Part 3 in a 3 part series for Penguin Blog
As I explained in my first and second posts, I decided to write my memoir from a child’s perspective. But since the book covers a period of my life from age nine, when I was diagnosed with cancer, to age twenty-one, when I competed in the Paralympics, I also felt that the voice needed to mature along with me as the story progressed.
So I divided the book into four different voices, four different maturity levels. The differences between them are subtle, and deliberately so because I wanted the changes to happen slowly enough that you only notice them in retrospect, like when you look at a photo of yourself from a few years ago and realize that you’ve aged. But behind what I hope is a smooth progression in narration style is a carefully planned set of rules for each voice. Here are the four stages as I outlined them before writing the book: [read the rest on penguin blog]
2 Responses to “How to sound childish”
February 3, 2010
4:43 pm
I noticed the childlike voice as I was reading. I’m still in the early childhood part of the book, but I’ll be looking out for the transistions now. Good to know! (and interesting to me, as a writer and someone who would like to write my own book someday)
May 19, 2010
12:24 pm
recently at my school we viewed one of your speeches. i loved watching it, you are halarious and really make a move when your speaking. i have only got to watch that one but i am finding time to consider watching more of you. hope to see more.:)