If I had to describe myself, it would be in a word that has many meanings with a complexity which falls off the tongue.
A word made up of many elements, is deceptive in appearance, and creates an illusion from the imagination.
My word would be Phantasmagoric. ~Summer Ross

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Risk





Recently I have risked writing in Nonfiction- telling about my experiences. I have found it is not as easy to do as I once thought. In my nonfiction class we are trying out all sorts of memoir and essay styles which has been teaching me a great deal. I never knew what a braided essay was before this class- but turns out- I enjoy them. 
A braided essay is an essay that takes a couple things that seem to have no connection- but then the author finds a connection in them-gives it to the reader and naturally has braided all parts into the essay together.

  What have you risked recently?

24 comments:

Tabitha Bird said...

I risk chasing my writing dream and failing. I risk hoping that I will get well. I risk wanting more out of life :)

Joanne said...

I've never heard of the term braided essays, but these are exactly what I use in my memoir as well. I like that term, it perfectly describes the process.

I clicked over from Under the Tiki Hut, enjoyed browsing here ...

Cherie Reich said...

I haven't heard of braided essays before. They sound pretty nifty. As for risks, I suppose it would be the new novel I'm working on. I'm trying to think of each chapter as a short story/flash fiction piece as well as jump from present time line to past memories.

Anonymous said...

I think writing non-fiction, particularly a memoir, is even more difficult than fiction because it's all you. It's like walking around totally naked.

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm not sure I could ever write a memoir. Even short personal essays are difficult. It's much easier for me to write fiction or other types of non-fiction.

Jules said...

I risked looking in the mirror and OMG. Did you know pillows can mangle you? :)

I think I would enjoy this braided essay class.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

N. R. Williams said...

I risked leaving a personal comment. But it was necessary because this blogger can help me with my daughter. And I asked for their advice.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium, Special .99 through April 30

Carolyn V said...

I don't think I've taken enough risks lately. I've gotta get going!

Anny Cook said...

I do a lot of personal memoir stuff on my blog. It allows me to write both non-fiction and offsets the fiction I write during the day.

Yvonne Osborne said...

I'm getting ready to risk a new batch of queries on my new novel. I keep putting myself out on a limb with the crows. Can't help it.

I just received my copy of NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
and I'm looking forward to reading your story! And love the Eliot quote. Did I tell you that? Words for a writer to live by.

Jessica Bell said...

non-fiction is very hard. I srapped my memoir project because I couldn't stop embellishing everything!

Jessica Bell said...

I meant "scrapped" :o)

Old Kitty said...

Ooooh braided essays - thanks for the info!! Great to hear you're having such a fab time with your course!!!

Erm... Yesterday, I risked a yoghurt that was a day past it's use by date!! :-) Take care
x

B.E.T. said...

That's pretty cool. I like reading those because they wind together so nicely at the end!

As for risks...Hmm, probably eating Burger King while sick. Not the smartest risk in the world, it made my throat worse, but soooo worth it.

Golden Eagle said...

I tried to compose a piece of music for piano. Didn't work out so well. :P

Great quote!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Now you know you are a multi-talented writer.
I risked another SyFy movie. Almost lost all hope...

Bethany Elizabeth said...

I like that braided essay idea. I've been re-dabbling in poetry and I love it! :) That's my risk. :D

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Summer.

This is an interesting post. I learned something new about braided essays and about you and others who are taking risks in their writing.

I took a risk writing in a different genre AND in first person. I realized that I like writing in first person and it certainly worked well in my novel.

Taking risks is important because you'll never know what you can hit on.

Michael

Jemi Fraser said...

A braided essay - what a lovely image! I've never heard the term - but I'd love to write one :)

I've taken a couple of risks lately - not quite sure how they're working out yet! :)

Susan Kane said...

Great term for self-examination, and seeing a thread that ties all the parts of one's life into a package. I like it. Take the risk, girl.

Denise Covey said...

I love that you're taking this course, so different. I love writing non fiction too but haven't been taking any risks lately. A braided essay is a delight.

Denise<3

Jessica Bell said...

Just stopping y again to say thank you for your comment on my blog yesterday! I really appreciate it! I wish I had your email to respond personally :o)

Ellie Garratt said...

I did once think of writing about my experiences in the care system, but decided it was too self-indulgent.

Anonymous said...

I've subbed two pbs recently that's enough risk for me. Non-fiction is very popular right now.

I heart comments~~ You all Rock my world!

Make your own