struggling with your memoir?This free class can help.Follow a seven-step path to constructing your memoir. Receive your first video right after entering your e-mail address.
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struggling with your memoir?This free class can help.Follow a seven-step path to constructing your memoir. Receive your first video right after entering your e-mail address.
|
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Just about every memoir writer I've ever worked with doubts themselves at some point. "Why will anyone care about my book? My life is so boring." These questions usually take me by surprise, because they often come from my most talented writers. I'm going to tell you a secret about writing. People love memoirs, not because they tell a fascinating story that is filled with plot twists and turns. They love a memoir because it speaks to the truth about the human experience. There are so many successful memoirs about everyday subjects. Let me give you some examples of books that did well both critically and commercially that have simple plot lines. “A girl grows up in a small town in Southeast Texas, where people are plagued by mental health issues and alcoholism.” Does that sound like a fascinating book? It’s the description of The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr, considered a classic in its genre. Let me give you another example. “A boy grows up poor in Ireland.” This is the famous book by Frank McCourt called Angela’s Ashes. Despite their seemingly mundane plot lines, some memoirs are so successful they are made into movies. Think about Marley and Me, which was essentially about adopting a Labrador Retriever. Is there a topic any more commonplace than that? Then there's a movie about a woman who wanted to make the recipes of Julia Child for a year, Julia & Julia. She's cooking. What could be more boring than that really?
The bottom line — the great majority of memoirs don’t have an amazing plot. So how can you make people care about your book? Let me tell you a secret: If you affect your readers emotionally, they will never be bored. You don’t have to worry about plot twists and turns. Instead, you should make sure that your book is filled with subjective writing. What is subjective writing? Subjective writing goes beyond what you saw and heard. Instead, it puts your reader inside your head. Tell us your thoughts so we’re right there with you. Don’t describe a room in detail with every painting, fabric texture and furniture. Instead, tell us what you were thinking when you were inside that room. It doesn't matter if you're writing a book about your golden retriever, or your divorce, or your trip to Thailand. The point is, if you make people care about you, they will care about your book. And the way to make someone care about you is through subjective writing. If you want to know more about how to use subjective writing in your book, go to my video on this topic. Readers don't stick with a book because of the plot. They stick with it because they're affected by it. People read books to have an emotional experience. Be subjective, and you will give your reader what they're looking for. Doubting yourself is part of the process, but don't give into it. Keep writing!
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AuthorA Random House author offers tips on writing your own memoir. Archives
February 2025
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