The Method behind The Memoir Method
The Memoir Method is my signature program here at Bookish Edits. It opens for registration only two times a year and is the way that I can make this high-level of editing accessible to more writers. But what is the thinking behind The Memoir Method? Why do writers even need a method? What can a framework even do for writers that they can’t figure out for themselves?
All very good questions. Writing is a vocation that invites people in for free. You can sit down with a pen and paper and start writing and easily consider yourself a writer, no training necessary. The thing is, though, that people find me when they realize that they don’t know what they don’t know. They’ve written and rewritten, submitted their manuscript to publishing houses and agents, and feel stuck in the process. That’s where editors can help.
I created the Memoir Method framework to help writers come at their stories as an editor might. I’ve broken down my process into three simple blocks:
Story
Process
Edit
Story
This pillar focuses entirely on the foundation of a story. Most writers start at block two, and that’s fine. But to effectively move through the editing process, they’ll need to revisit the Story Block. That foundational work sets up the rest of the writing and editing process for focus and success. Everything writers do in this stage will guide them through the rest of their journey and keep them from losing focus or spinning out.
Process
This is where most writers start: the writing! The Process Block dives into narrative structure, writing devices, and outlining your memoir so that when you sit down to write, you know exactly what it is you need to write. This section goes over how to write characters, how to use dialogue, and how to “show your story, not tell” (or rather a better way of coming at this writing advice tentpole). Remember that all of those decisions are made simple once writers have completed the Story Block!
Edit
And finally, the Edit Block tackles roadblocks and stuck points inevitable in writing, especially in memoir. Here we talk about trauma, other people’s feelings, the legalities behind memoir, and a reliable way to self-edit. This block contains all of the backstage writing stuff you think about but don’t know how to tackle. The content here will help you land the plane of that first draft.
Your next steps (right now!)
This overview is a small look into what The Memoir Method is really about, and I have a feeling you’re going to love it. Remember how I said that enrollment opens up only two times a year? Jump on the waitlist here, and you’ll guarantee yourself a spot at the front of the line when registration opens.
You don’t want to miss out on this program, friend. It’s just the ticket you need to take yourself seriously and start writing.
