Elyse here. As some of you know, I’m currently taking a Memoir Writing Course to help get me focused on writing up my memoir about my psychotic, alcoholic German Shepherd, Goliath. Luce of Writersite.org, posted this really helpful list of things to keep in mind when writing a memoir that I wanted to share with anyone who is struggling like I am!
For those anxious to see what my memoir is about, see these posts. Because you guys encouraged me, you know. So it’s all your fault.
I started working on my memoir an embarrassingly long time ago. When I started I thought I knew what a memoir was–after all, I’d read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It’s the story of Maya Angelou’s childhood. OK, I could do that. I didn’t have a similar experience–not even close–but I had my own events to write about.
What I didn’t realize when I started was that a memoir isn’t just telling what happened to me in chronological order. The story is all in how you slice it, according to Tristine Rainer (I’ve written about her great advice several times).
In order to write a memoir I had to figure these things out:
- Exactly what story I wanted to tell. After all, I have had a full life and could probably mine several books out of it. To focus on one particular story, I took the advice of…
View original post 363 more words
FiftyFourandAHalf 
Memories In Writing LLC (MIW) is a memoir creation and publishing company That offers Memoir Writing, Memoir Workbook, Memoir Service, Memoir Publishing, Memoir Interviews, Personalized Memoir
Memoir Writing
Memoir Workbook
Memoir Service
LikeLike
I’d like to hear about the memoir writing course you’re taking. Is it in a classroom setting, or online?
Good luck with the book. I know it will be great.
LikeLike
Thanks, Charles. I think it’ll be good assuming it gets written! That’s the hard part.
The class is Memoir I online through Gotham Writers Workshop. If you want to send me your email address to Fifty.four.and.a.half@gmail.com, I’ll be glad to let you know the pros and cons. Online just fits with my schedule better.
LikeLike
How in the blue blazes did I miss this? Good lord, your memoir would be such a good read, I just know it. As for me, I’ve started my memoir and so far so good, I have all the pages numbered! (there’s an old Steven Wright joke in there somewhere….)
LikeLike
You can get to it just as soon as you conquer Public Speaking.
LikeLike
This is why I’ll never write my memoir. By GOD the list of dos and don’ts and suggestions and rules and what-all…I am impressed that you’re willing to go through all this. Of course, your life story is no doubt WORTH all the trouble to tell.
LikeLike
We’ll see if I actually get it done, Peg. It’s harder than I thought it would be. MUCH!
LikeLike
Writing is hard. It’s a craft one keeps learning. Bravo for you bringing Goliath to all of us.
LikeLike
Thanks Barb. Writing is weird. Sometimes I can’t stop myself and at others I can’t start myself. We’ll see where it ends up!
LikeLike
If i can write something….just keep going. you’ll get there.
LikeLike
Thanks Cooper!
LikeLike
Keep on keepin’ on with that memoir because we readers wait :-). Thanks for the helpful references and have a great weekend Elyse.
LikeLike
Thanks, Bella. You too!
LikeLike
Good stuff – I find I am at a point where I am stuck trying to figure out how to weave all the pieces together.
LikeLike
You are well along — I’m continually impressed. I can’t wait to see how you figure out how to do that weaving. My trouble is that the start and end of certain stories span years and figuring out how to weave them together will be a challenge. But then I have a very long way to go to get to where you are!
LikeLike
Well thanks. I look at each story as a separate chapter so far – and I have been stuck on one story for about a month now. Some things just flow, some seem to be much more difficult. I know that my stories will not fit neatly into a chronological order – and at this point I think I am going to line them by mood – it may not work. I am looking at taking a class this summer too. I love your stories – I am excited to see where you take it.
LikeLike
Chronology is over-rated! It can work but while life events do happen that way, our understanding of them doesn’t. It’s a hard job, weaving!
LikeLike
Wow, good for you, I am impressed as well! I have intentions on writing my memoir but then I have to actually sit down and write and things start to fall apart for me.
LikeLike
Lorri is sooooo good. And so far along.
I just now submitted the beginning for my class. Wish me luck!
LikeLike
I hadn’t had that happen until very recently. I am working on one spot that is tough to find the right tone for. I agree Elyse, that chronology is overrated. I have been thinking of the project as just telling some good old stories.
LikeLike
Foot Tapping. I am trying hard, very hard indeed not to cross my arms across my chest and tip my head to the side. Uh huh, waiting.
Sooooo, what is taking so long. Huh?
You are fascinating, funny and so not boring at all. You have world travel and a very cool dog to guide you through it all. What more do you need?
LikeLike
You don’t have to do that, Val. My husband is. Waiting impatiently for the final product — and the massive riches that will flow. Foot tapping.
I’ve got some good stories, I think. But it is harder to put them into a cohesive unit. And the details are hard to remember. But I will get there.
If not, I’ve got my list of excuses already in draft form!
LikeLike
Good stuff, Elyse. Although I think that a lot of writing advice is like child rearing advice: you read it, you pick up one or two tips you think will work (you abandon them if they don’t), and then you go with your gut and just do it! Good luck! 🙂
LikeLike
I agree completely. When push comes to shove, you need to make your own choices.
LikeLike
I should enroll in a course. I wonder what would come of it. I keep reading that if you want to write a book/volume of poetry/essays, just write. So I write vignettes and someday, perhaps I can rejoice on a good writing day and say “Hey, I can use post #221” here. Day off. Just…a matter of connecting so many dots.
I remember a family member comment about his screenplay…this scene has no value, but I felt there needed to be something between point J and point K. ha…I think that scene (between point J and K) with “no value” was one of the funniest scenes in his screenplay.
So cool you are writing with others in a class.
LikeLike
This is the third one I’ve taken — through Gotham Writers Workshop. The classes are quite good, the lectures informative and helpful. Some of the information I’ve been taught I use, some I don’t — there is no one size fits all. But I’ve gotten plenty out of the course, enough that when I decided to try to do a real memoir, I signed up. I will get some good things out of the course, some won’t apply. But the lectures are helpful and I have had great teachers. And I can participate in my own time, which is invaluable!
LikeLike
oooh! a memoir… it’s gonna read like a sidney sheldon novel, right? 🙂
LikeLike
I hope not — I don’t like his stuff!
LikeLike
Well, I don’t mean in terms of style… I was just thinking more in terms of the all the torrid, seamy stories of your life LOL
LikeLike
In that case it will be a very short memoir!
LikeLike
You have certainly led an interesting life. I can’t wait to read more!
LikeLike
It’s been interesting at times. It’s downright boring now!
LikeLike
There’s nothing wrong with that, either.
LikeLike
Hardly an exciting book if I base it on the here and now, though!
LikeLike
You never know…
LikeLike
I’m sure there is a market for literary sleep aids. I just need to find it!
LikeLike
There has to be!
LikeLike
Sounds like an fascinating course – and a challenging project, especially in terms of structure. The stories you’ve shared with us about Goliath thus far are so vivid, I’m interested to read how those pieces fit with the trajectory of everyday life and how the narrative of it is told from your point of view. Best of luck with the writing process!
LikeLike
Funny thing is, I’m interested to see how they flesh out too!
LikeLike
Good post. I don’t plan on writing a memoir–no sense in inducing a coma state in my readers–but if I did, I think dealing with how to best approach needed backstory would trip me up the most.
LikeLike
But that’s because you are a medical mystery writer extraordinaire! You can do your memoir later on about your years as a best selling novelist.
LikeLike
Oh, I like your delusions. Please don’t take any medicines that make them go away…
LikeLike
Ok. I’ll be good. But I’m anxious for your next book. I’ve been sleeping too well at night.
LikeLike
Well, we can’t have that.
LikeLike
I have loved all your Goliath stories, and agree that the world at large needs to have the chance to read his memoirs. Keep plugging away at those writing courses … Goliath is patiently waiting to be brought back to life.
and thanks for sharing the link … interesting blog post … I especially loved the part about throwing out the advice of professionals, and just taking the approach that fits the story being told. Sometimes you just have to wing it.
LikeLike
Thanks, 99. I agree with a lot of what she says in this post. But I think the thing you always have to remember is that it’s your story. Take what advice helps you tell it and leave the rest either for another time or another project!
LikeLike