Does Memoir Need to be Factually Accurate?

Hey Collaborist -
Have you ever read a memoir and wondered how much of it was true and how much of it was "true?" On this episode of Collaborcast we discuss reader expectations and author intentions in the matter of retelling the story of a lived life. Is truth important in memoir? Is it possible to be 100% accurate with an unreliable memory? Does it matter?
Also, Jason's mom submitted a story to our open call for A Day at the DMV stories as mentioned in the previous episode of Collaborcast. And we're giving you a heads up that we're going to start having writing prompts on the website. Your participation can get you free Collaborist services because we love you or whatever.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of migration, borderlands, heritage, and the sometimes hidden stories that bind us all together. He has ghostwritten books and book proposals for a variety of authors and as an editor he has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. A current nonfiction project has him hiking and kayaking deep into the quiet landscapes of the many wilderness areas of Northern California, where he lives. When he’s not writing or reading he spends his time playing and traveling with his son and daughter. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco.
Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. In 2014, after the suicide death of a friend, Ben did volunteer work in all 50 states as part of the Be Local Everywhere project.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Need an Editor, Ghostwriter, or Coach? Hire a Collaborist! - collaborist.org/services/
Looking for a Writers’ Group? - collaborist.org/writers-groups/
Interested in a book mentioned during the podcast? - bookshop.org/shop/collaborist
More about Jason Buchholz - www.jasonbuchholz.com/
More about Ben LeRoy - www.thebenleroy.com
Collaborist on Instagram - /thecollaborist
Collaborist on Patreon - /collaborist

[@collaborist]

How much do you believe when you read a memoir, Collaborist?

[@benleroy]

Jason's mom wrote a great story. Glad we got to hear it.

[@silenthwk]

Great podcast! I have a similar preface as is in "Wild" and was happy to hear this is okay.

[@collaborist]

Excellent to hear!

[@awade116]

Jason, I enjoyed your mom’s piece. Happy Holidays to you and Ben 😊

[@collaborist]

Happy Holidays, Amanda!

[@GinamarieTalford]

Great to see you both again during my tea time.
“Double beanie” looks good!
“Emotional impact” is so true and important in any art form. It is what makes art ART.
Libel Law discussion is scary in this extraordinarily litigious world. One can sue someone for absolutely anything…I guess that’s why I wrote “my story” in the form of fiction. So I guess it’s a fictionalized memoir.
Ben your disappearance toward the end is hysterical! Good save Jason.
Love the mum story! So much talent in your family Jason.

[@collaborist]

Thanks, Ginamarie! We're glad to be a part of your tea time.