I am asked many times, how hard is it to write in memoir? Is it easier because you’ve already lived it?
I came across this wonderful article from Publisher’s Weekly Daily on www.publicationsunltd.wordpress.com, a post written by a successful memoir writer, Will Boast.
I particularly zeroed in on this phrase, “Many readers and writers believe that writing a memoir is easier than writing a novel.“ This big misconception is thought by many because they may think it’s easier to write in memoir because one doesn’t have to create a story. This is a huge misconception. Please read on by clicking on the link below.
DGKayewriter.com 
Great tips – Saved the post on my desktop! Thank you, Debby.
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Thought you would like that Marian! A wonderful post. 🙂
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What an interesting article that is, Deb. In particular the line “Memoirs, unlike novels, don’t end” caught my eye. I actually think memoirs would be a really difficult genre to write as you have to relive events that you might not want to… Thanks for the insights and shares here, Deb!
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Glad you took something from this Christy! Yes, I will attest to what you said, as a memoir writer, it can be difficult writing some things because it is reliving. I went through an ocean of emotions when I wrote my first book Conflicted Hearts. But it can be very cathartic, and for me, it gave me a lot of new insights about the people in my life as I wrote about them and spent time analyzing what fed their own emotions. 🙂
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Very interesting post, Deb.
I found Mary Karr’s quote to be applicable to fiction as well as memoir.
To quote Mary Karr, “The memoir’s antagonist has to be some part of the self.” If we don’t see the writer struggling with his better and worse nature, proceeding sometimes nobly and sometimes blindly and foolishly, then there’s no conflict and, in the end, no book.
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Excellent depiction! 🙂
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Great points. I learned this the hard way. I’m particularly grateful to the 25 year old reader/editor who told me when I thought the book was ready to submit: “I’ve read 50 pages, and I don’t care about you as a character in this book. It’s your story, but I don’t feel you.” Wow. I resisted her perspective. It hurt though and stayed with me, so I knew she was on to something. I didn’t change the structure, but did plenty of rewriting and portrait “painting.” She did a lot for my book in a few sentences.
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Aren’t editors wonderful. We tend to get so engrossed in our writing sometimes and forget to stand outside of the box. Thanks Elaine. And wishing you a very Merry Christmas. You’ve accomplished so much this year, be proud! 🙂
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Good points regarding misconceptions and memoirs!.
Interesting reading as usual, dear D.G.
All the best to you. Aquileana 😀
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Thanks Aq. Happy New Year to you. 🙂
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