Comments for The Memoir Writer's Blog

Comment on 4 More Steps to Reaching a Larger Audience for Your Memoir by Gwen Gaythos

Gwen Gaythos — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:40:47 +0000

When I hear of someone writing their “memoirs”, I instantly think of reading about the encounters they endured to get to this point in their life. Understandably my writings reflects on events in my life as well. However, I do not want it to be just about my life in general, but rather to put a humorous twist on some of the storylines, as well as incorporate interesting encounters, true or fiction, to peak the reader’s interest.

Comment on 4 More Steps to Reaching a Larger Audience for Your Memoir by Denis Ledoux

Denis Ledoux — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:57:21 +0000

I’ve heard the term “non-fiction novel” and it seems to be an oxymoron, like slightly pregnant. Can you write about why you choose not to call your writing a memoir? If it gets lengthy, perhaps you could submit the piece as a blog post. I’m always looking for guest bloggers.

Comment on Theme Influences Everything by majackson133

majackson133 — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:57:53 +0000

I have yet to read more than 20 words of this blog, though I absolutely intend to read it all. What caught my attention was the mentioning of going completely naked when writing your memoir. I completely agree with this. That is why I intend to write a series of memoirs; as there is NO POSSIBLE way, I could fit my entire life story in one book. And I want to tell it all!!

Comment on Telling the Truth about your Life by Karen Douglass

Karen Douglass — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:28:58 +0000

Denis, this issue is at the heart of memoir. When I was writing Green Rider, Thinking Horse, I wrestled with the truth about horse racing and the training these animals are subjected to. I was challenged to be truthful without being hurtful. I hope I did it, but there is a difference, isn’t there, between memoir and expose.

Comment on Telling the Truth about your Life by Linda Visman - wangiwriter

Linda Visman - wangiwriter — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 09:18:46 +0000

An excellent entry Denis and one I agree with entirely.
Those stories that may reduce our respect or acceptance withing the norms of an unforgiving society can be extremely difficult to write. Those things that happened to us that were outside our control that we need to face can be just as daunting. I have written some of these and I have found it to be very therapeutic. It is best to write them for yourself at first and, as you reach acceptance of your self and your experiences, you will find it easier to share with others.

Comment on Bring History Into Memoir Writing by Denis Ledoux

Denis Ledoux — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:30:30 +0000

Thanks for your comment. I am glad that it has proven helpful to you. I have to admit that some part of me feels that writing autobiographical fiction instead of memoir is like playing tennis with the net lowered.

I hope you are writing your own memoir.

Comment on Bring History Into Memoir Writing by get wso

get wso — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:49:59 +0000

This is the first time I have been to your web blog. I am surprised—and pleased—with the thought you put into creating this piece on autobiographical fiction vs memoir. The piece was extraordinary. Excellent job!

Comment on 4 More Steps to Reaching a Larger Audience for Your Memoir by Gwen Gaythos

Gwen Gaythos — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:07:44 +0000

I do not have a comment but rather a question. I’m writing about my life growing up in the ’50′s and the experiences and life lessons and bringing it up to present day. However, I do not refer to it as a Memoir, but rather a non-fiction novel, even though it is about my life. Therefore, how do I differentiate the two?

Comment on But Is It a Memoir? by Linda Visman - wangiwriter

Linda Visman - wangiwriter — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:06:15 +0000

Thanks Denis. I was pleased to read your elucidation of the problem. Obviously, when the author is continually using techniques for the creation of an impact on that event rather than for presenting the truth – even if it is ‘her truth’, it makes it less likely to get the reader to accept the total reality of what is written. I agree with you in that way. Extended dialogue is, as you say, quite unbelievable, unless it is an obvious transcription of a recorded conversation. I can’t remember what I said yesterday, let alone sixry years ago!
But I do believe also that there are certain fiction-writing techniques that can enhance a memoir – when used appropriately and with discretion, and when they do not take away the ‘realness’ of the story.

Comment on But Is It a Memoir? by Sue Mitchell

Sue Mitchell — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:15:46 +0000

I found this post fascinating. So often, memoir writers are told to make their memoir read like a novel, but there is a very real pitfall associated with this–turning it into fiction. The distinctions you explained in your comment to Linda help elucidate what types of details are overstepping and how to reassure your reader about the unlikely details you do remember. Very helpful and thought-provoking.