Memoir can be an intimidating genre for writers due to the very personal nature of the content. Memoir author, writers group founder, and publishing consultant Patricia L. Brooks offers a workshop aptly named "Write the Memoir You Are Afraid to Write." Brooks strongly encourages aspiring memoirists to "write your truth," despite the risk of getting negative feedback from family or friends. Brooks advises that if you know your heart is in the right place, you can't worry about what others think. By writing about and sharing her truths Brooks has been able to help many women. To build up your confidence in your writing, she recommends finding a critique group that you trust for support and encouragement.
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Hello, I'm glad that you shared your tips and experiences with us. Thank you. I have a question to put out there. If I am writing about another person, and want to capture the narrative, fiction-like elements of a true story in nonfiction, is it advisable to write a memoir, "as told to" the author? I have seen one author write an autobiography about the life of another well known person, "as told to" the author, (i.e. The Autobiography of Malcom X, As told to Alex Haley). Thanks. Sam R.
Hi Sam,
Great question! Perhaps a biographical approach might be a good fit for your material? To get a better idea of the differences between genres check out our article discussing the differences between memoir, biography and autobiography