Life is a Story

Everyone's life is a story. And there are many interesting stories out there- as many as there are interesting people. As we grow older or face tough situations in life, we can often look back on our journey and see things in a new light. If we can do this, and find a "story" that could add to the human conversation or that might speak to others in some way, then we should sit down and write it. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of writing your "Life's Story," or "Memoir."

1. Think about your motivation: Do not write for revenge, glory, or fame. You will know that you are ready to write your memoir if you truly want to communicate something important and add to the human conversation that surrounds a particular theme or topic. This is the best motivation, and one that will pave the way to a wonderful book that will resonate with readers.

2. Details: As you are writing, it's important to just get it all out. But then it's time to look at the whole picture, and pick out the crux of the story, the hidden theme that lies within the story. Every story needs an arc, whether it's fiction or true. In order to draw in the reader, there must be an element of a recurring theme, the center of a relationship, a life-changing event or epiphany that offers an important lesson. There should be a cohesive thread that connects the story.

3. A window: Keep in mind that your memoir should give the reader a window into your life. Therefore, not every detail of your life is necessary to share- only the details that pertain to the main theme of the story. With that said...

4. Creative License: Craft your memoir in the same way that you would a story of fiction. What this means is that you should be truthful, but also have the freedom of knowing that "the detail police aren't coming for you." The story is the most important thing. Your memoir should have a cohesive thread, but should not be an event-by-event timeline of every single detail. If certain details do not add anything or might confuse the reader, then it's ok to take some liberties. Time can be compressed, certain people can be eliminated from scenes/situations, small details can be changed to protect identities, and dialogue can be changed...as long as the story remains true to the emotional atmosphere and it's underlying theme. Another thing to keep in mind is that the people in your story are "characters." Do not fictionalize them, but shape them in the same manner that you would if you were writing fiction. Take the essence of who they are, their personalities, their strengths/weaknesses, their motivations, and truly flesh them out within the realm of the story.

5. Keep in mind: Writing your memoir can be a cathartic experience. Many people suggest that it is also best to have emotional distance before you begin writing, particularly if your writing relates to tough situations or tragic events. Other things to consider: Are you ready to expose yourself or others who may be part of the story? What fallout or consequences may result from the sharing of your story, & how might your story affect other people? Always make sure that your memoir is not a "ME" story, but rather one of value to others. Your story will be best received if it connects to a bigger social or emotional issue and offers a valuable lesson that connects to readers.

6. Preparation: Put your thinking cap on! Keep a journal. Look at old photos, and read old journals. Read other memoirs, read books about writing your memoir. Think deeply about your life and past. What have you learned and why? What wisdom can you share with others, and how did you come about that lesson?

7. While you write: Build a platform for your memoir while you are writing. This will be instrumental in preparing a marketing path for the future of your memoir. Create a blog, and share snippets here. Not only will this aid you in writing vignettes of your life and thinking about your life, but it's a great way to stretch those writing muscles as well as draw in future readers of your book(s). Keeping a blog will help you to develop a writing style. Network on social media. Think about what the silver thread of your story might relate to, a deeper thread that conencts to a bigger issue. Find articles or events in the news that relate to this bigger thread, and then share them and discuss them. Setup Google Alerts to help you find these articles. This is a great way to engage readers by offering opportunities to discuss bigger issues, and offers a chance to build a community that will receive your memoir when it's published.

8. Things to Read: "Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia" by Mary Hornbacher; "Slow Motion: A Memoir of a Life Rescued By Tragedy" by Dani Shapiro; "Telling Secrets" by Frederick Beuchner; and "Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing & Life" by Anne Lamott

Keep Writing!

#writing #memoir #journal #story