The Memoir Writer Journey
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Memoir writing is not just about publishing the story of your life; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. In this article, I’ll share what it means to be a memoir writer and explore the mindset and attitude required to learn and grow as a memoir writer instead of solely chasing the outcome—independent or traditional publication. I’ll discuss the high points of learning and growing as a memoir writer, as well as some low points you might face along your journey. Most importantly, I’ll talk about how to overcome these challenges while validating your creative self. Not everyone may be ready to embrace the writing journey fully, you might find yourself better prepared for the challenge after reading this article.
Getting Started as a Memoir Writer
As you prepare to become a memoir writer, it's essential to have the right mindset and attitude toward learning and growth. Instead of solely focusing on completing a manuscript or publishing your work, consider embracing the process of self-discovery through your writing. This mindset shift can help you stay motivated even when faced with rejection or constructive criticism—and you may encounter plenty of both as a creative writer, as they’re a normal part of the process.
One of the high points of being a memoir writer is discovering new aspects of yourself through reflection and introspection. Writing can be therapeutic, allowing us to process our emotions and experiences in a healthy way. As you begin to write your memoir, take time for self-reflection regularly and work your insights and revelations into the text itself. You may discover new insights into yourself that can transform how you view your past experiences.
Memoir Writer Challenges
While there are many highs available to a memoir writer, there are also lows that all creatives may face along their journeys. Writer's block, self-doubt, and fear of vulnerability are all common challenges that a memoir writer may encounter. To overcome these challenges, it's crucial to validate yourself creatively by acknowledging your progress rather than focusing solely on your end goal or the roadblocks in your way. (It’s important to remember that these are going to be temporary, even if they don’t always feel that way.) Celebrate small wins, such as completing a chapter or receiving positive feedback from a writing community or critique partner.
As you continue to grow and learn as a memoir writer, it's essential to nurture yourself along the way. This means taking breaks when needed, seeking out supportive writing communities, and being kind to yourself during the process. Not everyone may be ready to embrace the writing journey fully, or to write for publication—you might instead opt to write for yourself and your loved ones—but that doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing. Remember that growth takes time and effort, especially deeply introspective personal development, so be patient with yourself during this process.
Being a memoir writer is much more than just publishing a book. It's about self-discovery, growth, and embracing the challenge of becoming a better memoir writer. By having the right mindset and attitude towards learning and validation of your creative self, you can overcome any challenges you might face. Remember to celebrate small wins along the way and take time for self-care as needed. As an aspiring memoir writer, embrace your own personal journey while continuing to nurture yourself and your craft.
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