Some people feel the need to have their lives, or a part of the lives documented in hopes to be remembered or to share their life experiences. For those that are just starting out and want to share their journey, here are a few steps on how to write a memoir.
It is important to know why one wants to write this. For some, it may be a way to leave a legacy for the next generations in the family. But for others, it may be a form of healing for oneself. And yet, for others it might be because they feel they have all this knowledge and wisdom that needs to be shared. Once there is a purpose of writing this, it will serve as the motivation and can help when in a rut.
Now the writer needs to think about what time period they want to cover. Perhaps there was an event that was life transforming, a childhood that was very different to the way children are raised now, or a relationship with a very influential person. There are many different types of memoirs out there that cover very different aspects of the person's life. Think about what events or time periods in life have been the most transforming or the most important, and go from there.
Event getting to this point though may be difficult for some, so here are a few steps that might help figure out what the memoir should be written about. Sketch out a time line of the events and then within that, write all the major events that have occurred. Think back on any major emotional periods or events that were life changing. For example, perhaps it was about the spiritual journey that was felt while on a pilgrimage through Spain, or maybe it was falling in or out of love with someone.
Next is aiming towards figuring out the overall message. This does not have to be decided right away. It might not be realized until a quarter of the memoir is finished, but when it is re worked, the message should be continually supported throughout the book. This message could be anything from telling the reader that hard work pays off, or that life is short and every moment should count.
The next step is when the fun begins. Writing. For those that are just starting out, it might work best to set aside a half an hour a day for writing. And then over time, increase the time if possible. It is important though to start with baby steps and gradually increase rather than start with an unattainable goal and get discouraged.
For those that do not enjoy typing or writing but still want to have a memoir, there are other options. Go and find a tape recorder or a video camera and start telling the story. This may be a more natural way of sharing ones experiences rather than trying to have it down in words. Once everything is recorded, search for a ghostwriter who can help transcribe, write, and edit it.
Learning how to write a memoir is a huge task, but it will reap invaluable rewards. Just remember that this is about personal experiences and it needs to feel and be honest and entertaining for both the writers and readers sake. It is about sharing a unique perspective and experience that no one else has had. Take the time to write down these memories and continue writing it out. It will take time and patience, but it will be worth it in the end.
It is important to know why one wants to write this. For some, it may be a way to leave a legacy for the next generations in the family. But for others, it may be a form of healing for oneself. And yet, for others it might be because they feel they have all this knowledge and wisdom that needs to be shared. Once there is a purpose of writing this, it will serve as the motivation and can help when in a rut.
Now the writer needs to think about what time period they want to cover. Perhaps there was an event that was life transforming, a childhood that was very different to the way children are raised now, or a relationship with a very influential person. There are many different types of memoirs out there that cover very different aspects of the person's life. Think about what events or time periods in life have been the most transforming or the most important, and go from there.
Event getting to this point though may be difficult for some, so here are a few steps that might help figure out what the memoir should be written about. Sketch out a time line of the events and then within that, write all the major events that have occurred. Think back on any major emotional periods or events that were life changing. For example, perhaps it was about the spiritual journey that was felt while on a pilgrimage through Spain, or maybe it was falling in or out of love with someone.
Next is aiming towards figuring out the overall message. This does not have to be decided right away. It might not be realized until a quarter of the memoir is finished, but when it is re worked, the message should be continually supported throughout the book. This message could be anything from telling the reader that hard work pays off, or that life is short and every moment should count.
The next step is when the fun begins. Writing. For those that are just starting out, it might work best to set aside a half an hour a day for writing. And then over time, increase the time if possible. It is important though to start with baby steps and gradually increase rather than start with an unattainable goal and get discouraged.
For those that do not enjoy typing or writing but still want to have a memoir, there are other options. Go and find a tape recorder or a video camera and start telling the story. This may be a more natural way of sharing ones experiences rather than trying to have it down in words. Once everything is recorded, search for a ghostwriter who can help transcribe, write, and edit it.
Learning how to write a memoir is a huge task, but it will reap invaluable rewards. Just remember that this is about personal experiences and it needs to feel and be honest and entertaining for both the writers and readers sake. It is about sharing a unique perspective and experience that no one else has had. Take the time to write down these memories and continue writing it out. It will take time and patience, but it will be worth it in the end.
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