What is a Memoir? - Your Life as Story
Memoir - Learning the Craft of Memoir Writing
What is a Memoir? What a memoir actually is seems to cause some confusion with the general public.
Simply stated, it's a story about one portion of your life as opposed to your whole life.
It could be about a time period like childhood, teen years, retirement, etc... Or, it can be about the years you lived abroad or your years in the military.
That's what this book does. It helps you narrow and focus your writing. Ms. Rainer has included advice and exercises to help the budding memoirist to come up with the story they really want to tell.
Whether you will write your memoir story for yourself, your family or for the general public, Your Life as Story is an indispensable tool!
Your Life As Story -- Figuring Out What Should Make Up Your Memoir - by Tristine Rainer
The Story Only You Can Tell
Writing Tips are Awesome!
Ms. Rainer opens chapter one by talking about the story only you can tell. She talks about looking at your life and the stories within your life from a distance. Picking out themes, meanings and lessons in order to find the story you will write.
She uses examples for her own life, the lives of different people she's met and students she's had in class. It's a wonderful start to the book. I re-read that chapter on more than one occasion.
The gems of wisdom she shares prepares you for the more in depth task of narrowing the topic and then bringing it into focus so you can write it.
Image: Public Domain via Pixabay.com
What About You?
Do you have a story worth writing -- no matter who it's for?
This Book:
This Book is not a quick read. I have read it, re-read it, relished the lessons and started all over again. It is a book you will visit time and again if you decide to write a memoir.
It's just that good.
What is a Story?
Ms. Rainer Breaks It Down
In order to write any book, including memoir, you have to understand the architecture of a story -- the elements that make a story.
With chapter titles like: What is a Story? and Nine Essential Elements of Story Structure, Ms. Rainer guides you through the process of learning to write a story people will read and understand.
We don't always think linearly but a story is different. People expect certain basic elements in a story or it's not a story.
Image: DecoratingforEvents - Mandee
This Book Belongs in Your Personal Library if You Write or Want to Write - No Matter the Genre
Genre Debate - What is a Memoir?
I read both fiction and non-fiction genres and love them both. But, since I was in elementary school where I discovered memoirs, biographies and autobiographies, I have really enjoyed reading those too. True life stories of real people with real adventures, challenges and problems, just like me. I think they give me hope -- real hope.
Do you read mostly non-fiction or do you prefer to stick with fiction?
Whether your aim is preservation of family history, self awareness, or the New York Times bestseller list, you will find expert guidance within these pages.
~ Rebecca Short, Amazon Review
What is a Memoir, Anyway? - Short Video with an Awesome Explanation (2:24 minutes)
She even includes a chapter entitled Emotional, Legal and Ethical Concerns. It really is an all-in-one resource you will refer to again and again.
Memoir:
Writing a true story from your life and applying literary devices to that writing. It ends up reading as a fiction novel would but is a true life story. We get to grow and learn with you by reading your story.
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If you are contemplating writing a memoir, I strongly suggest reading Tristine Rainer's book, Your Life As Story. She can't tell your story for you but gives you the tools to find and write your story.
A Must for Anyone Contemplating Writing a Memoir - I've Got My Copy -- Do You?
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