Why Memoir Writers Struggle to Compose Their Stories

Writing doesn’t always come naturally for memoir writers.

In fiction writing, many of those authors start the writing process because they've been long time avid readers and they have an actual interest in writing a book. It's only after they decide to write a book that they brainstorm the best story arc for their debut fantasy series.

In classic nonfiction writing, subject matter experts choose to share their deep knowledge of a subject or issue and typically have some academic writing experience with publishing research papers or applying for grant funding. Plus this form of writing doesn't typically require the storytelling techniques of pacing and character development.

The memoir writer is in a category all herself. She comes to the writing table not because she's always wanted to be an author. She's not here for the accolades or attention that a best-selling book could bring. Hell, she may not even start the writing process with any idea of who may actually be interested in reading it one day. She simply has a story she needs to get out.

I was that person, someone with a desire to share a story. I had to learn how to craft a story as I went and I had a number of stumbling blocks, detours, and reroutes. I wasted time and I grew frustrated, almost quitting all together, but the story I wanted to share nagged at me.

I don't expect any participants in the Memoir Master Plan Cohort to come in with any storytelling knowledge. You don't have to know the basics of plotting, narrative arc, pacing, or character development. We take the time in weeks 4-7 to go over the basics of plotting and the various options for story structure that can serve as the framework for your memoir writing. And we cover character development in a later week, once we get some basic structure in place.

Unlike other writing courses where you're provided with a rigid template and slot in your stories (trust me, I took one of these - it sucked), I'll share some frameworks you can choose from with plenty of flexibility to make it your own. You will be confident you are hitting the key elements of the plot or character development while also allowing for your voice and unique storytelling style to shine. These frameworks leave room for your perspective of the world. You won't walk away with a cookie cutter template where you story sounds like everyone else's.

I've read a number of craft books over the course of teaching myself how to write my story. And I'm saving you the time from having to read them yourself. Each week, I provide a reading assignment which includes the key aspects from the craft books and other writing resources and tailor it to memoir writing. You'll complete the reading before our virtual weekly meeting, and then we will dig deeper together. There will be time to ask questions and we will work as a group to apply the lessons to each participant's individual story.

If this format of support resonates for you as a writer, check out our upcoming offerings on our memoir program page. Your story matters and many of us benefit from external help in crafting that heartfelt story.

“As a repeat course member, I can testify that this memoir outlining course continues to deliver on quality insights vital for the formation of a clear core message made manifest into a cohesive, well-paced, and engaging outline ready to guide the drafting process. For someone looking for clear, concise, yet gentle leadership through memoir outline development, Inspired Writer Collective delivers value and results!” - Rebecca, program participant