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Anybody Read Contemporary Memoirs?

I have been working on a memoir about growing up on welfare. While I've given it to other writer friends to read for a good critique, I think I might do better to put it in front of total strangers. Even though we are all MFA graduates working in various writing fields, the bottom line is that friends don't want to hurt other friends' feelings. And I can't help wondering if my memoir has merit or not, or if my pals are just trying to keep me from getting too depressed about it. Anyone out there a big fan of contemporary memoirs who would like to read a pre-published one...and tell me the truth about whether or not it stinks? I don't need lengthy responses; just general impressions. I've been trying to make it funny--and it's hard to tell what other people find humorous. Think "Angeles' Ashes." I'll put your name in the acknowledgments pages if you help me!

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Okay, gang. You're on! Warning: the memoir contains coarse language, so if that offends you, then you won't want to read it. My plan is to clean up a few areas that need smoothing, then either email you each individually, or figure out a way to post it somewhere on my website (not sure I can have that much text on it; will investigate). BTW, I loved The Glass Castle--so many people told me to read it when it first came out.

Stay tuned for more info in the coming month or so as I revise!

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I would love to! What a neat idea. PM me if you want to take me up on this and I can give you contact info privately. I have a dual degree in English and communications and A. an avid reader so I have no qualms about offering honest feedback. Good for you for taking this step! So many of us dream about writing but never actually get around to doing this.

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I would love to! What a neat idea. PM me if you want to take me up on this and I can give you contact info privately. I have a dual degree in English and communications and A. an avid reader so I have no qualms about offering honest feedback. Good for you for taking this step! So many of us dream about writing but never actually get around to doing this.

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Would love to. My sister is a writer so have read many original works and given my honest opinion. PM me and I'll give you the info to mail.

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I would love too, right now im in the process of writing myself, I want to write a movie though. But would love to read yours

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Hi there,
I have read several manuscripts over the years for girlfriends who have been published, are being published and who want to be published. Some have written novels, some humorous, one writes primarily for magazines.

I would be happy to oblige my time for free.

BTW, I have a degree in German Lit and Language and have lived all over the U.S. Mexico, Germany and now Canada. So my personal history is vast. In general I'm open minded, love humor, and not stuck in one culture.

And I loved Angelas' Ashes, The Glass Castle, Precious...those were incredibly moving memoirs.

Shall I send you my email?

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I'd like to. I have an English Lit minor.....

Have you read The Glass Castle? I'll bet you'd love it.

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I'd love to. I'm a writer myself, and I used to proofread my husband's Ph.D. papers. Oy! But... I'm a stickler for grammar and style and such (and not just in research-type writing). Feel free to send me a message if you'd like my contact info.

Oh, but not a stickler here, obviously. LOL

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sounds interesting, just checking are you sure you can handle others critiques?
pm me and i'll do it.

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I took a class in college that focused on women's autobiography and really enjoyed it. I'd love to read yours and give you impressions. I'm not a writer (although I keep contemplating it) but I love to read. Feel free to PM if you'd like.

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Next question: Help Finding Books to Read.

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