Book Recommendation: WHY WE WRITE ABOUT OURSELVES

“A memoirist’s brain acts out the coal-to-diamond process. A story puts pressure on the brain; the book is what comes out.” @Darinstrauss 

Publisher Synopsis:

All the secrets a reader or writer of memoirs needs to know—and all the secrets an aspiring writer or lover of literature wants to know—in one readable volume, a follow-up to the acclaimed writers’ handbook Why We Write.

For the many amateurs and professionals who write about themselves—bloggers, journal-keepers, aspiring essayists, and memoirists—this book offers inspiration, encouragement, and pithy, practical advice. Twenty of America’s bestselling memoirists share their innermost thoughts and hard-earned tips with veteran author Meredith Maran, revealing what drives them to tell their personal stories, and the nuts and bolts of how they do it. Speaking frankly about issues ranging from turning oneself into an authentic, compelling character to exposing hard truths, these successful authors disclose what keeps them going, what gets in their way, and what they love most—and least—about writing about themselves.

My Recommendation:

Writers: WHY WE WRITE ABOUT OURSELVES is a must-read.

I underlined so much of this book, I excerpted the most poignant quotes on Twitter to showcase the buffet of rich, satisfying words provided in its pages. It fills the well.

Whether or not you write memoir, it is undeniable that our *selves* are embedded in anything we write. This book will give you the inspiration, hope, caution, urging, and permission you need to put yourself on the page.

The work is important; do it.