| Some of the most eye-catching publications in recent years have come in the memoir field, none more so than Lily’s acclaimed debut, Sins of My Father. Her new book, Into Being,draws on Lily’s experience as a memoirist and a teacher of creative writing to present the groundbreaking idea that the craft of memoir itself can offer a form of radical transformation and a life-changing voyage of discovery.
The book demystifies the art of memoir, helping readers to find meaning in raw experience and considers compelling questions from why our memories give greater significance to certain events to how we can write honestly without intruding too far into the lives of our loved ones. It also looks at how writers are extending the memoir form to create something hybrid, playful and subversive.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of the finest exponents and most knowledgeable teachers of memoir writing currently at work.
Here are some rave reviews for Into Being:
‘Lily Dunn is one of our best teachers and theorists of autobiographical writing and Into Being is an inspiring, philosophical and helpful guide. If you are a memoirist feeling discouraged or lost, this book will give you both encouragement and insight into the value of the form, and practical ways forward. I copied many lines into my own journal.’
Amy Liptrot, author of The Outrun
‘As astute as it is generous, Lily Dunn’s Into Beingdraws a capacious doorway for all who seek to write from lived experience, illuminating the contours of the endeavour using copious examples and abundant wisdom.’
Melissa Febos, author of Girlhood
‘A profound examination of the value of memoir for both writer and reader, with practical advice on how to access emotionally meaningful events. Lily Dunn’s Into Being is the essential guide to all things memoir.’
Richard Beard, author of Sad Little Men and The Day That Went Missing
‘A revelatory and vibrant exploration of the transformative power of memoir – an essential read for writers, readers and teachers.’
Jenn Ashworth, author of Notes Made While Falling |
