Starting to write a memoir is something that is not easy to do. Your memoir can contain events in your life that are happy and events that are sad. So how then do you start writing a memoir?
Here are some tips that can help and encourage you to write down your memoir.
The difference between a memoir and an autobiography is that it deals with only a small portion or event in your life and not your whole life. Your autobiography can contain your memoir or you can also say that your memoir is only a part of your autobiography. If you already chosen a specific event of your life then stay focused and stick to it. Do not wander off in any other direction.
If you don’t start writing now, then you will not be able to write. You need to write something every day. Each day that you will write it help to write on the same schedule, place and the number of minutes or hours you will write. Starting with the word ‘I remember ‘ can help breaks the ice.
Concentrate only on the people and events that are important and take out those that are not. Don’t include someone just because he is important to you but not important to your story. Some important people to your do not have to be included if the event you are writing about do not include them. Include people and events that will help continue your story line.
Most memoir readers look for moving stories. Like fiction novels, readers look to be involved and to have their attention kept. Don’t just enumerate events in their chronological order. You need to bring your story or scene to life and you can use dialogue, suspense, or describe the setting in detail.
You can learn about memoir writing by joining a memoir writing group in your area or an online memoir writing group. Search engine can also give you suggestions. If your local college offers writing courses, the you can enroll there or enroll in an online writing school. If an experienced writer can help you, then you can learn to improve your skills.
Writing memoirs is done in first person because you are the one telling your story. You are the only one who can tell it from your own point of view.
When you have decided on the important people and events, then start writing the details. The reader can then picture what is happening in their mind depending on the details that you give.
Don’t edit until your story is finished. Don’t stop to edit when you are on a roll. Your train of thought and direction will be lost if you do. It is only when your memoir is completed that you should start editing.