I thought I would share my tips and thoughts for creatives who are thinking of writing a memoir. Over the past year during the pandemic I read a memoir. I thought to myself, "I think that I have a story to tell." So I took a chance and wrote three chapters and submitted to see if I would have interest to be published. To my surprise they loved my story and also how it was told. Mind you I have never written a book in my life I was 44 now I am 45. It is never too late to reach for your dreams! I am living proof of this.
My advice is to be 100% authentic to have the raw emotion translate onto the page. For me I had so much trauma that was sitting inside of myself. It was pouring into the work that I was creating. I wanted to create a memoir that was a "page turner." I have read so many stories that started so strong, kept my interest and then fade after five chapters.
My story is what I call a major ebb and flow. I give the reader a terrifying opening and I eased into the narrative. I recommend the shock and awe but in stages so you do not overwhelm the reader. My beta readers that I choose were very honest about what they were reading.
The feedback I received was so helpful in the creation of my book. I was told that the way I gave detail and created imagery was helpful for the flow of the story. I specifically wanted to create something that was not the "norm" for a memoir. Giving intense details of parts of my life that were traumatic to write on the page.
I did not hold anything back in this creation, I was completely creatively vulnerable and open. Which was beyond terrifying to read back and still is. The main purpose of this was to help people who struggle with mental illness, anxiety, depression. Or if they had family or friends who had mental struggles. This story could help them understand how to cope and help them. It is just as hard for the family members and friends of people who have mental difficulties. I wanted to give an inside look into what someone with mental illness experienced.
I hope this post is helpful. I wanted to give my thoughts in my creative process of my memoir The Darkness Within coming out late August 2021 Barnes and Noble/Amazon. I am published with New Degree Press. If you have any questions or would like to see more posts like this direct message me or leave a comment. I hope all of you are doing well and having a great weekend!
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I don't think I will write a memoir, but thanks for sharing. It's interesting to hear about your writing process.
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Maurice I want to thank you for taking the time to read my post. I have always loved to hear the process that creatives have. When they are writing, directing, producing ect..Having insight into what made the finished product always has fascinated me. Thanks again I hope you are enjoying your weekend.
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You're welcome. I'm enjoying the weekend. Working on a script. How is your weekend?
I like to watch behind-the-scenes videos to see the creative process.
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You only know the power of your insight when you give it creation. It's nice to see you living that truth :)
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David I cannot thank you enough for your kind words and support! I wish you the best!
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Daisy thank you so much!
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Erin congrats on your amazing journey as well! I wish you nothing but success! I agree 100% the world needs people to share what they have experienced to help others heal. Thank you again.
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Such drive and determination, Drew! DM me @billhoversten for an idea
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Congratulations, @Drew! And thank you for this, "My advice is to be 100% authentic to have the raw emotion translate onto the page." That actually really helped me with a story beat I've been struggling with!
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Karen thank you so much!
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Thanks Bill! I appreciate your kind words on my post.
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HI Drew So nice to be connected thank you for reaching out. How wonderful I am also in the process of doing the same so this post came at right time so thank you for sharing that! Also if you are interested in having it made into an Audio Book and would like a sample of it to sell the idea I would be happy and honored to do so for you if you are interested.
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Dianne it is so nice to connect with you too. I am so glad that my post was helpful for you! Wishing you all the luck with your work.
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As someone who is writing a memoir, I really enjoyed your post and would love to read more,Drew. Do you know of any good books, etc. that you would recommend to a beginning memoir writer?
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Hi Jed - here's a blog that might be helpful for you >>
https://www.stage32.com/blog/tips-for-writing-your-life-story-3112
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Another good idea is to go online and take a look at what's already on offer in the memoir/life story dept. -- In other words, check the water before going in for a swim. It could be that pond you've got your hopes set on, is actually a sewage lagoon.
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Great post, Drew! I have been thinking of trying a memoir. How did you get the interest? Did you query?Who? agents,? how did you get feedback you speak of?
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great! Thanks, Shelle.