Fixing Bad Writing in Creative Nonfiction is Not Politically Correct, it’s Essential

By Kristin Gallagher

I recently completed a memoir writing workshop with a well-known writing center in New York City. During our ten weeks together, we did the things writers do—we provided feedback on one another’s work and discussed the craft of writing.

As with people in real life, the characters that appeared in our drafts were complicated. They made mistakes. They failed at some endeavors and excelled at others. Some committed crimes, told lies, broke bonds with loved ones. They ...