While Writer’s Workshop #2 didn’t quite work out as planned with my classmates, I received some helpful feedback from one of my literary friends. Megan admitted that the piece was very rough, though she conceded it was probably due to the fact that the topic was much more personal than the last. She encouraged me to inject more of myself into the piece and explore the feelings that arose when I learned of my mother’s past.  She also suggested that I start the piece from the dark times and take it into lighter, happier memories – so as to make a more dramatic and more satisfying conclusion. Megan urged me to fine tune my wording, so as to avoid confusing syntax; she felt that my emotional attachment to the topic had resulted in vague and – at times – incomprehensible phrases. My friend also proposed that I extend my mirror metaphor, providing an explanation (Windex?) to clarify its symbolism.

 

I adore the idea of this piece – a house representing a person – but I don’t feel that I can tie it into my other chosen memoirs. I can guarantee that I will continue revising this piece on my own; however, I seriously doubt it will appear in my final memoir triptych. Just in case you’re curious, I do believe that I will take Megan up on all of her suggestions.  I suspect I’ll be splitting this piece up into multiple memoirs; I feel that the house metaphor is strong, but I also feel that I can create a whole other piece centered around the memory of dancing to “American Pie.” Not quite sure where the mirror symbolism will end up, but I invite you to keep an eye on my weebly.com site for updates.