There is a wide range of topics and styles in memoir writing. So to answer the question "What qualities make a good memoir?", I decided to read customer reviews on a bunch of memoirs on Amazon. I noted adjectives that were commonly used throughout the reviews. It was actually surprising to find the same words and phrases used to describe wildly ... Read More
February 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
November 17, 2016 Leave a Comment
Do You Have What it Takes to Write a Memoir?
Have you been thinking about preserving your life stories, but wondering if you have what it takes to write a memoir or autobiography? Most of MemoirHelper.com is geared for people who don't write professionally and are only hoping to share their stories with family, friends, and future generations. This simple exercise was designed to help ... Read More
June 30, 2016 Leave a Comment
Writing About Negative Experiences
Many memoir writers struggle with writing about negative experiences, even though they are vital to explaining the writer's point of view. Some people just don't like to "dwell on the negative" while others are uncomfortable sharing their worst moments or traits, or those of someone they love. There are at least a couple of reasons that you ... Read More
March 26, 2016 Leave a Comment
10 Tips for Staying Motivated!
Staying motivated through any big project can be a challenge. Whether you are recording your life stories, your family history, or putting together a special photo project, there are a few things you can do to make sure you stay motivated. Here are 10 tips you may find helpful: Define exactly what it is the you are going to accomplish and when ... Read More
March 24, 2016 Leave a Comment
What is Autobiography?
Autobiography is a non-fiction writing genre. However, people asking the question "What is autobiography?" are often wanting to know the specific characteristics that make autobiography different from other non-fiction genres like memoir. So first take a look at the definitions. Autobiography (definition from Dictionary.com) - a history of a ... Read More
March 2, 2016 3 Comments
Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
The answer to the question "Why Do You Believe What You Believe?" is often left to the interpretation of those who know only what you believe. A few days ago, I had a conversation with a gentleman who didn't want to leave those interpretations to chance. He had some very strong opinions on topics that at a glance didn't align with other positions ... Read More
February 13, 2016 1 Comment
Memoir Blog Can Be Private
A memoir blog or autobiography blog really is a great way to share your life stories as you go, rather than waiting until it's all done. Here are a few reasons why you might consider it. The discussion and feedback you get from each blog post can provide motivation to keep you going. Your readers don't have to digest the whole thing at ... Read More
January 12, 2016 1 Comment
Define: Memoir vs Autobiography
First let's just say that not all dictionary definitions make it clear that there is a difference. However, most of the writing experts define memoir vs autobiography something like this: An autobiography is chronological and covers an entire life. The dates should be accurate and the stories should be true. A memoir is about a specific ... Read More
January 1, 2016 Leave a Comment
New Year’s Resolution: Write My Memoirs
Did you do it? Did you say it out loud or just think it? Is this the first time you've told yourself that it's time? You are not alone. There are lots of people out there that would like to write their memoirs or autobiographies and it sometimes lingers in the back of their minds until finally, one day they get started. Others let it linger too ... Read More
March 16, 2015 Leave a Comment
“A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”
This is Part 5 in a five-part series on "Preparing to Write Your Memoir". Hopefully in Step 2, you were able to think of some photos that you would like to include in your memoir or autobiography. For the recent years, you probably have photos on your computer. For the older photos, there will be frames, photo albums, shoe boxes and you may ... Read More
