This is the third post which briefly summarises one of the tricks our memories play, inspired by my latest novel THE EXPERT WITNESS.
Doubled exposed images were common in the days when we had to be manually wind on the film between taking each photo. The 2nd image used to be superimposed on the 1st creating a blurred combined photo.
The same process of overlaying can happen with memories.
Have you ever reminisced about an event with someone else who had been there? It can be surprising to find how different your recall can be. You were both there and lived the same experience, but one of you remembers differently to the other – about who else was present, when the event happened, who said or did what. In discussion you explore different angles, maybe you try to imagine it playing out how they describe. Next time you recall the event you may have adapted the original, borrowing some of the other person’s version inadvertently.
And, unless there is corroborating evidence – a third party, a video or photo, a diary entry – it’s impossible to know which version is ‘correct’.
Without realising we blend our memories, adding and revising each time we revisit a past experience; subconsciously editing to make the story into a coherent narrative which fits with our beliefs about the past, the people, the place, etc.
Think you can trust your own memories? Think again!
News on upcoming events for readers, writers and those interested in mental wellbeing
October is going to be a busy month. Aside from popping in for informal chats with the members of Acton Book Club and Sudbury Writing Group, I’m also to be found at a number of book-related events.
If you’re in the area join me on the following dates:
- 10th October 2025 – CityLit, London where I will take part in a panel discussion on loss and identity.
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/when-life-changes-so-do-we-loss-and-the-shaping-of-identity - 12th October 2025 – Sudbury Arts Centre, Suffolk, join me for a workshop on Writing for Wellbeing.
https://sudburyartscentre.com/event/writing-for-wellbeing-workshop-2/ - 17th October 2025 – Suffolk Literary Luncheon at Hintlesham Hall a chance to meet Suffolk-based authors and find our more about a fabulous charity Suffolk Dance Days. Tickets on Eventbrite.
- 18th October 2025 – Meet the Author with other writers of Essex at Kelvedon Labour Club 10am – 3pm.