In a sense, every blog post on this site is about how to write a book, but in this category, I include blog posts that contribute specifically to answering your questions about how to go about the process of writing—the mechanics of doing so.
You will not find posts on the content of writing: point of view, telling the truth and so much more that is essential to memoir writing at one level but not to this category.
Please look to the specific topic category that will help you with content.
Writing a memoir is not something you can expect to get done in a short while. In fact, it may take you years to write a first draft, research background, revise your text several times, polish it to eliminate verbiage—i.e., make it concise—and render it clear and coherent.
How to write a book can be learned.
There is already much guidance about how to best go about this task. It’s not an easy one, but it is not more difficult than you can accomplish. Many people just like you have written interestng and meaningful memoirs—and you can, too.
Study what has already been done
It’s possible to reinvent the memoir-writing wheel—but that takes much longer than to study models of how to write a book. There are many.
The articles below will provide you with a path to success, but the information and advice has to be applied! Your memoir will not get itself written automatically!
In conclusion
One day, sooner than you may think possible now, you will have a book in hand!
Good luck with your writing.
How to Write a Successful Memoir: Digging for Treasure
Today’s successful memoir writer is Jean Crichton. Jean attended the very first national workshop that I organized in 2000. From that time, we developed a strong working relationship via coaching and editing. She was one of those writers who was an absolute pleasure to work with. To read other interviews For the most recent interview with […]
How to Write a Successful Memoir: It Can Happen to Any Family
Today’s writer is Cindy Doucette whose book is It Can Happen to Any Family. On August 22, 2012, we printed a testimonial written by a young person who was in the correctional system and who wrote of the influence Cindy Doucette’s book had on her. Our last interview was with author Peggy Kennedy. If you haven’t read it, click here. Denis […]
How to Write a Successful Memoir: Approaching Neverland
Denis Ledoux: Can you tell our readers what your successful memoir is about and why you were impelled to write it? What was driving you to spend the time, energy and money to get this book out into the world? Peggy Kennedy: The name of my book is Approaching Neverland, A Memoir of Epic Tragedy […]
Why Should You Write Your Memoir?
Should you write your memoir? This is such a basic question that perhaps everyone who contemplates writing will be—or should be—asking him/herself that question.
Raising My Family Around the World ~ The Adventures of a CIA Wife and Mom
I have been married to a man who worked for the CIA for thirty-two years and we spent many years living outside of the USA. I tell my story from the context of being a wife and mother making all those moves — 18 in 21 years.
Stop Trying to Write Your Memoir
Are you a person who is trying to write your memoir or are you a person who is writing it? Your family will likely be left without your memoir if what you do is “try to write a memoir.” This post is full of ideas for going from trying to write to writing.
How to Write a Memoir – An Interview with Libby Atwater, Part 1
Here’s a recent discussion we had with Libby Atwater who began telling people’s stories professionally after a career in education. As a writer and editor, she has worked for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, universities, and community newspapers. Tales from her life have been published in several anthologies. Her memoir What Lies Within covers her first […]
How to Write a Memoir – An Interview with Libby Atwater, Part 2
Here’s the second half of my recent discussion with Libby Atwater who began telling people’s stories professionally after a career in education. As a writer and editor, she has worked for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, universities, and community newspapers. Tales from her life have been published in several anthologies. Her memoir What Lies Within covers […]