No One Ever Died From Writing

“Digging up the dark world, the things you don’t remember, releases a lot of energy. Brings to light things that have been covered up for a long time and they snap and crackle. Usually we try to control what we remember. Control leads to dull writing. . . .

“Lose control. Let the mute, the silent speak. Your memoir should be a large field, capable of embracing whatever comes up. If you avoid a corner or crag, the reader will feel it.

“No one ever died of writing in her notebook what is hidden or dangerous. You might cry—or laugh—but not die.”

Natalie Goldberg, Old Friend from Far Away

Make a list of things you keep hidden or that feel too dangerous to write about. Then choose one item from your list and write about it anyway.

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