https://www.wiley.com/Memoir+Writing+For+Dummies%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9781394250073
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Published:
March 11, 2013

Memoir Writing For Dummies

Overview

Unlock your storytelling journey with expert guidance

Memoir writing isn’t just for celebrities and politicians. For anyone prone to self-reflection and ready to give shape to your memories and experiences, Memoir Writing For Dummies is your definitive guide. This book offers  a concrete roadmap for writing a captivating memoir. Get advice on exploring your past, mapping out your story, and perfecting your plot, setting, character, and dialogue. You’ll also find information on recruiting the help of AI and digital media for a more dynamic storytelling experience. Whether you’re an amateur author with a story to tell or a bestselling author trying out a new genre, Memoir Writing For Dummies will guide you every step of the way.

  • Gain a deep understanding of the memoir genre and kickstart your journey into autobiographical writing
  • Learn how to structure your memoir to grab readers’ attention from the first page and keep them engrossed throughout
  • Organize your thoughts, address sensitive topics, and seamlessly weave your insights and reactions into your narrative
  • Embrace technology to streamline your writing process and share your story with the world

Everyone has a story worth sharing, and Memoir Writing For Dummies provides would-be memoirists with the essential tools they need to share their life stories with the world and become published authors.

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About The Author

Ryan G. Van Cleave, PhD, is a writing coach, keynote speaker, and award-winning author of 40+ books. He runs the creative writing program at the Ringling College of Art and Design and serves as Editor at Bushel & Peck, a children’s book publisher. Ryan has taught memoir writing at universities, conferences, and workshops.

Sample Chapters

memoir writing for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Transform your life experiences into a captivating memoir! Here’s a quick guide to get you started on capturing the essence of your story.What makes your story unique? Your One-Sentence Pitch: Can you boil down your memoir’s premise to a single, powerful sentence? This helps focus your writing. Your Ideal Reader: Who do you most want to connect with through your story?

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Articles from
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Many people interchangeably use the terms “autobiography” and “memoir.” Although Amazon and many brick-and-mortar bookstores put them in the same category, they are quite different. Here’s how they are different. An autobiography Focuses on the trajectory of an entire life Starts at the beginning and progresses chronologically to the end Feels more like a historical document; tons of fact-checking and very specific dates/information Strives for factual, historical truths Typically is written by famous people A memoir Focuses on a key aspect, theme, event, or choice in a life Starts anywhere and can deftly move around in time and place Feels more personal; less intense fact-checking Strives for emotional truths Can be written by anyone Both are based in truth.
Transform your life experiences into a captivating memoir! Here’s a quick guide to get you started on capturing the essence of your story.What makes your story unique? Your One-Sentence Pitch: Can you boil down your memoir’s premise to a single, powerful sentence? This helps focus your writing. Your Ideal Reader: Who do you most want to connect with through your story?
You’re writing a memoir to share your story, which means you obviously want people to read it. To write a memoir designed to satisfy and engage readers, strive to meet the following expectations: A sympathetic main character: A reader’s sympathy and interest doesn’t come for free. You have to earn it. Make this a priority for your main character to come across as sympathetic, and readers will appreciate it.
No matter whether you're a first-time author or you've written several books, attending a writers' conference can do wonders for you, in several different ways. This bonus chapter discusses some of the main opportunities of attending a writers' conference. So read on and see how to not only just attend a writers' conference, but also to get your money's worth.
Writing is a solitary act, so finding ways to combat the sense of loneliness is a good idea. Here are a few ways to create and develop a community to help support you in writing your memoir. Few people can appreciate the struggles a writer faces like another writer can. Take a writing course at a university, community college, or community center.
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