Am I Qualified to Write Memoir?
Am I Qualified to Write Memoir?
During my research into writing memoir, I have run across this question quite a few times. The answer is a resound YES!
You don’t have to have a career as a writer, have an MFA to write memoir or be qualified in any other manner. The subject is your life — no one is more qualified to write about your life than you!
Having an MFA, English degree, being a teacher or writer can and will certainly give you a leg up. Grammar and spelling seems to be the scariest part for non-writers. But, those things are fixable. The voice, emotion and actual stories are yours and yours alone. No one is more qualified to write them.
The key to memoir –
I have found the key to writing memoir — starting. Once you start and keep going, it gets easier and easier. Reading others’ memoirs is also a must for an aspiring memoirist. Read, analyze and learn from those that have successfully accomplished the same goal you are striving towards. Writers are readers — bottom line.
Just as Anne Lamott’s book states – “Bird by Bird” — take your life “Story by Story” — one step at a time.
Mandee
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Thanks Mandee! Needed to hear it. Cheers, to our memoirs. Mo
You go girl! You can do it and so can I! LOL
Mandee, I’m so glad I found your site. I love the encouragement for memoir writers.
I teach creative writing to boomers & seniors, who tell the most wonderful and incredible true stories. I’ve learned a ton of behind-the-scenes info about 20th century events. It’s fantastic.
So, write on, everyone.
BTW: Are you participating in November nonfiction writing month? (Emphasis on “non.”)
Hi Lynette! So glad to meet you. Are you referring to the WNFiN challenge? I just found out about it the other day and promised myself I would participate. I’m excited!
I bet you have heard some great stories! I always relished tales from the past and have been known to engage more than one person in telling life story while sitting at Barnes & Noble coffee shop! LOL
Welcome!
Mandee
Hi Mandee,
So good to find your blog. I’ll do my best to keep an eye out for new posts as you continue clicking the keyboard.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep penning our stories!
Cheers,
~carol welch
(@1person on Twitter)
Your welcome Carol! Time has not been on my side recently but I am trying to get back into cheerleader mode! LOL
Mandee
Hi Mandee, from down under in New Zealand. I am delighted to have discovered you and your page. I’ve recently started a two year journey into writing a school memoir of the 1950s. I’ll be back here to read all your wisdom when I can. I’ve also discovered #memoir daily, thanks to twitter.
Cheers, Val
Hi Val! Thanks so much for joining me here. We can journey together! And yes, the #Memoir Daily is packed full of articles, advice and memoir examples to keep us going!
Welcome!
Mandee
Your stories about memoir writing have encouraged me to pursue this as a goal in 2013. There are some ‘life stories’ I want to preserve for my children and this seems to be a good way to do it.
Happy New Year!
~Elf