Method to Memoir
How Essay Writing Can Enhance Your Storytelling
And tips to solve the puzzle of creating great short-form stories.
A few years ago, I began writing a book-length memoir, wanting to leave a legacy of stories for my family and share my journey to making peace with a complicated past.
But it was more difficult than I ever imagined! And where to begin? Think of a book-length project as a puzzle of 1,000 pieces. But first, we have to create the pieces. Then we have to put them together.
My writing skills were not yet up to the job. I needed to learn more about the techniques of story, structure, theme, scenes, and details.
The goal of memoir writing is to show how we change as we pursue a goal, in my case, a satisfying life. My journey took an unexpected turn after taking a class on writing personal essays.
“Aha! Why not write essays? I’ll start with a 50-piece jigsaw. I'll learn the craft, polish my skills, and then write a book.”
I love truths in small packages, like expensive chocolate. Essays are an ideal way to write in small, manageable bites, and my writing has improved by focusing on short-form stories.
