Archive

Speak, Faulty Memory: Why Memoir Writing Is Harder Than You Think

Fact and Nonfiction

Dave Bry vowed to write nonfiction with the whole truth and nothing but the truth, cautioned by the failures of authors he admires such as David Sedaris and David Foster Wallace. But then something in the manuscript of his memoir, Public Apology, didn’t quite hold up.

articles/2013/04/03/speak-faulty-memory-why-memoir-writing-is-harder-than-you-think/130402-dave-bry-memoir-tease_qpt8ye
Grand Central Publishing via AP

I have a pretty good memory.

It’s not the best memory. I certainly know people with better memories. And I’m terrible with names. But for things like places and faces and conversations, my memory is pretty strong.

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article. 

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.