Writing a Memoir Step-by-Step
You know you want to write. You might even know your story. But when it comes to sitting down at the computer, you freeze. Where do you even start? As with all projects, you might want a roadmap to get you started, and I have one that takes you through writing your memoir step-by-step.
Find your focus.
Memoir has focus (as opposed to autobiography or personal history, which is more about breadth than depth). Before you sit down to write your memoir, you want to know what story it is that you’re going to write (and you likely have a few!) Spend some time brainstorming and pondering over which story you’re meant to write in this moment. Focus in your memoir is essential.
2. Craft your thesis.
Once you have your focus, it’s time to go even further into that idea. You need a thesis—a statement that expresses what you’re writing and why the reader should care about it. Your thesis will center your entire writing process, from first draft through editing through the final proofread. When you know your thesis, you better know what belongs in your manuscript and what might have a place somewhere else.
3. Narrate, narrate, narrate.
Memoir is a story, not an account. When you write your memoir, you want to immerse the reader in your lived experience, and narrative is the key. Creative nonfiction has significant overlap with novel writers: Your memoir needs to have characters, setting, narrative arc, and maybe even dialogue and flashback. Using narrative devices may pull you out of your comfort zone—and they are also what will infuse life and soul into your manuscript.
4. Self-edit
Once you have a draft, you have to go back to edit and revise. You’ll likely want to take a couple of weeks to clear your head before you dive back into your manuscript. A first draft is just that: a first draft. Your memoir will likely undergo several rounds of edits and rewrites. At various points, you might want to send out your manuscript to a critique partner or hire an editor. Revision is part of the process, and when you are confident in the worth of your story, you’ll be able to better weather the ups and downs of editing.
* Be flexible
Remember that these guidelines are just that: guidelines. Every writer will have a different process, and while I can shell out my best advice from an editorial standpoint, you are the authority on your story. As you write more, you will learn more about your creative process and will be able to adapt any advice or structure you learn from someone else.
Does any part of this roadmap resonate with you? You might be a perfect fit for the first round of The Story Architect Mastermind. Registration closes on Monday, November 7 (and if you want to secure early-bird registration, make sure you sign up by Monday, October 31). I can’t wait to see you there!
