Introduction to a memoir

or how to make a memoir memorable

When writing a memoir, it isn’t enough to tell a story; one has to capture the moods and the emotions that come with living that story. A memoir isn’t very interesting if it simply details an adventure or outlines an experience without any of the sentiments that make it truly personal. 

Reflection, assumptions, revelations, struggles, intimate and personal, are what bring insight to that story, give it character, make the experience singular. They are what create a bond between the reader and the author. Together they are what makes a memoir memorable.

I sit down at the computer to write not only when I am happy and inspired, but also when I am angry, exhausted, or frustrated in order to capture that mood. It isn’t always easy; I mean, who wants to sit down and write when one is absolutely pissed off? Or when one can only think of collapsing onto the sofa to nap? How does one find the words? I only recently realized that I need to learn to infuse my words with my emotions, not only the good but the bad, as they happen, in order to effectively transmit those emotions to the reader. And that is going to take time and practice.