Why do people write memoirs? It is not possible to understand the various experiences one goes through in life unless you describe it correctly. A proficient writer is able to thread pieces of their existence together and weave a beautiful pattern which will prove invaluable to many. Memoirs are written about one’s childhood or about an injustice that one may have encountered in their early formative years. It could also relate to any small incident that proved memorable enough to capture on paper!
Writing memoirs has become the rage today as more and more writers post numerous blogs on their website. Many of us want our children to know what we went through in our younger days so that they learn from our mistakes. Writers who are able to put down certain experiences in words are regarded as custodians as they can write family histories or reminisce about certain events that their children and grandchildren may enjoy reading years later.
Some people find that they go through a wonderful healing process when they write down their feelings and experiences. When you write about something that transpired and remember the forces and people involved at that time, you see them in a different light and understand why they did what they did. You become a better person when you forgive them and learn to move on.
Here are a few tips to help you write a memoir
1. What is a memoir?
Many short instances may have affected you in your life. Years later you decide you want to write about one such instance in detail. You can write a memoir about how it all began your emotions through it all and the repercussions it has had on your life. Ponder over each detail and write at length on the same. You can write many such short memoirs about various incidences that played a major role in your life. As you write, you will be able to look back and recount the time it happened, the way it influenced your life way back then and the changes it made to your way of thinking.
2. Begin the memoir with a tease
Remember that you are not writing your autobiography. In order to get people interested in reading your memoir you have to grab their attention from the first chapter. Start your memoir by recounting action mixed with intrigue. After a few pages you can start chronologically listing the sequences that led to the main plot and start filling in the background. This is a good way to get your memoir published.
3. Your story telling ability should be descriptive and vivid
Use interesting details like the sounds you heard, the smells that pervaded the atmosphere and describe textures when re-creating certain moments. Readers should be transported to that time and place to truly experience your emotions. It is not difficult to learn how to do this. Whenever you are out of the house, listen intently and pay more attention to things around you. Try to put the details down on paper using vivid descriptions that highlight the story.
4. Build up your writing speed
Start with writing 200 words a day and then slowly build up to about a 1000 words. You will have to exercise your writing muscles for doing this. Select the time of day that you plan to set aside for your writing and try to write at the same time every day. Initially you will just have to plot out the story. There is no need for you to read books or try to come up with a story as it is already in your head. You know who the characters are how the story goes. You just have to spend time putting it down on paper descriptively and in a captivating way to get your readers engrossed. Do other things during the rest of the day and let your mind rest. You will be fresh the next day when you sit down to write.
5. Make out yourself out to be a compassionate character
After all you are recording moments and events that describe your life. You need to let the readers share your emotions as you experienced the blows or success that life had to offer you.
6. Use digital recorders to record your memoir
Thanks to modern technology you can avoid putting pen to paper and use a recorder instead. You may need to find someone to help you write out your memoir. Ghostwriters are available who can help you with relevant software and help you with video recordings.
7. Option to change or add details anytime
Since you are writing the memoir at your own pace you can always add names of people or interesting details that suddenly surface in your mind later. Just make sure that you have them in sequential order finally before getting the memoir published.
8. Try to pen down factual details along with emotional truths
Your memoir should record factual truths as well as remember poignant moments which you should be able to pin down. Many people like to feel the pulse when reading though the factual details outline the story. Construct the sentences and change them at will to perfect your writing.
9. Never give up when you have started writing
You are writing your story because you wish to share an experience that may help the readers learn how to deal with the situation if they ever face such a problem. Do not lose heart half way through and give up writing. Think of all the other experiences that were equally interesting or heart-rending that you would like to write about and complete each memoir slowly but surely.
10. Read and re-read your memoir
Put the missing puzzles together to make it one continuous story. Make sure all the pieces fit and you will produce an interesting story that people will want to read from beginning to end. Now is the time to add or delete, provide names and descriptions. Once you have done it all, re-read the same and get someone to read as well. Discuss with them and when you are finally satisfied think about getting it published.
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