The Memoir Land Author Questionnaire #44: Joanne Greene

"I’m not sure that I could have written about my parents and siblings in the way that I did if they were still alive."

Since 2010, in various publications, I’ve interviewed authors—mostly memoirists—about aspects of writing and publishing. Initially I did this for my own edification, as someone who was struggling to find the courage and support to write and publish my memoir. I’m still curious about other authors’ experiences, and I know many of you are, too. So, inspired by the popularity of The Oldster Magazine Questionnaire, I’ve launched The Memoir Land Author Questionnaire.

Here’s the 44th installment, featuring journalist and podcaster Joanne Greene, author of By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go. -Sari Botton

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Joanne Greene, author, podcaster. Photo by Lisa Keating.

Joanne Greene never bought the adage “little girls should be seen and not heard.” She's used her voice on San Francisco radio and television, webinars, and podcasts, to explore the issues of our time with playful irreverence, candor, and compassion. Now, with many decades of seasoning, she's sharing what she's learned about navigating family and career, moving through pain and loss. Currently, Joanne hosts the podcast In this Story, where she shares her micro-essays set to music, showcasing tales and observations from her animated life. She Writes Press has published her first book, By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go. More at www.joanne-greene.com

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How old are you, and for how long have you been writing?

I’m 70 and embracing aging with joy. I’ve been writing since I was in grade school.

What’s the title of your latest book, and when was it published?

By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go, published 6/20/23 by She Writes Press.

What number book is this for you?

My first.

How do you categorize your book—as a memoir, memoir-in-essays, essay collection, creative nonfiction, graphic memoir, autofiction—and why?

Memoir.

What is the “elevator pitch” for your book?

“Small in stature, large in presence, and always in charge, Joanne Greene anchored the news and hosted talk shows on San Francisco radio while totally devoted to her family — until a traumatic accident suddenly removed her ability to control anything. By Accident is a story of resilience and perseverance, of will and pluck, and of positivity and gratitude for lessons learned — even as the personal hits just keep on coming.”

Throughout my career as a journalist, I always imagined that I’d write a book some day. After a decade in which I experienced profound loss, devastating injury, and a serious diagnosis, I felt that it was incumbant upon me to share my story and, most importantly, what I learned about facing life’s challenges, to help others and to keep the memory of my loved ones alive for future generations.

What’s the back story of this book including your origin story as a writer? How did you become a writer, and how did this book come to be?

Throughout my career as a journalist, I always imagined that I’d write a book some day. After a decade in which I experienced profound loss, devastating injury, and a serious diagnosis, I felt that it was incumbant upon me to share my story and, most importantly, what I learned about facing life’s challenges, to help others and to keep the memory of my loved ones alive for future generations.

Order the book…

What were the hardest aspects of writing this book and getting it published?

Learning to write memoir, as a journalist, was a steep climb. I’d always kept my feelings out of the story and had to learn to write effective dialogue, bring the reader into the scene, stick to my themes, and rewrite, rewrite and rewrite some more. As an older woman, without a substantial social media following, I didn’t think agents and publishers would be anxious to represent me. Since I wanted a professional product and broad distribution, I approached She Writes Press and never looked back. Working with them was and is wonderful as everyone is invested in my success and SWP provides writers with a community of supporters.

How did you handle writing about real people in your life? Did you use real or changed names and identifying details? Did you run passages or the whole book by people who appear in the narrative? Did you make changes they requested? 

I’m not sure that I could have written about my parents and siblings in the way that I did if they were still alive. I asked everyone I wrote about if they wanted me to change their name and a few chose replacement names.

Learning to write memoir, as a journalist, was a steep climb. I’d always kept my feelings out of the story and had to learn to write effective dialogue, bring the reader into the scene, stick to my themes, and rewrite, rewrite and rewrite some more.

Who is another writer you took inspiration from in producing this book? Was it a specific book, or their whole body of work? (Can be more than one writer or book.)

Anne Lamott’s work inspired me and kept me honest and vulnerable. One of my greatest accomplishments was getting a testimonial from Annie. She wrote (and it’s on my book’s front cover), “This is an amazing book, harrowing, deeply human, and charming. I absolutely could not put it down.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers looking to publish a book like yours, who are maybe afraid, or intimidated by the process?

Just start writing. Be aware that you may throw out hours and hours of work at any stage in the process. Find a writing partner or, better yet, a writing group with whom you can share and receive honest feedback. Understand that writing and rewriting are only the first few steps. There will be countless decisions ahead and the enormous task of building an author platform and marketing your book.

What do you love about writing? 

Writing has always enabled me to organize and crystalize my thoughts, to share whatever wisdom I’ve accumulated, and shed light on events and ideas that I feel are significant and instructive.

What frustrates you about writing?

It frustrates me to never know when a piece is finished.

What about writing surprises you?

I am most surprised that I had the patience and perseverance to complete a book-length project. As someone afflicted with the shortest of attention spans, I’m most comfortable writing micro-essays.

Does your writing practice involve any kind of routine or writing at specific times? 

I tend to be clearer and have more energy in the morning. Though spurts of creative inspiration can come at any time, often late on a weekend day.

I am most surprised that I had the patience and perseverance to complete a book-length project. As someone afflicted with the shortest of attention spans, I’m most comfortable writing micro-essays.

Do you engage in any other creative pursuits, professionally or for fun? Are there non-writing activities do you consider to be “writing” or supportive of your process?

Meditation benefits all aspects of my life and work as it gives me the ability to pause and be less reactive. Being in nature, and hiking trails in particular, opens my mind so that creativity can flow.

What’s next for you? Do you have another book planned, or in the works?

I don’t intend to write another book, unless it’s a compilation of essays. I will always write — for myself and for others. Currently, I have a bi-weekly podcast entitled In This Story…with Joanne Greene in which I share my flash non-fiction, essays that includes stories and insights from my life.

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Check out all the interviews in The Memoir Land Author Questionnaire series.