You want to write your Memoirs!
So you’re going to start writing your memoirs. When most people think of memoirs, they think of the celebrity tell-alls that seem to be everywhere lately. While these can be enjoyable to read, they often lack the depth and personal connection that make a memoir genuinely captivating. This blog post will discuss how to write memoirs that will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. We will cover topics such as structure, style and theme and provide tips on how to bring your memories to life. So whether you are just starting on your memoir writing journey or have been at it for a while, we hope you find this information helpful!
Keep your readers engaged.
Be strategic about what events you choose to include, and make sure they support the overall theme of your book. In terms of structure, a memoir can be linear or nonlinear. Write chronologically about the events of your life, or you may decide to organise your thoughts around a central theme.
Either way, keep your readers in mind and craft a story that will resonate with them. As for style, use language that is true to yourself and reflective of how you talk in everyday life. This will ensure that your voice comes through loud and clear on the page.
Finally, consider what themes you want to explore in your memoir. These could be universal themes such as love, loss, betrayal, or more personal topics such as your relationship with your family or your experience of growing up. By thinking about these things ahead of time, you will write a memoir that is both meaningful and enjoyable to read.
Once you have published it, you can’t take it back!
Only discuss the events you want people to know about in your memoirs if you want to keep readers engaged. Be tactical about what events you choose to include and make sure they support the overall theme of your book.
Be honest about the events that took place. It is perfectly acceptable to write from your point of view and what you felt. When including personal thoughts, make sure that they help paint a picture for the reader and add value to the story. It is also helpful if these thoughts are ones you haven’t had before writing your memoirs, as it can give greater insight into how you have processed certain events.
Be mindful of the reader and what they will get from reading your memoirs. You don’t want to overload them with information, but you also don’t want to leave out key details that will help them understand your story. Find a balance between the two, and be sure to edit your work to be the best it can be.
Decide on the format of the memoirs.
What will work best for you and your story? Will you create a book or an audiobook? Do you want to write it all out or use a voice recorder?
Do you want to include photographs?
If you want to include photographs in your memoirs, make sure you have the authorisation to use them. You don’t want to get into any legal trouble! This is especially important if other people are in the photograph.
Think of the length of your memoirs.
You may not want to write War and Peace, but we all have a story to tell. How long do you want your account to be?
Determine the purpose of writing your memoirs.
Are you trying to work through some personal issues? Do you want to share your life story with others? Are you hoping to inspire or motivate people with what you have been through? Keep this in mind as you write so that you stay on track.
Identify your audience.
Whom do you want to read your memoirs? What will they be interested in? How can you best reach them? Keep these questions in mind as you write so that you can tailor your story to them.
Will your memoirs be funny or serious?
What tone do you want to set? No matter what you decide, be sure to write from the heart and tell your story in a way that is true to you.
Will you make a passive income from writing your memoirs?
For example, giving talks at schools, clubs and on the TV/Radio. Will you sell your memoirs online?
Consider these things when you have finished writing your memoirs. They are a great way to get your story out there and make extra money.
Don’t forget to promote your memoirs once they’re finished! Make sure people know your book is available and how they can get their hands on a copy. Use social media, word of mouth, and whatever else you can think of to spread the news.
Are your memoirs for family and friends only?
Do you want to share your story with the world? There are many things to consider when deciding who will read your memoirs. If you only want family and friends to read your memoirs, then you may not need to promote them or worry about making a passive income from them. However, if you want to share your story with the world, then you’ll need to put some thought into how you’ll promote your book and get people interested in reading it.
Are you going to self-publish or approach a traditional publisher?
There are pros and cons to both self-publishing and approaching a traditional publisher. It’s up to you to decide which route is best for you and your memoirs. If you self-publish, you’ll have more control over the final product, but it may be harder to get people to read your book. If you approach a traditional publisher, they’ll handle most of the promotional work, but you may have less control over the final product. Whichever route you choose, make sure you do your research so that you know what to expect!
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about writing memoirs! We hope this information has been helpful.
Before you start Writing your Memoirs
Before you write your memoirs, create a plan of what you want to include. Are you a business owner and want to discuss how you created your business from nothing and sold it for thousands? Are you a homemaker and love every aspect of making a home for your family? Did you travel around the world and met some interesting people that had a profound effect on your life?
We all thrive on stories. What is yours?
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You may also be interested in the following articles/blogs
Writing can be about fulfilling a dream
I use to dream of being a Writer!
I would love to write but don’t have the time!
I don’t know where to start, but I have a story!
Questions and statements I often hear from people who would like to become an author, a writer, or publish their memoirs or family memoirs. I can sympathise. When I started writing my books and publishing my author’s books, it was a piece of common ground.
I had a fantastic tip form a young writer who was starting a career as a journalist, short and to the point.
“Just do it, don’t sit there thinking you will write war and peace. Stop making excuses and sit in front of the computer and write.”
Thanks Jack, that is what I did and what I tell my authors to do. In fiction, the story might take a few twists and turns you hadn’t planned on! Characters may quit their jobs or act unexpectedly, so remember the first draft of your manuscript will never be the same as the book that gets published.
When writing your memoirs, things will always pop in your head. One story may remind you of another story. A comment from a friend or family member will often start the next chapter. Alternatively, a comment could help you remember a story long since forgotten that could be pivotal to the memoirs.
Stop procrastination, sit down with a fresh screen or piece of paper and put something down. Once you start you find that you won’t stop. Map out what you want to say. Remember the reader and the journey you want them to go on. When writing your memoirs think about how much information do you want to share?