There is a new reality show on the horizon. It’s like a bake off, but instead, it’s a write-off. Really? Who wants to watch writers write? At least with a baking show the bakers are baking, the clock is running out, and then the soufflé rises or falls. 

This concept differs. The idea is to take seven winning contestants to Peru and put them into situations or give them a unique experience, then expect them to write about it. Like other reality shows, someone will get sent home after each episode. The winner receives a $10,000 advance and a writer’s contract to write their memoir.

I’ve never considered writing a memoir. That is my stumbling block. I feel like I am too boring, my life has been too simple to deserve a memoir. But Peru… the possibility of an adventure outweighs my resistance. The show might be following the blueprint of other reality shows, but this has been designed by writers for writers. What a way to learn how to write a memoir.

In some sense, this blog has been a weekly memoir. What would I have left to write? The answer might lie in the ‘how’, not the ‘what’. I tend to write like I’m telling the reader, “This is what happened”. A well written memoir immerses the reader to make them feel as if the experience had been their own. 

I am torn between wanting to win the chance to be in the reality show, but I’m not completely sure I want to win the contract. As I ponder all this, I recognize this feeling. I’ve been here before. It’s called a lack of confidence.  

Worst case scenario? I get selected as a contestant but I get sent home first. Even if that happens, I’m pretty sure the positive side of the experience will outweigh my disappointment.

There’s no reason for me not to take this shot. The deadline for submissions is February 28. I’m busy writing an ‘excerpt’ from my memoirs. I’ve got nothing to lose. Wish me luck.

Keep your joy.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. 

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