How to Write a Memoir

You want to write your memoir, but will anyone care?
Many elements go into a memoir that captivates.
This might sound crazy, but believe it or not, your memoir isn’t about you!
In this video, I’ll tell you what I mean. I cover:
- 5 steps to a powerful memoir
- Memoir vs. Autobiography
- The worst memoir writing mistakes
- Who your memoir really needs to be about
- Your all-important theme
- Getting your story to those who need it most
- Memoirs you must read
Need more writing advice? Here's my complete (and free) self-editing checklist!
leveragecreative.lpages.co/se...

[@LosAngelesTherapist]

I love Jerry's voice. He isn't pushy or overselling, just gently describing some great tips for writing.

[@emconsultant]

I was always a natural story teller, like my parents. I write, how I remember things. I published "Memories od Fairlawn" back in September on amazon and am working on my memoirs of seven years as a maintenance man at a luxury apartment complex.

[@user-sp6qz5po3y]

I’d love to read your memoir of being a maintenance man in a luxury apartment.

[@cheerp7313]

You are genuine and generous, Jerry! No loud marketing tricks that insult the intelligence. I learn a lot from your videos. Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@michaelmelling9333]

Gosh, all of his comments are so clear and spot-on.

[@cecilhicks]

There are so many authors on KZbin it’s ridiculous. But the universe made your video appear in front of me and now I am hooked on how you present your videos. Being that I am 63 years old writing my first memoir I watched all 17.16 seconds of your video and you have my attention. Not only are you in established author but it conveys you know what you’re talking about. And I guess because you’re bald to and not shaved your head has a lot to do with it just kidding so now I’m about to watch other videos of yours to help me along my journey

[@sandeebartsch9063]

Your information is invaluable as I proceed to write a book, for the first time, at 60 years old. Thank you so much!

[@dx071997]

Good luck Sandee.

[@darnitthelma4247]

How’s it going…did you write one?

[@bobeallison]

WOW, I just listened to this video on KZbin. Awesome. I am 70 yrs. old and have been toying with the idea of putting pen to paper (more specifically, fingers to keyboard - digitally) and leaving my grandchildren and friends the transformation of my life over the years. Your video has given me to courage to step forward. Thank you. Your new follower.

[@user-ri1sh2uv2r]

I salute you for moving forward. I am almost 70 and tackling it too. It’s long overdue but I’m ready. I wish you well in your writing.

[@nellier5704]

Jerry you broke it down so easily I'm excited to start writing. Your tips are helpful thanks!

[@barbarataychert4910]

This is the best most concise advice I have ever heard. Thank you!

[@richundadavis1104]

This is crazy😩😩 first time writer even though it’s always been apart of me and I decided that I wanted to write a memoir. It has literally been coming along as you described but you’ve given me ways to clean it up tremendously. Before, I was just writing what sounded interesting and felt captivating to me but with someone else in mind… kind of like I was having a conversation in my mind. Thank you so much

[@darnitthelma4247]

How’s it going? I want to do a memoir for cathartic and morbid reasons…I want my children to know about me and understand me😊

[@margheritatracanelli324]

wow. Thank you so much. Jerry, you have helped me so much, and even though I am rarely compelled to write a comment, it would be churlish not do so because I got so much out of this one short video. I'm deeply grateful to you for your precision and clarity and most of all your willingness to share your knowledge with everyone who is here. When those big emotions are crashing into the words we have to put onto the page to get the story written and out of our heads and hearts and onto the paper, it is so vitally important and so amazingly helpful to have this video with this structure and tips to hang on to. Thank you again Jerry, and I wish you well. M

[@vaddisriramchaitanya2311]

This helps me to present my testimony in Christ. Merry Christmas All!

[@rachelkuklok838]

@Mjukglass Vanilj morning were we g I’m hgheg high home w I’m jl e him j jim hi Kim mmmmmmm new ok mom m nwhhww him mmm he dee hill we r here a bed of Ll Lmm m l m mmm mmm mmm m

[@rachelkuklok838]

Uhwwuy

[@abbiebeck-cohen7672]

Thank you Jerry. I learned so much in those 17 minutes - such valuable advice for me to take forward in my own memoir. Particularly around changing names AND going the extra mile not to throw people under the bus... that's food for thought.

[@wallace870]

Wow… I woke up, remembering the really crazy year(s) around 1993. I opened my phone to look for “how to” videos and found this video. Your advice is awesome. I totally thought I’d need to write from “my” perspective, until you said “make it about the reader.” I plan to self- publish, on AMAZON maybe. This video guide, is extremely helpful. Thank you. I’ve subscribed and will watch your other videos too. Thanks again!

[@janetDT1904]

I wrote my Memoir and am trying to get it published now, so this video was really helpful. Thank you so much for posting it.

[@coopart1]

I have been thinking of writing a book about my 39 year career still on going . Your tips are encouraging . Thank you for genuine tips and guidelines.

[@12DLJ]

This is so valuable. I just wrote a memoir last year. I had not viewed this video, but you have confirms I approached it correctly.

[@suevandokkenburg2849]

Succinct and timely! I recently published my first novel, and my oldest and dearest friend promptly asked me to write her memoirs. I never even toyed with the possibility of nonfiction before, but her story really should be told. We already even discussed some aspects included in this video. THANK YOU!

[@inspiredbycreation4121]

You are a wise man, a generous teacher, and a master at your craft. I am indelibly grateful for the precious lessons I have learned from you.

[@Droowtube]

This was amazingly helpful! I searched hundreds of videos and articles for this information and this provided more help than all of them put together. Thank you!

[@deskraven8351]

I want you to know I throughly enjoyed your insight. Also, I have started your recommended reading with the first title of course. So very good. 👏

[@andKikiToo]

I'm so happy to have found you! I appreciate the clarity in the way you talk and explain things. And wonderful tools! It's easy to follow! Thanks so much!

[@rodmarktz4819]

I like your videos Jerry and they'll turn my dreams into reality. You're so genuine.

[@lindapousson383]

Amazing! So clear and answering my questions as if you read my mind! Huge help!

[@petervik5399]

Thank you, Jerry, I have been able to fill 3 pages of notes on this topic, as I can see now how I can relate this information you gave here, and apply it to a non-fiction book I am working on. You have given me a slant on how I can give the topic a more personal to reader acceptance and a novel approach I am trying to get across with this book. Cheers Peter... From Australia...

[@raphaelmoussally3363]

Jerry, your superior advice on how to write a memoir is priceless.

[@TrapisteEric]

Thank you for posting this, it was so helpful! Insightful, and we're lucky to have a platform like this that allows brilliant minds like yours to share your writing wisdom!

[@hrishikeshricky3130]

Really needed this as I'm writing my memoirs now! Determined to finish my story - thanks Jenkins a true legend in the field of writing

[@reinettevisser]

Jerry, your generosity with knowledge and craft techniques is humbling. Thank you so much for all your outstanding videos.

[@angellipsbyannhaskin8623]

Thank you very much Jerry for your generosity, support, and encouragement. I have learned so much from you and I thank God for all the videos and information. God bless you always! Ann

[@nicolecaruso6713]

Jerry, that was great!! Thank you very much. I’ve just recently begun writing my memoir in hopes to help others. 🙏🏼 My only slight dilemma is that though I’m 39, my life is just now making that turning point 🙌🏼 and I’ve met the love of my life. So, I can start telling my story, but with her now, it’s only just begun. 😊

[@beelynn1140]

Keep writing. Someone needs to hear your story. Congratulations on meeting the love of your life, it's an amazing feeling, even through the storms of life

[@Claudia-ek9ev]

I could have listened all day. Wow what valuable information. I purchased his courses a few years back. Thank you.

[@scmontgomery]

Thank you for this. I needed this as I have been thinking about writing a memoir myself. I very much appreciated the information you have given here. If not only for myself.

[@naikekasongo7693]

This is so helpful, I have been debating about this very subject! Thank you so much Jerry

[@user-vw3cq4xs1l]

without knowing, this man has just answered all the questions id been asking myself about how to write my memoirs, brilliant

[@mikailabdal-jamiil9624]

Great advice. Just when I thought I would have to write a long autobiography, I was reminded that I don't have to do that in order to keep the theme alive and portray the important information.

[@user-to8bj8li7r]

Great idea, Jerry, I think that filling out a character arc worksheet would help me flesh out my memoir tremendously. Wishing you well

[@cdnelson7291]

I got alot from this video, I appreciate the way you give information and dont ramble 15 minutes before getting to your point.

[@keeshlon]

Thank you for this video and for the Character Arc Worksheet download, Jerry! And my favorite memoir is The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls.

[@gr8booksmore929]

Always clear and to the point Jerry 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿. I have benefited a lot from your advice.

[@kailabre]

dude, i love you. thank you so much for this video! love from brazil

[@marionclark]

Talks by Jerry Jenkins are not only educational, they are inspirational! Heartfelt thanks!

[@humeyraa.karsli1990]

Wow… you just spoke about the difference between telling and showing and I am speechless. So impressive

[@marionclark]

So clearly explained. Thank you

[@librarystudyntour]

“The most powerful, effective memoir gets closer to the bone. The more introspect and vulnerable you are, the helpful your memoir would be.”

[@nikkic.102]

I have started my memoir ruff draft.YOU ARE GREAT!!!!

[@paulh4654]

Thank you for sharing your expert knowledge with us. I am encouraged and ready to try ....... Cheers!

[@ladyangi100]

This has been so very helpful. Thank you for your expertise and simplification of your instructions.

[@dianawarrior8769]

Thank you, I feel I have something that I can help others to overcome. You confirmed it is important but how to write it is more important. Ty

[@user-nl4kz9lb1u]

So helpful! Wow.. this was absolutely on point, starting from the intro until the very end.

[@movingforwardLDTH]

Oyyy, the “crunch of the gravel” brought back some memories/panic! (Not, fortunately, for the extreme reasons as the character mentioned.)

[@jenniecreel594]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. It has blown my mind. I am itching to write!

[@lillianbarker4292]

I suggest reading How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. It’s a perfect example of what you describe as a good memoir. In fact that’s how I found this channel. I’m inspired to finally write a memoir.

[@a.yohannes6675]

This inspired me to write my first book. Thank you for the info!

[@EncouragementToGo7IME]

Thank you for tips of the trade in writing a successful memoir. Much of this I didn't realize. This is very helpful.

[@safiya5940]

Good Morning Sir, thank you so much for explaining everything in detail. all the doubts have been cleared, the difference between an autobiography and a memoir, the theme, reader oriented, no preaching, and the MOST IMPORTANT THING I WAS CONFUSED TOO MUCH WAS," THROWING PEOPLE UNDER THE BUS". THIS WAS THE POINT I WAS CONFUSED BCZ, HOW CAN I LIE IN A MEMOIR. THE TIPS THAT YOU'VE GIVEN ARE OF GREAT HELP. Thanks once again and may God bless you sir!!!! 👍👍👍👍🌻🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🪳

[@goodwitchofthenorth1481]

Thank you as so much! The part of about throwing people under the bus is especially helpfull. That was the main thing preventing me from wrighting together

[@danielvickery3311]

Thanks so much for this. It was very helpful and encouraging. and now I know I'm working on a memoir, not an autobiography.

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

Jerry, this is a very generous and helpful video. Thank you so much!

[@aok1951]

An excellent video. Very helpful - I've learnt a lot watching and rerunning this video. Many thanks.

[@Userf34567uvvvcxx]

Thank you. This was incredibly insightful and helpful.

[@kunkyimalampa9448]

Am about to write a biography about my grandmother, listening your video is super helpful though the subject about memoir. Thank you🌻

[@dalegreene5615]

Very useful information about stories that are actionable. Good to know. Thank you.

[@sweetpea1471]

Valuable insight. Thank you, incredible info. You are appreciated.

[@marialange1464]

Wow great information condensed in a short video, thank you so much Jerry!

[@fatima-purposefullybeautif5950]

thank you for the clarification - i sorely needed an explanation of a memoir. Now i know i am writing a memoir

[@byGarethWilliam]

Thank you for being the mentor to us you didn't have!

[@jasoncolap]

This was phenomenal

[@terrencesherry4787]

I am starting o write a book and his information helped me a lot from South Africa

[@leahgodson2319]

Great advice Jerry, thank you

[@faridehmohebi9419]

Thank you for all the ideas

[@phantasiaentertainments3456]

Great advice! Very informative and easy to understand material. Thank you for your education.

[@daniellelisa2681]

This is brilliant, and extremely helpful. thank you!

[@AucklandNZ1]

Thank you so much Jerry, so very helpful, now I'm asking myself questions about not being sued, how to redo my original idea - really enjoy your videos - from New Zealand.

[@CourtneyCoulson]

This was really helpful, it seems like I was already on the right path, but this solidified those ideas.

[@vitallylubin5411]

“I have been putting this off for ten years, because it was personal, because dreaming backwards can carry a man through some dark rooms where the walls seem lined with razor blades.” Rick Bragg I want to thank you M Jenkins for the list of references. I just begin to read Rick Bragg and just the opening of the book hit deep and strong. I’m holding my breath. Just don’t want to cry.

[@ronaksaxena8913]

Thanks sir I really wanna work on this.

[@thepracticalanimal]

This has been so helpful. My outline was almost written by the end! Please can you suggest some examples by natural historians.

[@jacobpage8028]

Im a 15 year old trying to write about my experiences in foster care, and what i experienced when i came back home, but its hard to get advice because most people think it silly someone so young writting a memoir.

[@user-to8bj8li7r]

Hey Jacob, I'm a former foster kid myself. When I was your age, I had dreamt of writing a memoir of my experiences as well. I put it off until now, but I wish I hadn't. I believe in you. You've got this. With time you will get better and better.

[@rhondaprice4805]

Thsnk you. This was clear and precise.

[@thomastyler5582]

Your channel is extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@brittanyfoley6670]

Thanks Jerry - so helpful!

[@caricearmstrong3342]

Thank you, exactly great information I need to know right now 😊

[@SharonMarinLewis]

Thanks you! You're working hard to help everyone, when you take a break, come vacation in Belize!

[@candyhorton7227]

Thank u so much ur soul is amazing I'm an aspiring writer and have all these ideas I have dyslexia and can't quite organize them so I'm going to get it all on paper I don't have much money but this has been on my heart since I was in my teens and now I'm 41but it never to late

[@ChrisKanyane]

Thanks, that is crystal clear, very clear and clean explanation

[@constancegoldwing5867]

Hi Jerry, I really adore your content. Could you do a video on what kinds of books you read and which authors you love. I would love to know your thoughts on Anne Rice (if you read her) and how and when flowery prose works in novels.For me personally, I find Young Adult fiction beneath my reading level and get bored very easy, because as much as I enjoy a good story- I like to be challenged by the language too. Think David Eddings and Dean Koontz who have this very deliberate evocative prose in addition to Anne.

[@normacasini838]

Wow. This is beyond good advice for writing a memoir. Thanks.

[@marionclark]

Agree. This man is a born teacher.

[@danieljaygrossett-author]

Great Great advice! Thank you!

[@deltadawn2376]

Very well said! Thank you

[@pankhurikhanna-tl9zl]

Thank you sir 🙏🏻

[@adrienneparker2878]

Hi Gerry, thank you so much for the video. I can’t wait to watch the rest. I tried to find your character arc worksheet but had no luck. What do you suggest?

[@jamisonwrites6234]

This video is really helpful, but I disagree with your last point. If your father abused you during your childhood, you can’t change it to your teacher abusing you. Your memoir becomes fiction at that point. Pseudonyms are fine if you give a disclaimer, but you can’t make big changes like that and still call it a true story. Also, sometimes you gotta throw people under the bus if they deserve it. If the events really happened and you have proof, any grievances won’t hold up in court.

[@user-xn7pt5op4k]

I agree, the emotional response to a father's abuse is far different from that of a teacher. I know I experienced both. Actually it wasn't a teacher it was the school psychologist

[@khosen12]

I agree

[@chacallcharles613]

I agree, in my opinion that defeats the purpose of a memoir.

[@MsJaci99]

Your advice came up on my feed near the top and I'm grateful for the advice. I've written a first draught of my memoir. I'm disturbed, though, by you saying not to throw anyone under a bus - how do you not? Thank you

[@skincarecookbook]

Thank you for the very helpful video.

[@ottisogechukwu8262]

This is very informative. I want to start writing my own memoir and i asked God for help. He sent your video to me without me searching for writing videos. And after listening to him, I have no desire to check any other video for this has all i need to know.

[@RaggedPoet]

Thank you, so much...wonderful stuff and no hot air...lots of fresh air... also love that mine was the thousandth like... seems portent :)

[@bluewren2]

You are great really great thank you so much Jerry B Jenkins, you have given so much sincere and useful information you have enriched us with this generous sharing .Makes the Internet worth while.👍

[@karinturkington2455]

Such an informative video. Thank you.

[@jamesstephens2820]

This is exactly what I needed. I’m in a little better direction now.

[@sashamaxim]

Another great Memoir is Sherman Alexie's "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."