The Memoir Writers’ 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 an art form that demands a unique blend of creativity and vulnerability. It requires memoir writers to tap into their most personal experiences and emotions while still maintaining a sense of objectivity and clarity. As such, the journey of memoir writing can be both challenging and rewarding. In this article, I’ll explore what it means to be on the writing journey as memoir writers, focusing on how attitude and mindset are crucial for growth. I’ll discuss some of the high points of learning and growing as memoir writers, as well as some of the low points of the writing journey and how to potentially overcome them while validating your creative self.
The Memoir Writers’ Mindset
The first step in becoming memoir writers is having the right attitude and mindset. Rather than simply chasing publication, aspiring memoir writers should focus on learning and growing as much as possible so that their stories have depth and resonance. This means being open to creative writing feedback, revising extensively, and embracing the challenges inherent in the writing process.
One of the most significant high points that memoir writers regularly experience is the profound impact of a transformational revision. This occurs when you take your initial concept or draft and transform it into something entirely new through extensive revision. It's essential to remember that revision isn't just about fixing errors—it's about reimagining your work entirely. And a memoir writer’s work is their life story. So writing and revising it might lead to even more growth and development in your personal life.
Another key aspect of growth for memoir writers is developing a deep understanding of yourself as both a writer and a person. This requires introspection, honesty, vulnerability, and self-awareness. By exploring your own experiences more deeply, you can create works that are emotionally resonant with readers.
The Memoir Writers’ Challenges
However, there are also low points on any writing journey that aspiring memoir writers need to be prepared for. Rejection from agents or publishers can be devastating but is often an inevitable part of the process. It's vital to remember that rejection doesn't mean your work isn't good—it simply means you haven't found the right fit for it yet, or you’re still struggling to drill down to the premise of your story or your individual writing style. Other low points can include creative blocks, self-doubt, and burnout.
To overcome these challenges while validating your creative self, it's crucial to be mature enough in your craft and able to take things in stride. Memoir writers need to continue nurturing themselves and keep writing, even when faced with obstacles. Remembering why you started writing in the first place can help reignite passion and motivation.
In conclusion, memoir writers require a unique attitude and mindset. Aspiring writers should focus on learning and growing as much as possible while embracing the challenges of the writing process. Transformational revision and deep introspection are just two high points of this journey, while rejection and burnout represent some of the lows. However, by maintaining a mature attitude towards your craft and staying committed to your work, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Memoir writers are not just chasing publication—the journey is about validating your creative self through growth, learning, and perseverance.
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