Tag: tennis
-
Modern Magical Objects in Memoirs
The great tennis player Andre Agassi in his memoir “Open,” shares a unique perspective on the power of these corporate talismans. Like a modern day magician, he was often paid to infuse some of his power into a brand. One time Agassi’s nerves were shot, so to protect his eyes he wore sunglasses during a…
Written by
-
Two Types of Trainings in Your Memoir
To become proficient as a tennis champ, Agassi relied heavily on sport trainers. In his description of his training, Agassi offers us a bonus, demonstrating the distinction between two fundamental types of training. One type could be called “weapons training” relevant for battle. In his case, the battle was tennis. The other form of training…
Written by
-
Conflict with Parent Fleshes in Authentic Character
One of the most common complaints I hear in a memoir workshop is about the difficulty of writing honest feelings about parents. I encourage writers to push through their reluctance. Writing about them will reveal the relationships in new ways. Even if this material does not appear within the frame of your proposed story, you…
Written by
-
This celebrity has flaws. How about you?
Agassi became the best tennis player in the world, but it was never enough. Even with his money, his fame, and his supermodel wife, his dissatisfaction always left him sour. Talk about ungrateful! This guy was beginning to sound like a real jerk.
Written by
-
The Protagonist of a Memoir Must have a Goal and Obstacles
One of the fundamental elements in every story is the reader’s identification with the protagonist. This protagonist doesn’t just stand there. He or she wants something, and then moves toward it, while we readers turn pages to overcome the obstacles. In Andre Agassi’s “Open” the pressure to push against obstacles generates enormous tension that makes…
Written by