Mistakes New Writers Make When Writing A Memoir

[@thelifeofawriter]

Learn how to write a compelling memoir bit.ly/howtowriteamemoir

[@JoeWeaver-b1x]

I love the great straightforward advice. I follow many writers and writing coaches. Mistake #5, writing before you heal, is something I haven't heard anyone else tell people, but so true. When writing a memoir we immerse ourselves in the experience, and if there are still open wounds, it will hurt. Thanks for the great video

[@thelifeofawriter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@gingerty9628]

I had the idea in April of this year to write mine and I'm 40 pages in so far. I did mine in chronological order but had been thinking maybe I should change that because it would keep the reader more interested by starting out with a significant part in my life and going back to certain parts of my childhood to show why I struggled with those aspects later on in life.

[@DADIERE]

I’m writing my first book thank you

[@thelifeofawriter]

Wonderful!

[@Zizzyolson111]

Thank you so much for this… I’ve been wanting to write a book for so long , however when listening to your #5 mistake about being healed first! Really opened my eyes to what you said. It makes perfect sense, not being healed as of yet and I hope I’m still here to write my book. I want it to be a book and not a journal so thank you so much you will be one that I choose to coach me in the near future hopefully… 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@thelifeofawriter]

I look forward to it!

[@pristineparr7509]

A hybrid is a mix of self help and memoir, that's what I'm writing. And I am writing about grief and I have been told the rawness is what works

[@danieljaygrossett-author]

I am doing the same. Good luck to you

[@My2centsonhere]

Agree, have read about SHOW, NOT TELL :)

[@fatima-purposefullybeautif5950]

some experiences you cannot heal from and i think thst raw hurt can become a compelling read

[@sirprentisswatson2020]

I’m back again I didn’t finish yet . I’m on it . I didn’t give up . Much more has occurred in my life 🥂💜

[@thelifeofawriter]

No worries, all that matters is that you're back!

[@d3motivatedmewalton29]

Heal first ! That Part , I love it. So, true.

[@justvibinwithtaneshapeace]

I love when you said "they start writing before they are healed" i say this all the time about bleeding on individuals...new sunbird and thank you✌🏾♥️🦋

[@thelifeofawriter]

It's so true.

[@justvibinwithtaneshapeace]

I meant new subbie... thank you again

[@monstalung]

right on time! Thanks

[@thelifeofawriter]

Perfect!

[@haroldvannii7376]

Good information. As a first-time writer, of a memoir, I’ve checked all boxes. Thank you for the video.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Wonderful!

[@mikelight2008]

Thank you! One of the clearest instructional videos about this topic.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beadsnbraidsnz]

This video helped me understand that I want to write about my own experiences and not write a self help book - thank you

[@dee4435]

This is so helpful! I was writing a quick guide but decided a teaching memoir is the way to go. Your advice seals the deal. It makes sense now.

[@guneeta7896]

Thank you! Some really important gems here, of advice. I’ll be following for sure

[@clspring4970]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@oatmealcreampie3493]

Ah, the healing! I think that's why I have been afraid to write my book in the past. It feels differently now so I feel ready to start typing. 😃👏🏾 Thank you for identifying that for me. New subscriber!

[@thelifeofawriter]

If you're ready, go for it! Healing is a part of the process.

[@purnellbrowne5812]

yes sir brother she did that...on point !

[@gingersnap5245]

@@oatmealcreampie3493 I’m wondering if we ever heal from traumatic incident(s). The aftermath breathes through our entire lives in one way or another. This, makes the memoir the memoir. Having said that, I think I understand the presenter as saying, if the “event” just occurred and you’re still bloodied emotionally by it…don’t write just yet. 🤓 If you feel ready, like I now do because my perspective has perspective, then write. Best wishes on your journey. D.

[@marvogrady9728]

Lively and dense review. You did good . . . real good.

[@joho9815]

Good info, well presented and I like your tone. You were not negative like some other videos I've seen. I subscribed! Thanks 😊

[@thelifeofawriter]

I appreciate that!

[@lizahermandez57]

Thank you for this advice.

[@cmh0150]

So glad I found this - this helps me understand why I have not started my memoir - healing is ongoing.

[@thelifeofawriter]

It really is.

[@purnellbrowne5812]

This video was so helpful and you informed me on some of the things I need to do and focus on. My Memoir is unique but my healing idk if im their yet and that's something I have to think about...wow...so thank you so very much.

[@thelifeofawriter]

You're very welcome.

[@michellelisamahoney]

Thank you so much, Your advice was on point and exactly what I needed to hear!

[@thelifeofawriter]

So glad!

[@elainegavin3458]

Awesome KZbin informative videos. Thank you very much Stefanie. I've been wanting to write a memoire for a very long time and because I had no idea of where and how to begin your videos are inching me closing to my book becoming a reality.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad to hear that!

[@lizahermandez57]

Thank you so much for this advice !

[@thelifeofawriter]

You're so welcome!

[@mrmiller8105]

Very Great Video. I definitely will be keeping these tips in mind. Thank You.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Thanks

[@genewiley2300]

Great information. Thank you!

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thejesseract]

Such an excellent introductory guide. Making the mistake of writing before we're healed really spoke to me.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizcoaches]

I loved this! Your tips helped me get back on track since I've been feeling stuck!

[@thelifeofawriter]

I’m so happy to hear that!

[@InayetPetker2020NasheedChannel]

Hello from South Africa. Thankyou for some valuable tips. It supported me on writing my memoir - Indian Out of Africa

[@thelifeofawriter]

Happy to hear that!

[@donnasue30]

Thank you, your video is very helpful, I have wrote and rewrote my story and now rewriting again. I think I will start with the most traumatic event.

[@terriannmuller794]

So very helpful!

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad you think so!

[@Jennifer42278]

Great video lady, thank you :)

[@fane6154]

Thank you so much! This had everything I wanted to know :)

[@thelifeofawriter]

I'm so glad!

[@janetDT1904]

I've written my Memoir and am horrified that so many of the mistakes you mentioned are in my Memoir. This explains why I'm struggling to find an Agent or Publisher. Thank you sooo much.

[@thelifeofawriter]

You're so welcome!

[@kerifernandez]

Very helpful thank u

[@thepurpleufo]

You are really, really good at this stuff.

[@thelifeofawriter]

💃🏾 Thanks!

[@danieljaygrossett-author]

Great vid! I absolutely love you! Thanks for all the knowledge

[@nickdaruler]

Thank you!

[@thelifeofawriter]

You bet!

[@ShankoVenam]

Make sure you're healed🙌🏾 I'm trying

[@thelifeofawriter]

You got this! 🙌🏾

[@zeinabahmed-t4g]

this advice is incredible

[@zeinabahmed-t4g]

even tho it is 3 yrs old it’s still awesome

[@watchmyvidssometime]

Girl you have earned this subscriber with this video! Tuesday is about to be my favorite day of the week

[@thelifeofawriter]

Yay! Thank you! What do you need to learn Imani?

[@nuvenusxm1]

My memoir has some celebrities in it that are a important part of the storyline... Not sure if I should change their names even though it would be easy to figure out... I've completed the draft and looking to pitch this to a major publication company....

[@hagonayjessam141]

do you have some samples of a memoir? thanks

[@summerholistic4257]

This was very informative. Thank you. Yes My first attempt was 10 years ago and it was just too heavy. That whole reliving part.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Yes, it can be challenging. Here is another video that will be helpful while writing a memoir 👉🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXLLap9qg9yVi80

[@summerholistic4257]

@@thelifeofawriter thank you. I appreciate that.

[@bernicevenable8885]

You certainly "peeled back the onion" in this video. Thank you for each tip and telling us new writers the message about "the healing" because no one else does!

[@thelifeofawriter]

You’re very welcome!

[@denissealondra8011]

I love these videos!!! Thank you for all the amazing tips!! 💜💜💜

[@thelifeofawriter]

You are so welcome!

[@candyman.g.q.1636]

"Great, job. "Once, again.😀.

[@andreaa.8420]

This was great thank you!!!!

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad it helped!

[@pkleisler]

Thanks for the great advice! I’ve decided to write a mid-life memoir…

[@thelifeofawriter]

Wonderful!

[@mentionedbymarli]

Hi ! What are your tips for writing an e book description for a memoir? Im writing about my birth story.

[@jenniferwatson1206]

Thanks alot

[@thelifeofawriter]

Happy to help.

[@roseconnolly5656]

so you said show do not tell a memoir..ok do you mean show me the story line and dialogue within the scene..please clarify..i like your ideas.... working on first memoir.thank you, Rose

[@thelifeofawriter]

Here's a great article on show vs tell jerryjenkins.com/show-dont-tell/

[@roseconnolly5656]

Thank you for clarifying...

[@candyman.g.q.1636]

"Great job.😀.

[@STYLESHKENNA]

yes, helpful

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad to hear!

[@meenabhatti6264]

I heard one editor said don’t finish your manuscript first find out if any publisher would ever print your book. Your input please.

[@thelifeofawriter]

I don’t agree. If a publisher didn’t pick it up, I would just self-publish.

[@abitha6797]

Plzz suggest me a short memoir becoz I participated in my CLG memoir competition ....so that I need a example memoir .....They will give me topic and 30min to write a memoir on June 12....

[@yanquemiller4118]

Hey.. ive been thinking about writing a book about my life and i dont know where to start lol.. i dont think ill be good enough

[@thelifeofawriter]

This will show you how to start bit.ly/howtostartyourbook

[@lebogangmlangeni9788]

M loving this❤️

[@solidussnero4521]

Thank you for the advice, i just have a question, i want to know if thats okay to use our own name or we hide our identity while we're talking about ourself (im writing a memory about my storyline in arabic and forgive me for my bad english)

[@thelifeofawriter]

Hi, you can either use your real name or a pen name.

[@solidussnero4521]

@@thelifeofawriter thanks alot for your time god bless you 👌

[@DavidBeckactor]

Many great memoirs are written in the present tense. DRY by Augusten Burroughs comes to mind.

[@patscorner7183]

Present continuous🤗

[@eamonbreathnach4613]

Helpful

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad it helped.

[@KaelaCollins]

I am on chapter 3 but I am always willing to redo things. I wrote the first chapter starting with my mother being in labour. Would it be okay to start the book with my birth parents, like when my mom was in labour with me and then go into me being born? Because it’s important to know what my parents were like before I was born to understand what happened to me. And it’s important to understand what happened to me as a baby. I was abandoned by my parents on the streets of Russia when I was 2 years old. And there is a lot I remember about that time and before they abandoned me. I feel like if I start the book somewhere else people won’t get the full idea of what lead to all of the horror.

[@thelifeofawriter]

If you feel like it's important for the reader to know about your birth parents first, then yes by all means.

[@elainegavin3458]

Stefanie is there any way your viewers can deal with you one on one for potential hire as a Ghost Writer? I'm think through emails.

[@thelifeofawriter]

I don’t offer ghostwriting, but you can hire me as a writing coach howtowriteabookthatsells.com/writing-coach-2/

[@icarussarts]

Can a memoir be covering only one week? Or it is no longer a memoir? Can it be written like a fiction book?

[@thelifeofawriter]

If that one week is significant enough to fill up an entire book, yes. And yes, you can use fictional elements in a memoir.

[@icarussarts]

@@thelifeofawriter thanks!

[@codiannsmith]

I get the concept of, "write once you are healed." But if I am 100% honest, I would never write the book then because my memoir is about childhood trauma + adversity that has created CPTSD as well as overcoming addiction. Now yes, I have overcome my addictions but I don't know if I will EVER be healed from the CPTSD.

[@thelifeofawriter]

Yes, I understand. So maybe not healed for you but instead you’ve gotten to a place where you can share your experience and how you got to where you are now.

[@dgervais7527]

What if you don't remember the exact dialogue?

[@thelifeofawriter]

To the best of your memory.

[@candyman.g.q.1636]

"Nice job.😁.

[@christinahammond9146]

I disagree with waiting to write after you are healed. It is better to write while life is happening, so you can catch details and raw emotions. I am writing my memoir while the subject I am writing about is still actively happening in my life

[@Godlywoman88]

God made it known to me that He wanted me to start writing and I was far from healed completely.

[@chosennotforsaken]

@@Godlywoman88me too. As we speak 😅

[@sirrykr1679]

I kept a diary for 15 years. From age 16 until I turned 31. These books will always keep record of my old self and I am glad for that.

[@edawg8266]

The one thing I’m struggling with is, should I write a memoir or should I write a novel? It would be about me entirely and my experiences, but I don’t want to use myself I guess to protect my friends and family

[@thelifeofawriter]

You could also write a memoir under a pen name.

[@JULIOAIS]

You are not only a great teacher, but your voice is great, clear and you are also beatiful as a person. I am a 86 years old man, starting to write a fiction book and you're my mentor. (Are you single?)

[@thelifeofawriter]

Thank you for the kind words Julio.

[@afrohealing7446]

I am writing a book about me in a reincarnation way and I don't know how to start

[@thelifeofawriter]

This should help howtowriteabook.samcart.com/products/how-to-start-your-book

[@sobeidalagrange7129]

[@douala3769]

Thanks so much! Very helpful for me.

[@mariaradulovic3203]

Very useful. Thank you!

[@michaelatiller7570]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you!!

[@thelifeofawriter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dmt0430]

Wonderful points!