Naked, Drunk and Writing (Persian Edition)

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Embracing Vulnerability:

• The title itself, “Naked, Drunk, and Writing,” suggests that good writing requires a degree of vulnerability and openness. Lara encourages writers to shed their inhibitions and be willing to expose their true selves on the page.

2. Crafting a Compelling Narrative:

• Lara provides strategies for turning personal experiences into engaging stories. This includes finding the narrative arc, identifying key themes, and ensuring that the story has a beginning, middle, and end.

3. Voice and Authenticity:

• The book emphasizes the importance of finding and maintaining an authentic voice. Lara offers exercises to help writers discover their unique style and ensure that their writing feels genuine and relatable.

4. Overcoming Writer’s Block:

• Lara addresses common challenges that writers face, such as writer’s block and self-doubt. She provides practical tips for overcoming these obstacles and staying motivated throughout the writing process.

5. Editing and Revising:

• The book highlights the importance of revising and editing. Lara shares techniques for refining prose, tightening the narrative, and ensuring clarity and coherence in the final draft.

6. Writing Exercises and Prompts:

• Lara includes numerous writing exercises and prompts designed to help writers explore their memories, develop their skills, and generate new material.

Structure of the Book:

1. Introduction:

• Lara introduces the central premise of the book and sets the stage for the practical advice and exercises that follow.

2. Getting Started:

• This section covers the basics of memoir and personal essay writing, including choosing a subject, setting goals, and establishing a writing routine.

3. Digging Deep:

• Lara guides writers through the process of exploring their past, mining their memories for material, and confronting difficult emotions.

4. Crafting Your Story:

• This section focuses on narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and other elements of storytelling that are essential for crafting a compelling memoir or essay.

5. Revising and Polishing:

• Lara offers strategies for revising and editing, including tips for cutting unnecessary material, improving clarity, and enhancing the overall impact of the writing.

6. Getting Published:

• The book also touches on the practical aspects of getting work published, including writing query letters, submitting to literary magazines, and navigating the publishing industry.

Practical Advice:

1. Write Without Censorship:

• Lara encourages writers to let go of self-censorship and write freely in the initial drafts. The focus should be on getting words on the page, with refinement coming later.

2. Use Sensory Details:

• Good writing often relies on vivid sensory details to bring scenes to life. Lara advises writers to engage the senses to create more immersive and compelling narratives.

3. Balance Show and Tell:

• Effective storytelling often involves a balance between showing (through scenes and actions) and telling (through exposition and summary). Lara provides guidance on how to achieve this balance.

4. Connect with Readers:

• Lara stresses the importance of making connections with readers. Personal stories should resonate on a universal level, allowing readers to see themselves in the writer’s experiences.

5. Stay Honest:

• Authenticity and honesty are crucial in memoir and personal essay writing. Lara encourages writers to be truthful and candid, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Conclusion:

Naked, Drunk, and Writing is a valuable resource for anyone interested in writing memoirs or personal essays. Adair Lara’s approachable and encouraging style, combined with her practical advice and insightful exercises, makes this book a helpful guide for writers at any stage of their journey. By emphasizing vulnerability, authenticity, and the craft of storytelling, Lara helps writers create compelling and honest works that resonate with readers.

شرح ماوقع یک تجربه‌ی زیسته یا یک ایده‌ی غیرداستانی، به‌هیچ‌وجه نمی‌‎تواند تبدیل به «ادبیات» شود، چراکه ادبیات در هر وضعیتی نیاز به فروشدن و فراشدن از دل پیچ‌وخم‌های یک ایده و ماجرا دارد و بدون نثر، آرایه‌های ادبی، رویاپردازی و پرواز ذهن به صور مختلف هستی، هیچ‌وقت ادبیات ممکن نمی‌شود. ازاین‌رو نوشتن یک جستار خوب، می‌‎تواند از نوشتن یک رمان بلند هم سخت‌تر باشد. ادر لارا در کتاب «رها و ناهشیار می‌نویسم» آموزه‌های بزرگش در نویسندگی را با تکیه بر جزئیات ریزودرشتی که همه‌ی انواع جستارنویسی را دربرمی‌گیرند، راهنمایی کامل برای آموزش جستارنویسی ارائه داده است. رها و ناهشیار می‌نویسم با چهار بخش که هرکدام به چند فصل تقسیم‌شده‌اند، ریزبینانه و موجز – همان‌طور که خود جستار باید باشد – عالی‌ترین راه‌‌کارهای جستارنویسی، از آمادگی ذهنی و عملی نویسنده گرفته تا نیازمندی‌های تحقیق، پژوهش، طرح و برنامه‌ریزی را شرح می‌دهد و درپایان بر خودنوشتن زندگی‌نگاری تأکید می‌کند تا اهمیت شخصی‌نگاری در جستارنویسی را گوشزد کند.