writing memoir
Post on 16-Feb-2016
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Writing MemoirRecording your memories
Autobiography , Memoirs Or Memoir?
Autobiography is the story of your whole life.
Memoirs are written by famous people. Memoir is selected incidents from a
person’s life which illustrate a theme.
Why write my memoir?
It’s fashionable.To pass on knowledge. To pass on life skills.To entertain? To give your descendants a glimpse into
your life.
What if I hurt people?
Poison doesn’t need to come out.Don’t use your memoir to settle scores.Remember to portray other points of view. Consider whether it’s worth alienating
yourself.Tell it in another way? It’s often unfair to portray someone
negatively.
Gathering Information
Memory
Research
MemoryJournalsMeditationMeaningful objectsPhotosMake listsCaution: memories can be overwhelming. The positive? That’s what will keep people
enthralled.
Research
Search enginesLocal historical societiesArchivesState libraryLocal library; local librariansBibliographies at the back of a book
Industry journalsShips’ recordsMuseumsUniversity librariesLocal historiesGenealogical societies
Electoral rollsProperty title searchesPhone booksRegistry of births, deaths and marriagesUnmarked gravesCheck the names on neighbouring gravesLawyers’ records; local law society
Police recordsHospital recordsMigration recordsState uni librariesSchool records; school magazinesBooks on historyAustralian war memorial
Cautions
Be sceptical; check a number of sourcesLook at things from a different point of
viewDon’t spend too much time on research
Getting started
Who is this story for?
Who is this story about?
Publishing method?
MainstreamSelf-publishPrint on demandBlogEbookPrivate
VideoAudioPatchworkCD and DVDComputer fileMemory stick or hard drive
The nuts and bolts
Allocate a certain colour to each character and have a file for each.
Divide an A3 into 30 boxes. Each box represents a chapter of 3000
words. The aim is a 90,000-word publishable
memoir. Write passionately.
Your first 10 chapters must introduce your main characters.
Chapters 11 to 30 contain all action and interaction.
Chapters 1 to 20 introduce all questions and problems faced.
Chapters 21 to 30 – no new questions.Chapter 29 and 30 contain the resolution.
Other methods
Write as a series of short stories.
Make up a photo album and then write a short piece about each photo.
Tips
Any good story is like laying a trail of crumbs for a bird.
Write passionately.Follow the emotion.
Where to publish?
Ebook: Smashwords, Amazon, pdfPrint on Demand: Lightning Source,
FeedareadBlogs: Blogspot, WordpressPrint: Digitalprintaustralia, Griffin,
Watson and FergusonAlbums: Digitalprintaustralia, Kmart,
BigW
Covers
Must be professionalSmashwords list for ebooksSearch engine for graphic designersBuy stock photos online
Content
Get a professional editSearch engine for professional editorsProofreadMake sure layout is correctEbook layoutPrint and POD
Conclusion
Follow the passion LaughCry Enjoy
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