Writing your memoir

The Mind of a Thief

Trish and I were fortunate to attend a memoir writing workshop with Patti Miller at the NSW Society of Women Writers. She explained the highs and lows of good research and its crucial role in making an interesting history into a great story. Should be a great read, and maybe an inspiration for us to write our own stories - we all have one! The article below is from an email sent by the Australian Writers Network.

The Mind of a Thief, published by UQP, is Patti Miller’s sixth book. It tells the story of a native title claim in her hometown and reveals her own connection to country and the past. A narrative non-fiction, it explores belonging, reconciliation, kinship and identity. ‘It's both a beautifully written and timely book that speaks directly to white Australians about what reconciliation means to us all, at a most personal level. It traverses public issues and private life in the way that the best memoirs do.’ John Hunter, UQP Reviews ‘A seamless narrative. [Miller’s] powers of observation give her stories a colourful cohesion. She has produced a remarkably fluid, virtuoso piece of writing.’ Saturday Age ‘Native title is a complex and vexing issue. This thoughtful, well-researched and beautifully written personal story helps us to understand why it is so important to indigenous people.’ Herald Sun ‘Great Reads’ ‘The Mind of a Thief deals with the big issues. .. the book unfolds into one of the best descriptions I've seen of the native title mediation process. This is complex stuff but Miller sets it all out calmly and clearly, using the craft of storytelling.’ Weekend Australian ‘Thoughtfully and perceptively relayed, this is a story all about identity, connection to place and how we gain a sense of self through stories of the generations.’ Courier-Mail Next Author Event in Sydney Patti Miller in Conversation with Caroline Baum, Kings Cross Library 6pm 18th July The Mind of a Thief is available at all good bookshops. For more information: www.lifestories.com.au For Author Event Updates: Life Stories Workshop Facebook Contact: pmiller@lifestories.com.au