Last week Len and I drove to Seattle where my friend, Shirley Hershey Showalter, was speaking about her book, Blush: A Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World, an engaging memoir that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Having only ever met online, it was a distinct pleasure to listen—in person—to Shirley read one of my favorite chapters from her book to an attentive audience at the ever-popular Third Place Books, and then get to know her a bit better over coffee afterward. It’s abundantly clear that she still has the same ready-grin and twinkle in her eye that’s evident throughout her book.
Laurie Buchanan and Shirley Hershey Showalter
If you were to write a memoir, what would the title be?
© Laurie Buchanan
Find me on Twitter @TuesWithLaurie
Find me on Facebook
Tuesdays with Laurie 
memoir?: “much ado about nothing” 🙂
Bert – That made me smile 🙂
me too 🙂
I chuckled. And then I thought, that would make a great title for a humorous memoir! Or a memoir about a Shakespeare lover. Or both. Go for it, Bert!
who knows 🙂
I have often thought about writing my memoirs, and wonder what I would use as the title!
Ann – Shirley offers a myriad of tips and techniques on her website for writing a memoir, and it’s never to late to get started. Now’s the time 🙂
Thanks Laurie 🙂
Ann, you and others might enjoy this post on the “cover reveal.” http://www.shirleyshowalter.com/2013/01/07/ten-steps-to-doing-a-book-cover-reveal-how-to-build-community-as-you-prepare-your-book-launch/
However, most of us use a “working title” while we write and then choose a final title with the help of editors at the end of the process/
All best on your memoir beginnings, Ann. “A journey of a thousand miles, begins with one step.” Hope you can find some helpful suggestions in my writing tips category and perhaps through book reviews you find there. All best!
I am writing a memoir. Its called Unique, and its about raising my daughter, Carys, who has a rare syndrome. I have to keep stopping, though, as its so personal and painful to write. I haven’t quite found my voice…
Ali – I imagine that writing through the pain can be somewhat cathartic. If you head over to Shirley’s website, I believe she offers advice on finding your writer’s voice. You may want to check it out 🙂
Thanks… I will!
Ali, I was touched by how you are struggling to find voice as you suffer not only the pain of your daughter’s condition but your second pain in writing about it. I hope you find this blog post helpful and encouraging. Blessings! http://www.shirleyshowalter.com/2011/03/18/connecting-voice-to-touch-what-i-learned-about-writing-from-max-depree/
Maybe “Work In Progress” it seems to fit for both my writing and personal life, too. Great question and Shirley’s book sounds fascinating.
Julie – I think your title, “Work in Progress” would be apropos for my memoir as well. I’m clearly not “finished” yet 🙂
Good one, Julia! There’s a sense in which all memoirs are incomplete. Even when you publish one, you continue to grow and reflect and have more to say! What a great reminder that all writing is incomplete. I like to think life is also. Maybe that’s one of the most important reasons to write.
I guess when you have nothing else to do, you go a long way to meet someone you never met! I would blush at that too! Oh no! That’s not what this is about, is it?
Memoir: “I think it is this way?”
Jeff – You made me smile this morning, thank you 🙂
Laurie,
I am glad to know that!
I like the question mark in your title. Your memoir could be all about certainty and uncertainty. I like it.
Looking forward to becoming acquainted with this author, Laurie. Thanks for the post.
Alison – You’ll be glad you did 🙂
Alison, it was great to meet you on your blog. Let’s stay in touch!
I have written a memoir …it’s title is ‘The Last Dance ‘ . It’s about growing up with my poor mum with schizophrenia . She is not around any more , bless her , she suffered, we all did .
The title is from Engelburt Humperdinck’s 70’s record ‘The last Dance’ because Mum and Dad always used to dance to it at home parties …happy days Laurie .
Cherryx
Cherry – That had to be tough. I hope that writing it proved to be therapeutic. I love your title and the reason behind it 🙂
The Last Dance creates both a vivid picture and intrigue, especially when combined with a great photo. I can tell from your description that you have forgiven your poor mum. All best!
Laurie, You were with one of my favorite people! Shirley lives just over the mountains from me!
The title of my upcoming memoir is, ME, MYSELF, AND MOM, A Journey Through Love, Hate and Healing.
Joan – I didn’t realize that you and Shirley are that close geographically. I love the title of your up-and-coming memoir and I’m looking forward to reading it 🙂
I have liked your title from the beginning, Joan. And you are going to find an appreciative audience, I’m certain. Hope to reconnect in the fall!
I also so enjoyed Shirley Hershey Showalter’s book Blush. What chapter did she read to the group? What question from the audience caught your attention?
I’ve played with several titles for my memoir. A current working title is “A Thirst for Justice.” It reflects the underlying current in my life related to the values of fairness, equality of
opportunity as well as awakening positive change at the personal, organizational, and societal levels.
I have an early draft of a sub-story entitled “The Tapping Spoon” which shares how a childhood experience at a traditional farming family breakfast awakened much of the above.
Laurie you’ve been a great writing inspiration for me (not to mention in many other ways).
Audrey – The chapter that Shirley read out loud to the group was the one where her family got a “Fresh Air” girl from New York City for two whole weeks!
The question from the audience that caught my attention was how did Shirley handle any parts of her story that might potentially cause conflict among family members.
I love your working title, “A Thirst for Justice” — it’s perfect for the underlying current that runs boldly through your life and the multitude of positive contributions that you’ve made to humankind, for which I thank you 🙂
Thank you and Namaste!
Audrey – It’s interesting you should say “Namaste.” I’m writing next week’s post right now, and it’s pivotal to the message. Once again, great minds think alike 🙂
Audrey, thanks so much for these kind words about Blush. And I think Namaste might be a great name for your memoir. 🙂
And “The Tapping Spoon” sounds like a fascinating chapter!
Hi, Laurie — I find myself with some unexpected and very much welcome time this Tuesday morning. My memoir title is “Take Two” based on the do-over one gets when serving in tennis and outside force interrupts the normal course of play and the point gets to be played over. I think I should get a do-over in life because it has taken me SO LONG TO FIGURE IT OUT!
Barbara – TAKE TWO, I love it! (I have the sneaking suspicion we’ll get those do-overs we so desperately need) 🙂
Barbara, this is a really clever title — I think I’d open the cover to see what “take” you are taking on that phrase, and then you would hook me. You remind me of the wonderful saying, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood!”
Hey, Shirley, Moses got a do-over for the Ten Commandments (yes, check out Genesis) so I should at least get one more try at this life thing . . .
I am rewriting my memoir about growing up as an only child of elderly parents in the 1950s and 1960s when your dad is dying of cancer. Working title is You Can Go Home – deconstructing the demons. But I’m looking for a better title. My blog http://www.onlychildwrites.wordpress.com deals with the actual growing up under those conditions and how it has affected me since. Sometimes I rant. I also teach memoir writing workshops and courses and read memoir books. Laurie where can I get your friend’s book?
Cheers.
Sharon
Sharon – On Shirley’s website it says:
Blush is available for order:
at Herald Press.
at Amazon
at Barnes and Noble
at an Independent Bookstore Near YOU
at Powell’s Books
I know you’re going to enjoy reading it 🙂
P.S. I really like the title of your memoir. It’s intriguing — makes me want to know more.
Sharon, your story sounds like an interesting one, and an unusual one. All best with writing! Hope my website can be helpful to you. Here’s a link if you would like a copy of Blush: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0836196260
My memoir… Hmm… maybe “Reconnecting with Nature.” SO fun to meet online friends in the flesh. Sounds like it was a lovely time!
Melissa – It was a lovely time, indeed. I like your title — RECONNECTING WITH NATURE (and of course you’d have to include your stunning photographs) 🙂
We had a great time, and now I am doubling and tripling the pleasure by spending time with Laurie’s many other online friends — like you! Your title reminded me of this poem:
The Tables Turned
By William Wordsworth
Up! up! my Friend, and quit your books;
Or surely you’ll grow double:
Up! up! my Friend, and clear your looks;
Why all this toil and trouble?
The sun above the mountain’s head,
A freshening lustre mellow
Through all the long green fields has spread,
His first sweet evening yellow.
Books! ’tis a dull and endless strife:
Come, hear the woodland linnet,
How sweet his music! on my life,
There’s more of wisdom in it.
And hark! how blithe the throstle sings!
He, too, is no mean preacher:
Come forth into the light of things,
Let Nature be your teacher.
She has a world of ready wealth,
Our minds and hearts to bless—
Spontaneous wisdom breathed by health,
Truth breathed by cheerfulness.
One impulse from a vernal wood
May teach you more of man,
Of moral evil and of good,
Than all the sages can.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings;
Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:—
We murder to dissect.
Enough of Science and of Art;
Close up those barren leaves;
Come forth, and bring with you a heart
That watches and receives.
It isn’t a memoir but… I’m writing a novel loosely based on an episode in my life–a learning disabled teen joins a youth group and works in Newfoundland, Ontario and Quebec. There were challenges but tons of fun, as well. I left home thinking I’d be stuck living with my parents for the rest of my life–came back determined to make a contribution to society. My husband helped me find the title–A Long Way From Her.
It will be my delight to host Shirley on my blog this August.
I wished I’d been able to attend Shirley’s reading.
Leanne – I love your title, A LONG WAY FROM HER, and I look forward to reading your book. You’re going to thoroughly enjoy having Shirley as a guest on your blog! 🙂
Hi, Leanne. Looking forward to appearing on your blog. And I love your title also!
Hi Laurie,
I have tried hundreds of titles – not too happy with any of them. This morning’s thought:
“Paddling on the shores of infinity, a journey with the tensions of distinction between scarcity and abundance.”
Ted – I like it! My minimalist heart wants to remove just a wee tad. How about:
“PADDLING ON THE SHORES OF INFINITY: A JOURNEY BETWEEN SCARCITY AND ABUNDANCE”
And by the way, I can hardly wait to read it 🙂
What a lovely visual image you create with that title, Ted. Do I see a kayak or a canoe. I like Laurie’s revised version also. Or do you want from scarcity to abundance??: “PADDLING ON THE SHORES OF INFINITY: A JOURNEY BETWEEN SCARCITY AND ABUNDANCE”
Laurie, I always wondered how tall you are. Now I see: Taller than Shirley. So that means I’m some where in between the two of you – ha!
My memoir title? (Good question, as always). Well, for now it’s Plain & Fancy as a working title but I’m sure it’ll change. You read my blog faithfully. Any titles for blog to book, Laurie? I’d take you seriously you know.
Marian – Barefooted I’m 5 foot 8 inches tall. I think that PLAIN & FANCY exactly captures and conveys everything on your wonderful blog (which points beautifully to your memoir). But I DO have a question about what I think is the current sub-title: FORMER PLAIN GIRL. Instead of using the word “Plain” twice (in both the title and subtitle), are you going to use a different descriptor in the subtitle? If yes, what are your thoughts?
“Former Plain Girl” was a sub-title added by the person who set up the banner for my blog last year. I agree, the sub-title cannot be redundant.
What are my thoughts? It’s 9:40 EDT now and my brain has shut down, so I have no thoughts on the sub-title at the moment, but when I do you’ll be the first do know, Laurie. 😉
Marian – I’m looking forward to it! 🙂
It would be “My Life in Fairview” where I have lived for every day of my 59 years, barring vacations. And I may yet actually do it, as I will be appointed to the town’s historical society in a month or two.
Your post here is an utterly fabulous one Laurie, and I salute you for being at THIRD PLACE BOOKS in Seattle for a reading of your favorite chapter from Ms. Showalter’s book, which by the way boasts quite a title! I’m sure you and Len has a wonderful day in that beautiful city.
Sam – Congratulations on your up-and-coming appointment to Fairview’s historical society! And the title — My Life in Fairview — is perfect. Simply perfect! 🙂
Okay, I thought of one, it must have bounced off of something hard, like my soil, and landed in my brain. ” The Perils Of Red Dirt Gardening (Your Back Will Never Be The Same)”. Sounds like a good opening for a Yoga class.
Sandi – I love, Love, LOVE it. It’s oh-so YOU! 🙂
Probably “One More Time” because I think I’ll always want one more time to do one more thing. Although I don’t have any intention of writing my memoir.
Carol – Without fail I love your vivid photographs; they speak for themselves. Maybe you could do a photographic memoir!
“The Perpetual Positive Pupil” I try to wake up everyday with a positive outlook on things even when life is filled with its major challenges and minor issues. I always try to learn something new from each experience I choose or has chosen me. It would be about all of the lessons that I have learned.
Thea – Oh, I just love your title and the reason(s) behind it! 🙂
“She truly lived.” That’s the short of it! I want to have lived deeply, with respect and joy and love and awareness. P.S. How nice that you were able to meet Shirley. Nothing better than seeing an on-line friend come to life!
Kathy – I love the ingredients in your deeply, truly lived life: respect, joy, love, and awareness 🙂
My memoir – “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
Jayden – You made me smile. Thank you 🙂
Today has been a tough healing day. My mind can’t go to this question.
I did have a lovely swim in a lake with my book group last night and that was remarkably healing. Focusing on that right now.
Patricia — I hope you feel better and better, each and every day 🙂
The Curious One
Barbara — I love your title: THE CURIOUS ONE
Bill Clinton’s memoir is titled “My Life”. Really creative, eh? I’ve always wanted to interview him with big TV audience and ask “So Mr. President, what’s the book about?” Stupid begets stupid.
Carl – Your comment made me smile 🙂
Tee hee.
Thank you for your visit to my blog and for liking some of my posts. May you be bless to the glory of God in the name of Jesus Christ.
Osarobohenry – Thank you very much.
The pleasure is mine. I appreciate 🙂
Thank you for reciprocation. More of God’s blessing to you and yours in the name of Jesus Christ.
Laurie, I thank you again for this delightful honor — to be included in a Tuesdays with Laurie post!!! And that was after you made the effort to travel to Seattle. I hope that karma will repay you, and I am sure that it will. I also hope to pay your kindness forward and backward. Peace to you and all who come here this day and every day. Off to the Art Institute and Millennium Park! Then the Magnificent Mile.
Shirley – It was a pleasure to share about you to the Tuesdays With Laurie readers! I had a wonderful time meeting you in person in Seattle.
Thank you for the heart-based energy you’re sharing in my old stomping grounds as you and Stuart continue on your PALOOZA! 🙂