MEMOIR

I Think I’ve Broken My Memoir

The Chapter One mess continues . . .

I’m as surprised as this that I have started a memoir. Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

You can find the Preface and the start of Chapter One somewhere else.

Screenshot by author of what Chapter One might look like. You can read the full version in bigger letters here.

Let’s start again, shall we? My editor tells me I’ve totally failed at nailing a good opening because not everyone will be familiar with The Secret History, and the publishers aren’t going to like that I have stolen the “snow in the fields is melting” line.

She says I should start at the beginning and take you on a journey. You’d better buckle up because I’ve never been very good at directions. And there’s a good chance we’ll crash. Or worse, we’ll get stuck in an endless loop like the M25 or go the wrong way down one-way streets. [PS: You really should read The Secret History by Donna Tartt.]

Take 3

I was born in 1960. Unless I’m dead, in which case my children will be trying to convince you I was born in 1950. I say them, but really I mean me. Because I’ve written my own obituary. And I’ve told the kids to tell everyone I was born in 1950 so everyone will think I looked good for my age.

Holy Shit. I’ve gone the wrong way already…