3 Writing Hacks for the Memoir Writer
Writing is all the things: exciting, fun, satisfying, challenging, maddening, and discouraging. Choosing the writer’s life is agreeing to both the highs and lows, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Today I have three hacks for the memoir writer to keep you on track, connected, and supported.
Remember to write a story.
One of the most common misconceptions about memoirs (even by memoir writers) is that memoir is synonymous with autobiography. I will often read through a manuscript and feel like I’m sitting down with a friend at dinner: this happened and then this and finally that. But that’s not what we want from a memoir. In a memoir, we want a story. Rather than sitting down for dinner with a friend, think about telling your story like it’s a bedtime story. Immerse the reader with sensory details and give your story structure. Don’t ramble—narrate.
Find a community.
Writing is an isolating calling, and writing memoir requires you to delve deep into events and feelings that are difficult. But the good news is that while writing is solitary, it doesn’t have to be lonely. Finding a writing community will connect you with people who understand your mission, commiserate in your challenges, and celebrate in your triumphs.
You can find writing communities just about anywhere, free or paid. Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, Slack groups. If you’re new to writing communities I recommend browsing the many active memoir writing groups on Facebook (Bookish Edits does not have an official group, but does have a page to follow). If you want more focused community, you’ll want to check out my group program, The Memoir Method (enrollment opens in the winter and the fall).
Seek objectivity.
All writers reach a point when they’ll need outside eyes on their project. You can spend only so much time inside your own head with your own words before you need someone to come in and offer feedback and support. In memoir, that objectivity is even more essential.
You’re sifting through your life, sorting all the details, and trying to figure out what’s important to keep and what can go. And all of it can feel important so you pour every single thing into your manuscript resulting in a bursting document that doesn’t make much sense to an outside reader.
This is when you want an editor! A good editor will get on board with your vision and bring objectivity to your manuscript, helping you see what matters to your narrative and what can be left out.
How Bookish Edits can help
At Bookish Edits I have a few ways to help writers with each of these areas. In my group program, The Memoir Method, I guide writers through writing their memoir as a narrative. A key component of The Memoir Method is the live co-writing sessions, weekly Zoom calls where we meet together, check in with each other, and write. Head here to hop on the waitlist for The Memoir Method so you don’t miss out on the next enrollment period!
And finally, I have a limited number of private editing spots available to work with writers one-on-one. Head here to book a call and see if this would be a good fit for you!
