Linda’s Philosophy About Memoir Writing

   Writing a memoir is an act of faith and of learning. We know that people who tell a personal story may feel exposed and vulnerable. In this process, the writer investigates the Self, personal history, and even the family. 

Many people who write memoir are searching for memories, hoping to validate their experience in order to move forward in their lives. Writers often worry about the validity of their memories. A memoir is not a factual recitation of history, though history is part of the story; it is a recollection, a musing and merging of images, dreams, reflections about your life and the lives of others who have crossed your path in your life’s journey.

   A memoir is an exploration of a part of your life–a complete life story is referred to as an “autobiography.” Both a memoir and an autobiography is a story written by the protagonist, through the point of view of the “I” of the story.

Writing a memoir is an act of faith–faith in yourself and faith in the process of writing. But the most important ingredient in writing a memoir is motivation–a passionate reason to get the story on the page, a “fire in the belly” feeling that what you have to tell is important and significant. You may want to create a family legacy, to share your personal views about the times you have lived through, or to create a healing story that allows you to move forward in your life.

   Dr. James Pennebaker, one of the researchers about writing as healing, says that stories are a “kind of knowledge,” a new kind of knowledge that develops as you tell your story. The story itself guides you on your path, you find yourself in a sometimes surprising process. Most writers struggle to retain “control” of the story, but find it difficult to stick with the original plan because the creative juices start flowing and invite the writer to follow new paths. It is important to stay open to the process of writing.

   I enjoy all the stories that I hear and read. I always learn from these stories. They inspire me to keep writing and teaching, they show me the uniqueness of each person. I find such joy in becoming acquainted with a new writer and story, aware that each story and person has a view of life and of healing and change that is different from anyone else’s.

Pick up your pen. Listen to your story. It has wisdom to share.

Feedback
Part of writing a memoir involves feeling free to write, and not be driven away from the creative process by the inner critic. You need to receive supportive feedback so you can keep going. Though writing a memoir may be therapeutic, it is important to take care of yourself when writing your story. Take deeper material that arises to your journal or your therapist. Self-exposure and potential feelings of embarrassment happen in writing groups. It is best to have a group that listens and sees you with unconditional positive regard.

Structure
Writing about your life can be an overwhelming experience. Everyone who comes to my classes asks, "Where do I begin? And then what?"

All the exercises I suggest begin at a starting point, such as the timeline, a memory list, or a list of themes. Select a topic and move immediately into writing short vignettes. No one knows where to begin when they first start to write, no one knows where the beginning of a book will be until they have come to the end. It is important not to become perfectionistic about the beginning. Focus on writing vignettes that paint the story of your inner and your outer life, the people who were important to you, and the events that changed you

A Chronological Path
It can be helpful to begin at the beginning--your birth. Or you might write the birth stories of your mother or father. If you are thinking about your development and formation of your life through time, this is a logical place to start. Being now. Write one of the stories on your memory list.