and tells you about what his boss did to him the day before. You know how your eyes glaze over when you hear a story like that? That’s because of the way he’s telling his story. You need a good way to tell your story.”
—
2 people liked it
“Write it down. Whatever it is, write it down. Chip in into marble. Type it into Microsoft Word. Spell it out in seaweeds on the shore. We are each of us an endangered species, delicate as unicorns.”
—
1 person liked it
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