Memoir is Still Hot

Summary

The provided content outlines a guide for writing a memoir, emphasizing the importance of theme, voice, and patience in the process.

Abstract

Writing a memoir is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor that requires a clear theme to determine the scope of the narrative. The guide suggests starting with a timeline to focus on a specific period of life, while also allowing for brief mentions of past and future events as necessary. Authenticity is key, as the memoir should be written in the author's natural voice, reflecting honesty and trust. The process involves creating a first draft without initial concern for perfection, followed by thorough research to verify facts and dates. The guide encourages aspiring memoirists to have patience and courage, assuring them that satisfaction comes with completion.

Opinions

Memoirs are valuable because they demand time, patience, and courage to write, which is likely why they are sought after by readers.
A memoir should be centered around a theme to help decide what content is relevant and what is not.
The author's voice should be genuine, as if telling the story to a close friend, without trying to conform to perceived expectations of others.
The first draft should be written quickly to overcome the fear of the blank page, with the understanding that editing and research will follow.
Interviews and fact-checking are important components of the memoir-writing process to ensure accuracy in the narrative.
The guide conveys that writing a memoir is achievable and encourages potential writers to begin their journey with confidence.

Memoir is Still Hot

A Quick Start Guide To Writing Your Memoir

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It takes time, patience, and guts to write a memoir. And that is probably why they are in demand.

I’ve decided and researched some tips to help you tackle the problem that may be keeping you from taking the plunge to write yours.

Have patience and grit. You can do it.

Let’s get started:

What is your theme?

Your memoir should have a theme — a way to decide what belongs in your memoir and what doesn’t. Figure out how to narrow your focus. Decide what your story is about in one sentence and make sure the scenes you write resonates with this in some way.

Begin with a timeline

This is not an autobiography. Your memoir is a book that covers a specific time in your life. You can bring up things that happened before or after this time — but only if you have to. And if you do, keep it short. There is no wrong way or right way, but do create the timeline.

Write In Your Own Voice

Write the story as you’d tell it to your best friend — or somebody you’d really trust. Be honest. This is your story and you’re the only one who can tell it your way. Write in your own voice. Don’t write in a way that you think people want you to. Don’t be pretentious or silly or self-effacing if you’re none of those things.

Create The First Draft

Write the story you want to tell. There are two ways you can do this:

First, just write. Get it down. I love this formula as you will have something to edit. You can’t edit a blank page. Write this first draft as quickly as you can. Now you can start the research you will need to do to verify the facts and dates that you’ve included.

Do your research.

You probably need to Interview people for your memoir. Make a list of scenes and sequels that you will use in the book. Then start writing. Remember that this will also still be a first draft and will need reworking.

Have courage. You can do this and will find great satisfaction when it’s done.