Denis Ledoux's Blog, page 14

10 Tips for Writing Better Dialog—Make it More Effective and Interesting

If dialog is an essential part of every memoir—and of course it is, then why not make it effective—make it say what needs to be said—and interesting—so that it also keeps the reader reading.

Dialog performs several functions that make your story appealing and meaningful.

Every memoir ought to have some dialog—better dialog.

I am going to start off with offering you some reasons for including dialog in your memoir—to shore up my insisting every memoir ought to include dia...

The Theme-focused Memoir

While many of the people whom I have helped to write a memoir have come ostensibly to write about their lives – to celebrate some achievement, I would say that many of these people are also writing a mission-driven memoir, a theme-focused memoir.

Behind the desire to tell about their lives, there is some intent promote a point of view. This comes under many guises. Generally, of course, this point of view is called “theme.”

The theme-focused memoir is the most common model.

Writing a manu...

Sweetheart, Are You Using Precise Words for Your Memoir?

Is writing precise words really important in a memoir?

Over the years, I have written energetically about the importance of writing precise words instead of generic ones.

I was dropping someone off at the bus station (aka the Intermodal Transportation Center) when I overheard an exchange that purported to be a dialog that convinced me once again of the necessity for precision in speech–and, by extension, in our memoir writing. It was proof that generic words really do miss the mark and le...

Giveaway with Better Memoir Writing Master Classes

At the end of this post, I will be offering a free download of The Memorable Story / Write Your First Memoir Draft Program. But first here’s something developing that’s important for me to share with you: what we are calling our Better Memoir Writing Master Classes on You Tube.

Our YouTube channel already has 30 videos waiting for you—one month’s worth of instruction and motivation. How great is that to have 30 Master Classes available for the asking!—free But, there’s more…

We are upl...

Surviving Childhood Abuse: a Neglected Child – Part 3

In this third interview, Denise Brown continues to share her experience of writing Transcending Darkness: A Memoir of Abuse and Grace. This is a startling tale of a neglected child —of an entirely neglected family. To read Part 1, click here. For Part 2, click here. —DL

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DL: How do you recommend people deal with sensitive material that relatives might take offense at?

DB: Believe it or not, I still have not told my parents that I wrote a memoir. Having been a neglected child, I...

Surviving Childhood Abuse: Overcoming Trauma- Part 2

We continue our interview with Denise Brown about writing and publishing her book, Transcending Darkness: A Memoir of Abuse and Grace. Hers is a heroic story of overcoming trauma. To read part one, click here. —DL

DL: You must have had periods of time in which you were discouraged or, at least, less enthusiastic. Can you tell us about how you kept yourself going? What worked for you?

DB: When I ran into times when I was frazzled by other things going on in my life and didn’t fee...

Surviving Childhood Abuse: A Writer’s Experience

Congratulations to Denise Brown on the publication of her book, Transcending Darkness: A Memoir of Abuse and Grace. I recently had the opportunity to interview Denise about her experience writing her book on surviving childhood abuse.  I am pleased to share her experience. —DL

Denis Ledoux: Can you tell our readers what your book is about and why you were impelled to write it? What was driving you to spend the time, energy and money to get this book out into the world?

Denise Brown...

Learn Better Book Production

A secret motive often underlies how a person write a memoir. In addition to celebrating some achievement, many writers are also writing to advocate for a point of view. To do so effectively, they need better book production.

They’re in the “business!”

For many, writing one’s experience is clearly not enough. Their memoirs are meant to promote specific outcomes. These writers are mission driven and are in the “business” of promoting a point of view. With tongue in cheek, I call these manusc...

Is a coach for the memoir you are writing really useful?

Working with a coach for the memoir you are writing provides you technical, informational and emotional support. Often writers—usually first-time and (perhaps) only-time writers—struggle as they recall, explore, and write their memories.

If you are considering or already busy at turning your memories into memoirs, then memoir coaching is an option that will likely help you to write better and faster. There’s no reason to take forever to write a memoir.

A memoir coach can provide just-in-ti...

Memoir is Long Form Writing.

One challenge many first-time and only-time writers of memoir face is understanding that long-form and short-form writing are not the same. That is, long form is not just longer short form. Long form has its requirements.

Let me explain how memoir is long form

Many of the writers who come to me for coaching and editing are already fine writers—of short form. They can write coherent and clear sentences and their paragraphs convey meaning. There is no problem with their ability to wri...