Welcome to session five of our study of Beth Ann Fennelly’s Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs.
Each week, you can write on the weekly topic or any subject you choose. It’s up to you. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less, not including your title and name.
This week’s writing topic is a car you rode in or drove. Interpret that topic as you wish. Write your story and post it in the comments section below.
Once you’ve done that, read some of your fellow members’ stories and leave them a note of encouragement.
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we’ll examine pages 85-101, “What I Learned in Grad School” through “A Reckoning of Kisses.”
Discussion question: On pages 95-96, Beth Ann Fennelly writes “The Grief Vacation” in Heating & Cooling. It is one of only two micro-memoirs in the book written in the third person. Who do you believe this third person is? Why do you think Fennelly wrote this story in the third person? What did you learn from this third-person micro-memoir that you can apply to your own writing?
When it’s available, the book study replay from October 22, 2024, of pages 85-101 of Heating & Cooling will be posted here.
Micro-memoir author Darien Hsu Gee is offering a free workshop, Using Micro Memoirs to Tell Your Story, on Saturday, November 9, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Registration opens October 26, 2024.
Here is my story oa a different topic. This is from my Weather series.
I wrote my story and forgot to post it. Here it is.
I had my story entered here, then decided to change to a more fitting title. I couldn’t re-enter it into my original space, so here it is.
Linda, I love this story and I’m so glad you were all okay. But I’d love to hear more!
see my answer to Dave’s reply
This made me laugh. Gordon must have decided you were worth it.
What I couldn’t say in 300 words was, as soon as we landed, Gordon said, “Everybody out!” This
included my sister and her boyfriend and me. When we all obeyed his order, he backed the car
into the ditch to get a good run at it, then drove it straight out. Once on level ground, and with all
of us back in the car, he nonchalantly offered, “That’s not the first time this car has been in that
predicament!”
Hahahahahaha. You’ll have to add it!
Hi, everybody. I’m getting back into writing my accident story. Here’s the next installment.
Patricia, It is amazing how being in shock can sometimes protect us. I can’t wait to hear more.
I had the same reaction as Jackie. Your fragile condition acted as a shield.
Patricia, I chuckled visualizing the scene in the waiting room with you glad to be fragmented in another room.
Fellow writers I decided to write about something else since I recently submitted a story about my car. This story is titled Better to See You With…
Here’s my car story.
Our Drivers Ed experiences were so similar it’s uncanny.
My car story
Here is my story. It is fresh off the presses. Enjoy!
Perhaps your independent car learned something from its owner??????dear lil’ lady. MJ
I feel your frustration with the Volvo’s shifter. I’m glad it gave you some joy, freedom. 🙂
This ain’t too polished, but I wanted to get it out while we still have power.
Dave, Great descriptions of your little red car. I’m glad it was good in the snow. Reminded me of my bug.
Your story reminds me of a certain Chevy Citation my son used to plow snow drifts and go mud-bogging after I used it as a work car.
Your stories always make me smile, Dave. I can see you sliding around those corners with a big grin on your face. So, your sister got in trouble with your mother, not you. You rascal.
Patricia said we could use any topic, so my story is about my bicycle instead of a car.
Sounds like a dream machine for a young girl.
Thanks for reminding me of that moment of joy and freedom. We rode hands off before our brains harbored thoughts of what might happen if..
I could relate to your freedom ride, Judy. Thanks for sharing!
Judy I was speeding with you on that pink beauty, arms outstretched, but stringy dark brown hair flying wildly in the breeze. Loved it.
My short list of many automobile memories attached. Was I technical-only, or do I reveal more?
Kit, I loved the list format for your story. It was very effective. I also enjoyed the many cars—we need to share some stories.
Kit, Loved the bullet point style of siting your memories. It has become my favorite mode of writing. You have quite an auto vocabulary. Enjoyed.
excellent use of the list model and a fun read. The sound bite was a great addition and creative.
Thank you, Dave! The encouragement you offer me about my writing has made a big difference.