Writing in any genre is never just cerebral. We draw deeply from experience and emotion. But, I have to say that writing a memoir really scrapes to the bone. This isn’t a bad thing. If anything, the process is intriguing.
Like time travel, you meet yourself at different stages, getting into your younger version’s mindset. You get to explore all the dumb things, all the big changes, and right moves. But what is most surprising is finding genuine acceptance, even forgiveness for your out-of-control younger self.
Memoir writing is a catch and release program. Check out your early motivations, decisions and dreams, and kindly let them swim away. It takes some courage to delve the depths. But, that brings honesty to your story. Readers will relate.
This form of writing proves to be beneficial to the writer and intriguing to the reader. Also, the beauty of a memoir is that the story can focus on a specific era, or span a lifetime.
Everyone has a story. If you have the desire to write a memoir, I suggest reading “Old Friend From Far Away”, by Natalie Goldberg. This book will catapult you into the process. Enjoy.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
