Description
Book SynopsisA seasoned writer and teacher of memoir explores both the difficulties inherent in writing about personal trauma and the techniques for doing so in a compelling way. Since 2013, David Chrisinger has taught military veterans, their families, and other trauma survivors how to make sense of and recount their stories of loss and transformation. The lessons he imparts can be used by anyone who has ever experienced trauma, particularly people with a deep need to share that experience in a way that leads to connection and understanding. In Stories Are What Save Us, Chrisinger showsthrough writing exercises, memoir excerpts, and lessons he's learned from his studentsthe most efficient ways to uncover and effectively communicate what you've learned while fighting your life's battles, whatever they may be. Chrisinger explores both the difficulties inherent in writing about personal trauma and the techniques for doing so in a compelling way. Weaving together his journey as a writer, editor, and
Trade ReviewI was thoroughly engaged both by Chrisinger's stories of his family and friends, as well as his journey to craft his experiences into stories.
—John Capecci,
Living Proof AdvocacyTable of ContentsForeword, by Brian Turner
Acknowledgments
Introduction. Atonement
Part I. The Searching
Chapter 1. Finding Your Story of Transformation
Chapter 2. Uncovering Your Object of Desire
Chapter 3. Recognizing the Story underneath Your Story
Chapter 4. Turning Yourself into a Character
Part II. The Structure
Chapter 5. Incorporating the Five Essentials of Storytelling
Chapter 6. Starting with One True Thing
Part III. The Story
Chapter 7. Crafting Immersive Scenes
Chapter 8. Using Fiction to Tell the Truth
Chapter 9. Telling Your Story to Build Connection and Understanding
Afterword, by Angela Ricketts
Storytelling Exercises
Suggested Further Reading
About the Author
Index
