About ten years ago I decided to write a memoir about growing up in Fitzroy in the 1950s and 1960s.
I thought I could knock over this project within a few weeks of solid writing. But I soon realised it would take a lot longer to write a fair dinkum memoir rather than a ‘doughnut memoir’. By that, I mean one with substance around the edges but nothing in the middle.
With the advice of a friend, I soon realised I had to reveal more about myself and experiences. This wasn’t easy to do as I consider myself a private sort of person.
Anyway, the need to write the memoir was stronger than my feelings of privacy. Perhaps I’m loosening up in my old age.
There were several delays over the years. Work and other projects intervened, so the research and writing has been haphazard. But now I’m back on track writing consistently.
This week I’ve managed to put aside five consecutive days for writing which for me is like ‘hens teeth’. Running two businesses, house renovations and my training in Tai Chi doesn’t leave much time for writing.
But if I’m to complete this project, I’ll just have to make the time – which I’m determined to do.
Here’s what I’ve done so far …
Research
Libraries – Fitzroy, Collingwood , Thomastown, State
Web research
Court records
Several walks around Fitzroy taking photographs
Visited the home where I grew up
Visited cemeteries
Travelled overseas
35 interviews with family, relatives, and friends
Writing
156 short vignettes – first draft
156 short vignettes – rewritten
11 reflective pieces
145, 722 words – first draft
30,713 words – second draft – as of now
Thinking
Countless hours!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to writing about the bloodsucker that helped me win many games of marbles at George Street Primary School, in 1959.