Discovering the Power of Your Story
Yesterday was Leap Day, a bonus day if you will. Pundits suggested we should capitalize on this gift of an extra day by doing something special.
Playing hooky from daily tasks, indulging in a favorite treat, or starting something that’s been on the back burner for too long.
If not now, when right?
For aspiring memoirists, the time couldn’t be better for sharing your stories with the world. Memoir and storytelling have existed for hundreds of years in various forms. But it wasn’t until 1999 when Frank McCourt published Angela’s Ashes, which soared to the bestseller list, and won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, that memoir became more prevalent.
Whether writing for legacy, healing, or to share experiences of growth and transformation, humans are curious about others. We accept invitations to peek inside another’s life, to learn their thoughts, motivations, and backgrounds. Doing so allows us to connect with others.
Memoir writing is a deeply personal and rewarding endeavor. It allows you to reflect on your life experiences, share your story with others, and leave a legacy for generations to come.
According to Linda Joy Meyers of the National Association of Memoir Writers, the grassroots movement for people to author their stories is like a spectrum… “from healing the past, to leaving a legacy, from darkly investigative stories that plumb the psyche, to humorous snippets that revive faith in the human condition.”
Whatever your motivations for embarking on the memoir writing journey, there’s no doubt that starting can be daunting.
The two main questions: Where do you begin? How do you organize your thoughts and memories into a coherent narrative?
The best time to start is now, and here are eight actionable ways to begin your memoir.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Life
The first step in writing your memoir is to reflect on your life experiences. Set aside time to think about significant moments, people, and themes in your life. Consider keeping a journal or notebook handy to jot down memories as they come to you. Reflect on your childhood, your family, your relationships, your career, and any other experiences that have shaped who you are today.
Step 2: Identify Themes and Messages
Once you have reflected on your life experiences, start to identify the themes and messages you want to convey through your memoir. What lessons have you learned? What challenges have you overcome? What do you want readers to take away from your story? Identifying these themes will help you focus your writing and give your memoir direction.
Step 3: Create an Outline
With your themes and messages in mind, create an outline for your memoir. This doesn't have to be a detailed outline; it can simply be a list of key events or chapters you want to include. Think about the arc of your story and how you want to structure it. Consider starting with an introduction that hooks the reader, followed by chapters that explore different periods or themes in your life, and ending with a conclusion that ties everything together.
Step 4: Start Writing
Now that you have an outline, it's time to start writing. Don't worry about getting it perfect on the first try; the most important thing is to get your thoughts and memories down on paper. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, and don't be afraid to experiment with different writing styles and techniques. Remember, your memoir is your story, and you have the freedom to tell it in your own voice.
Step 5: Stay Organized
As you write, it's important to stay organized. Keep track of your notes, outlines, and drafts in a dedicated writing space. Consider using tools like digital note-taking apps or physical notebooks to keep everything organized and easily accessible. You may also want to create a timeline or storyboard to help you visualize the structure of your memoir and keep track of notable events.
Step 6: Revise and Edit
Once you have a draft of your memoir, it's time to revise and edit. This is where the real work begins. Take a step back and read your memoir with fresh eyes. Look for areas to tighten, expand, or clarify your writing. Pay attention to pacing, tone, and consistency. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends, family members, or writing groups to help you identify areas for improvement.
Step 7: Seek Support
Writing a memoir can be a solitary process, but you don't have to go it alone. Seek support from fellow writers, mentors, or writing communities. Joining a writing group or workshop can provide valuable feedback, encouragement, and accountability. Don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
Step 8: Celebrate Your Progress
Finally, remember to celebrate your progress along the way. Writing a memoir is a significant achievement. Every word you write moves you one step closer to completing your story. Take time to acknowledge your hard work and celebrate the milestones you achieve along the way.
Conclusion
Starting your memoir writing journey can be intimidating, but with the right mindset and approach, you can turn your life experiences into a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. Stay true to your voice, seek support when needed, and celebrate your progress along the way. Your story is worth telling, and the world is waiting to hear it.
If you’re interested in learning how you can write, publish, and promote your unique life story through memoir, I have a special invitation for you. Enroll in Make Memoir Magic, a 4-part online course that will help you unlock the power of your authentic story and provide a path to becoming a published author. Inside my course, you will:
Find the Courage to Share Your Truth: Overcome writer's block and self-doubt as you embark on your memoir-writing journey.
Craft Compelling Narratives: Learn the art of storytelling and create a memoir that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impact.
Navigate the Publishing Process Confidently: Gain insights into manuscript preparation, publishing options, and industry know-how to make informed decisions about your book.
Promote Your Memoir Effectively: Discover strategies to build your author platform, connect with your audience, and promote your memoir with confidence.
I’m offering the first 10 registrants $50 off the full course price of $147. In exchange, you’ll provide valuable feedback to me as I refine my course for the May 20 launch.
If you’d like to take advantage of this limited-time offer, click HERE to register today for just $97. I’d love to have you inside Make Memoir Magic.
Make 2024 the year you finally write your book.
Happy writing