Sonja Herbert, Memoir Writer, on Life in the Circus During the Holocaust - Page 2

Have you researched the time period, or do you work strictly from memory?

For both, my novel and the memoir, I had to do extensive research, so I could flesh out the background of a tormented and war-torn Germany. I have an excellent memory, which helps a lot, but some things have to be researched to make sure I’ve made no mistakes. That’s part of the reason it took so long to finish the novel about my mother’s life.

Do you fictionalize your real life characters to make a better story?

In the biographical novel about my mother's life I did. But in the memoir I don't, because it is creative non-fiction. I reconstruct some of the details if I can't remember them exactly, and dialogue can't be remembered word for word. That’s about it.

Do you think your memoir is of interest even though the person in the narrative is not famous?

Very much so. I think this is the first time a "carnie" told the story of her life. And, like Frank McCourt, I hope my writing is good enough for the readers to feel for the main character and understand her situation.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I love Frank McCourt's memoirs. He actually breaks most of the conventions of writing, and still comes up with an amazing piece of work. I also admire Ursula Hegi’s work. She is great at choosing the perfect details to draw in the reader and let her story flow.

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

I have already written an outline for a fiction story. I'm also presently writing shorter pieces, articles and stories. You can read one of them at nebpublishing.com, and another is coming up at Green Prints.

What lessons can we learn from your book?

Perseverance pays off. Mother strove for a normal life for years, and accomplished what she set out to do. She only wanted to marry and raise children without fear, and without feeling inferior and hated.

If you never experienced publication, would you keep writing?

Yes. I’ve always written diaries and journals, and I'd just keep writing for my children to read what things were like.

You can read the first chapter of Tightrope! and of Conversations With Margot, on Sonja's website at http://sonjaherbert.myeweb.net.

Article Author: Parker Owens

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