Here are some
tips about writing memoir that I picked up through books and lectures.
1.
Memoir is a story, a story where discoveries are
usually made. It’s the writer’s story
about a specific time in his or her life with the writer’s present day
reflections on that time. “Just the
facts, Ma’am” is autobiography.
2.
To be interesting, a story needs tension, a
problem with an outcome. An exciting
journey. A protagonist and an
antagonist—even if the antagonist is a concept; like in my memoir, time or
educational understanding.
3.
The reader needs to be immersed in that story. Scenes keep the story moving forward. Insight helps the reader understand reasons
for actions and emotion. Tuck telling
details and insight within the action of the story.
4.
Memoir needs to be populated with three
dimensional real characters. Keep the
protagonist genuine for readers to stay connected to him or her. Yes, the protagonist needs to grow and
develop throughout the manuscript, but his or her core beliefs or wit should
show in each chapter.
5.
The important thing to remember about any
chapter in memoir is that it contains substance and moves the plot forward. Scaffolding or outlining can help a memoirist
keep on track and organized. Remember,
outlines can be changed during the writing process.
6.
Don’t let anyone tell you what you should be writing about. Take all suggestions to your writing as
suggestions. It’s your memoir, not
someone else’s.
Memoir can be a
bit like writing fiction, except your plot has actually happened. Please feel free to offer any ideas you may
have. Thanks.
