Imaginative Storm Memoir Writing with editor and author Allegra Huston

James Navé here, your host of Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm pleased to welcome author and editor Allegra Huston to the microphone. Allegra is the author of "Love Child: A Memoir of Family Lost and Found" and the novel "Say My Name," as well as numerous screenplays. In addition, she has been a book editor and writing lecturer for many decades. In this informative conversation titled Imaginative Storm Memoir Writing, Allegra offers a slew of valuable insights into writing a memoir like your story starts when equilibrium is disrupted. Another helpful tip when writing your memoir is to decide where your story starts or ends, then write scenes that skip around in your story rather than trying to write straight through from beginning to end. What is Imaginative Storm Memoir Writing? Imaginative Storm Writing is a method of writing Allegra and I have developed over the past 20 years working together as creative collaborators. The Imaginative Storm writing work encourages you to stay in your rational mind and invite your stormy imaginative minds to lead the writing dance with your rational minds. It works every time. Allegra says, "When you write from the Imaginative Storm, the benefit is you're not supposed to write well; you write to see what happens. Because you're not self-conscious and stilted, your writing comes out surprisingly fresh and original and intriguing — and you want to keep going." If you have little experience in memoir writing, this conversation will give you a good start on building your knowledge base. However, if you are a seasoned writer, you'll appreciate Allegra's thoughtful and in-depth view of what is required to bring your memoir from an idea to completion. As I said, Allegra and I have spent years developing the Imaginative Storm Writing Project. Even after all this time, I'm constantly surprised and informed by the new ideas and thoughts she always has to offer. Enjoy the show.