The Art of the Memoir

Explore the art of memoir writing with award-winning authors Kiese Laymon, Dani Shapiro, and Richard Blanco in this 51-minute talk presented by The Aspen Institute in partnership with Aspen Words. Delve into the challenges and rewards of crafting a memoir, examining topics such as self-discovery, cultural appropriation, identity, and writing from trauma. Learn how these accomplished writers approach the task of weaving a cohesive narrative from personal experiences and imperfect memories. Gain insights into the motivations behind writing memoirs and what makes them compelling to readers. The discussion covers various aspects of the craft, including bridging distances in time and perspective, the impact of memoirs on others, and writing for a greater good. Conclude with a Q&A session and book signing opportunity with the featured authors.