The (Im)possibilities of Writing About the Self

Explore the complexities of writing about personal experiences in this thought-provoking conference talk from Aspen Words' Summer Words 2016 event. Join acclaimed authors George Hodgman and Darin Strauss as they delve into the challenges and opportunities of incorporating one's own life into writing across various genres. Discover strategies for researching personal history, determining which aspects of life to include or omit in literary works, and navigating the fine line between self-expression and oversharing. Gain valuable insights on transforming seemingly impossible personal narratives into compelling literature, drawing from the speakers' experiences with their respective memoirs, "Bettyville" and "Half A Life." Learn how to harness the power of personal stories while maintaining artistic integrity and universal appeal in this illuminating 76-minute discussion on the craft of writing.