Biography, Autobiography, Memoir discussion
Do You Read Bios, Autobios, Memoirs of People You Dont Know?
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Koren
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Jan 15, 2017 11:18AM
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I do read books about people I have never heard of but it is usually because it is something that has been recommended to me or I have read the synopsis and thought I would read this book. I had never heard of Emily Hahn but someone recommended a book about her which sounded very interesting and it was one of my favorite books last year.
I think you are right. I know that I tend to follow certain authors whose style I really like but in doing so, I think I have really short changed myself in missing some really good reads. Now, I am more inclined to read what the book is about and go from there. A lot of "unknowns" have put out amazing books!
An interesting question. I have written two memoirs and to be frank I do question who would be interested in reading about an unknown. Normally I read memoirs about famous people who have achieved great things. Still that didn't stop me (writing what I know). Most famous people started their journey with all the added extras such as two parents, a good education and no childhood traumas but that doesn't always create the most interesting people. I'm selling copies in a slow steady stream, very slow and perhaps not that steady but I do have readers and many have been back for second helpings. My hope is that readers seeking something different will choose Paulyanna OR Playing Out.
http://amzn.to/2j0fhmr author page
kind regards PDL
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Interesting perspective, Paul. I was wondering...Did you start writing your memoir with the idea that you had an interesting story to tell others or did you start writing to please yourself or for family and then decided others might be interested?
Reading biographies of someone I've never heard of before in my life is a standard technique with me. It allows me access to all these different areas of history and geography and culture and so forth that I would never venture into otherwise.
Of course all the time, I don't know everybody.If they have an interesting story I will give it a shot.
As a new author with a debut book, "Go West, Young Woman!" I am pleased to read in the comments that people are interested in memoirs of someone who does not have celebrity status in the news. I had one publisher tell me that books about the lives of people who are not "famous" will not sell. The publisher I signed with, shares my view. I believe an honest, inspiring story, that is enjoyable and engaging will always have a place in the hearts of readers.
My memoir came out last March "Unfinished - A Personal Journey of Healing, Self-Discovery and Resilience." This is my first book so I am a totally unknown author. Would really be pleased if you decide to read it and then let me know what you think. Just wondering if other new authors have the same challenge as myself in how to get it "out there" and be noticed?
Koren wrote: "Paul wrote: "An interesting question. I have written two memoirs and to be frank I do question who would be interested in reading about an unknown. Normally I read memoirs about famous people who h..." I started to write my memoir after the death of my father. I had always wanted to write and I suppose life had finally given me the happy ending I needed to make a decent enough story. (no connection with my father's passing) I know that the way my life played out was not standard, or at least not that common. I wanted to share my observations, my thoughts about certain issues and my journey. Growing up without a mother was tough. Working the streets was not. I tell it like it is/was without any extra layers of grit and with no false glamour. In fact in the telling of my story I attempted to bring about the ordinary. I think by sticking to the truth no matter how embarrassing I have succeeded. Lastly I wanted people with a similar background to myself to be encouraged and know that with luck things CAN work out. My books cover some real life issues but in a very lighthearted way. I hope my readers are pleasantly surprised.
I am certainly not famous, which is probably reflected in my lackluster sales. However, I'm going to continue my current series of memoirs involving the time I spent in the Middle East during the 1980s simply because this is a story I WANT to tell. In the back of my mind I'm still hoping to attract some readers over time, particularly after I step up my game in terms of writing, editing, proofing, book design and (God help me) marketing. But one way or the other, I intend to persevere until I've published three, possibly four of these books. Things may be a little different for me because I'm now retired and face no pressure to generate income from these books. All I'm hoping for is recognition in certain circles.
Recognition in certain circles? What certain circles? The people that take the time to read your book aren't good enough?? Sorry.
If you self-publish you have to do all your own marketing and distribution..that is the reality of it. Or you put up your own money for it. If people can't actually access your book ie. it's sitting in a warehouse somewhere instead of being out in the bookshops, or unable to be printed on demand...you are not going to reach a wide audience.
Make sure your book is available to the public especially in libraries.
Nancy wrote: "As a new author with a debut book, "Go West, Young Woman!" I am pleased to read in the comments that people are interested in memoirs of someone who does not have celebrity status in the news. I ha..."Well of course less well known people won't sell AS MANY copies as celebrities, but its not true that if you are not well known your book won't sell. Many big publishers can only take a risk on known people since they are putting a lot of money into the venture. Esp if it's a memoir, and they've sold celebrity memoirs in the past.
Don't sign contracts with these publishers or bother submitting to them only to be rejected find one that believes in your book, on the strength of the story and hopefully doesn't ask you to put up money for it.
Sometimes an association with a celebrity can be your foot in the door though. But I do find these tell-alls of course want to cash in on the fame of others. That is just the nature of the publishing business unfortunately.
An author will have a different mindset to a publisher.
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One writer that I'm viewing as a model right now is Keith Foskett, who has carved out a niche writing memoirs of his hiking adventures. Foskett certainly wasn't famous when he began working on his books but now he's an Amazon best seller. I just finished Balancing on Blue about his thru hike on the Appalachian Trail, all the way from Georgia (my home state) to Maine. I like the way Foskett brings enthusiasm and joie de vivre to his account, which helps him get through the segments where there's really not a lot of action going on. When reading his work, regardless of your interest in hiking, you sort of identify with his mission and goals and enjoy his company along the journey. I'm now reading his The Journey in Between, about the El Camino del Santiago trail in France and Spain. One big lesson I take away from Foskett is a non-celebrity memoir can work if you really breathe some passion into it and communicate that to the reader. I'm going to try to do more of that in my second book. In the first one, I think, I still had too much of a reporter's mindset. For all of us, the lesson is: you can make it work if you really care.
Selina wrote: "Nancy wrote: "As a new author with a debut book, "Go West, Young Woman!" I am pleased to read in the comments that people are interested in memoirs of someone who does not have celebrity status in ..."Selina, I completely agree with you. Unfortunately, you don't know an agent or publisher's opinion until you query them. Their response did not upset me, I knew they were wrong, and I was determined to keep trying, giving up, based on the opinions of a few people, would have been a mistake. I kept looking until I found a publisher who was very enthusiastic about my book. Number 15, is now my lucky number!
Koren wrote: "Some of my favorite memoirs have been by unknown authors who wrote about their childhoods. I love a story with a Walton-esque feel to it. I love a memoir of growing up at the time I grew up- 60's a..."That's more of a Brady-esque or Nelson-esque feel, isn't it?
Koren, if you want an honest, true life account of someone who survived a tumultuous childhood, that carried over into adulthood, then you might perhaps connect with my memoir, "Unfinished - A Personal Journey of Healing, Self-Discovery and Resilience." I was born in 1956 so I think maybe you will be able to relate to the time period. It took me 5 years to write and it became a big part in my healing process from multiple forms of abuse - both as a child and later as an adult, choosing unhealthy partners and lifestyle. My goal was to give hope to people who have gone through similar experiences and for the reader to realize that healing and even forgiveness, is possible. I don't think you would be disappointed if you choose to add it to your "want to read" list!
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I would read any of them but if I could go back in time I would love to go back to the Walton's era.
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Isana, what is your birthday? You can PM me if you don't want everyone to know. I was born in 1956 also but don't remember a whole lot about the 50's.
These memoirs I read about people completely unknown to me if they have an interesting story. Just thinking of the interesting ones I have read...people who've been caught up in cults
people that have become christians or are missionaries
chinese immigrants to other countries - their experiences
immigrants in general - anyone who's travelled and had to start a new life
memoirs about life in nz before the 80s when I was born - for history, particularly if they grew up locally
funny memoirs, one was bout a girl who moved back in with her parents
people that have survived something - like depression, illness, abuse
interesting work experiences - undertakers, librarians, detectives, fashion designers, etc. Babylon series of anonymous authors exposing the industry
actors and actresses that I don't necessarily know but lived in another era, or made musicals
people that write about their pets or animals who've changed their life
anything inspiring or even a bit wacky
people that write about their gardens..suppose could be a memoir as well cos often its a journey of discovery
Koren wrote: "Isana wrote: "Koren, if you want an honest, true life account of someone who survived a tumultuous childhood, that carried over into adulthood, then you might perhaps connect with my memoir, "Unfin..."
Koren wrote: "Isana wrote: "Koren, if you want an honest, true life account of someone who survived a tumultuous childhood, that carried over into adulthood, then you might perhaps connect with my memoir, "Unfin..."
Hey Koren - My birthday is November 16th - wouldn't that be cool if your is the same!!
Koren wrote: "Isana wrote: "Koren, if you want an honest, true life account of someone who survived a tumultuous childhood, that carried over into adulthood, then you might perhaps connect with my memoir, "Unfin..."
Hey Koren - My birthday is November 16th - wouldn't that be cool if your is the same!!
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That would have been cool but sorry. Mine is September 7.
I have to tell you a story. I like to read the obits in the newspaper, and you know sometimes one just catches your eye. This one caught my eye because the picture was a young, pretty girl and she lived about an hour away so I was curious to know why her obit was in our local paper. So I'm reading along and low and behold, her birthday was the EXACT same day as mine, in the SAME hospital. So even though I didn't know her, I was sad that I had probably met her on the day I was born and now would never get to know her.
Koren wrote: "Isana wrote: "Koren wrote: "Isana wrote: "Koren, if you want an honest, true life account of someone who survived a tumultuous childhood, that carried over into adulthood, then you might perhaps co..."
That's amazing! But it must have felt surreal that you were probably beside her as infants and then both your lives took different directions. Sounds like a good story line!
That's amazing! But it must have felt surreal that you were probably beside her as infants and then both your lives took different directions. Sounds like a good story line!
And me being me, I can't help but wonder if your birthday twin caught a bullet meant for you!
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Ha! Maybe we were switched at birth???
Actually, she had cancer.
Well, it was only a metaphorical bullet... :)
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Yes, I know.
I'm currently writing a memoir, and my husband has just wrote one. Vodka, Vagabonds, and Victory by Robert Gallant. The kindle version is 99 cents right now.I have noticed that most of the people that read his book are friends, and people that want to support us. There have been some strangers that have read it because it is an interesting story. We self publish so I have had to "market" his book and I am finding it really hard. I think we would have a bigger audience if we had a professional market it, but we just didn't have the money or time to do that.
I have many friends that have been waiting to read my book. They have watched me overcome many traumatic obstacles and are looking forward to reading how I overcame it all. I hope that my audience will be many women in abusive or bad situations, that through reading my book will find the courage to leave, or to fight another day.
Tiffany wrote: "I'm currently writing a memoir, and my husband has just wrote one. Vodka, Vagabonds, and Victory by Robert Gallant. The kindle version is 99 cents right now.
I have noticed that most of the people..."
I can so relate! I too, self-published, and doing my own marketing is really tough - especially because I am really inept when it comes to social media. We seem to have a similar story. How can we help each other?
I have noticed that most of the people..."
I can so relate! I too, self-published, and doing my own marketing is really tough - especially because I am really inept when it comes to social media. We seem to have a similar story. How can we help each other?
You could start by reading and reviewing (here and on Amazon) ea. other's books of course!
Tiffany! I will read and review your book if you do the same for me? Check out my website: www.isana-unfinished.com
Not for me Koren, I am actually quite the opposite. I liked to read books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things or having extraordinary lives but aren't celebrities. I find that some celebrity books, i.e. political biographies and even some stars of music and movies are boring as watching paint dry and I end up skipping most of the book by looking just for bit that may be of some interest. However in saying that one of my most favourite books is by a famous person. I'm not really into books from my own country and love to read books about people in the USA from say 1910 - 1920's onwards. I am particularly interested in the struggles of Afro-American women. P.S. I was really happy to find this group as I only read biographies, memoirs etc. nowadays and finding those with that interest in books is not always easy.
Suzanne wrote: "Not for me Koren, I am actually quite the opposite. I liked to read books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things or having extraordinary lives but aren't celebrities. I find that some cel..."Suzanne, you might like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope, it is exactly the type of book you described.
Suzanne wrote: "Not for me Koren, I am actually quite the opposite. I liked to read books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things or having extraordinary lives but aren't celebrities. I find that some cel..."
You might just find my book right up your alley!
You might just find my book right up your alley!
I'll take a look certainly Isana, thanks for the hint.
Suzanne wrote: "Not for me Koren, I am actually quite the opposite. I liked to read books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things or having extraordinary lives but aren't celebrities. I find that some cel..."Have you read Rosa Park's story. That was interesting. I mean she was an ordinary person who ended up doing extraordinary things. She only became a celeb later. Although I think in these cases it might be people who haven't had any kind of publicity in their lives before.
I mean she was pretty much unknown to me that was why I looked into her story, but not simply because she was a famous person but because her life sounded interesting.
Marketing is a funny thing you don't really want to blow your own trumpet thats why publishers are supposed do it for you - if you're self published you kind of have to do it yourself, at least initially.
I don't think there's any tried and true formula, but try and get as wide distribution as possible, do interviews, have your book in the bookstores, and libraries, make your work easily accessible.
For me, a kindle book is not going to even be looked at simply cos I don't even have a kindle.
Hi Selina,The real book, in paper or hardback. I truly wish books could be accessed here in Australia not at sky high prices. If you read books once and not again usually it is an extra expensive to do so. Even when using the library it does add up for those who read books at a quite fast pace.
I'm not a fan of the Kindle but living in a country where books I like that aren't on the top seller list as they are not by J.K. Rowling or John Grisham I tend to get them any way I can. Unfortunately space is an issue in my home and the books I do have are at capacity in that space! Lego and transformers in my very small home take precedence over anything I may have for a little person. I still love getting to the library when not been there already for someone else!
Re. publishers etc. I think you may have me mixed up with another person who responded to my comment as a writer as currently I have not written a book.
yea its expensive to buy brand new books here. But here libraries are free, is it not in australia? It only costs if you are overdue.
With me I just give my books I've finished reading away usually to op shops, or donate them if they are christian ones to the church. I used to do book mooch but it got expensive sending them overseas.
I'm not precious about books they are meant to be shared and read.
Yes libraries are free here but the selection is actually quite narrow as our council doesn't spend the money on new books. Perhaps they get spent on the kids books - as my little boy always has new books to read when we go once a week. He has four stories a night - more if he could so I'm a bit of a slave to borrowing them on my library card as we get the maximum out each time. My husband often goes the other time later in the week.Have you heard of the website booko.com.au A good friend of mine put me on to it. It's a website that does price comparison of books. You set up a log-in for yourself and you can save book names and receive alerts for a specified amount if a book reduces in price.
I'm a fan of the Op shop for books. I donate any I own to either friends or the charity op shop we have nearby. Books are expensive to ship to Australia from Amazon and the Aussie dollar seems to keep taking a dive against the Greenback quite regularly to 70c so until it is at least 80c it has to be a must have to ship as the shipping costs as much as the book usually. I'm sure you probably suffer the same issues if you are in my part of the world too, or in Australia?
Yes books shared are the best. I just need more time in the day to get to read besides housework, tiredness and my family leaves me about 20 mins a day to read. Later at night I do some online volunteer work. I need to read more I think. I used to have my head stuck continually in a book before my son was born.
When do you usually read? What's your favourite book?
well..I've stopped buying from amazon because of huge shipping costs, Book Depository was slightly better but I just borrow my books from the library or go op shopping these days. No I haven't heard of booko.com.auIn Auckland since council amalgamated and the collection has become floating anyone who is a member can now access the whole collection instead of just at their local library. If you request a book, it can be sent to your local library, you don't have to pay anything to borrow it. Think that was the only good thing to come out of the supercity amalgamation!!! There are always new books at my library. I used to work for public libraries and it would be a sad day if they stopped acquisitions. I've been updating church library which has been neglected for about 2 years and it was such a mission weeding out the outdated books. But if you don't keep on top of it, people won't borrow. I've found that christian books are actually cheaper than mainstream books they would be $10 cheaper for the same format. I think its because secular publishers and bookstores want to make profits.
Well, I would say not having children gives me time to read, but then I imagine if I did have children I would be reading books with them anyway. I would just be reading more children's books I suppose.
Usually would be reading a devotional, which is just a page a day, and a gardening book, and either a memoir or a novel on the go. I don't really go in for long fiction anymore and but a friend lent me Maeve Binchy so am just getting through that, its about 600 something pages. However am too far into it to stop reading till the end. I read either in bed before sleeping or in the bathroom, and if I know I need to wait somewhere or on public transport I just take the book with me. I don't ever watch tv so anytime that I would have spent watching that is reading time.
I try to support locally published authors now and with libraries if you buy in bulk or cut out the middle man then books aren't as expensive. But secondhand books in good condition are just as good I don't always have to have the latest.
Selina wrote: "well..I've stopped buying from amazon because of huge shipping costs, Book Depository was slightly better but I just borrow my books from the library or go op shopping these days. No I haven't hear..."Sounds like you're a good shopper.
Suzanne wrote: "Not for me Koren, I am actually quite the opposite. I liked to read books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things or having extraordinary lives but aren't celebrities. I find that some cel..."May I suggest At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power? It totally reframes Rose Parks's career -- she was an antirape activist from the ground up who branched out into more general civil-rights issues -- and the book includes the stories of many other people involved in that cause.
Thanks for the suggestion, I like the added stories of the others involved in fighting for protection of women as well. I think this keeps the stories from becoming to repetitive or depressing as the subject of rape is a heavy one. I saw a book advertised definitely I have on the very top of my way to long list of books I must read. The book is about Paul Robeson who was not only a beautiful singer but also an activist and quite a mystery about his private life apparently from the review I hope the book lives up to the "hook" that got me in with the mystery and a richly interesting man.
Selina wrote: "well..I've stopped buying from amazon because of huge shipping costs, Book Depository was slightly better but I just borrow my books from the library or go op shopping these days. No I haven't hear..."We are just starting council amalgamations here in my local Sydney area. There is a lot of whinging about it by the councils, maybe don't want to lose their jobs but in actuality it hopefully will cut wastage of services and also those been kept in employment who we could easily do without to provide better services - i.e. books I really hope, or a proper children's library like the one we should have that is a council we are merging with. However as they are probably one of the most well of suburbs in Sydney they don't want to merge with us peasants! It's all a bit of a farce really. Books and services of the library don't get what they should here.
Yes know what you mean about TV, I can take it or leave it most times. Occasionally I may find something I really like in a series but that is usually on a streaming service these days. Some shows I really loved finish 4 or 5 years ago so I rarely watch. I get bored with it very quickly too. I'd rather be doing something construction if my son is actually in bed at a reasonable time. I do charity loan tagging and jigsaw puzzles on my Apple Mac as the feel is almost as the real as the one out of the box, without having to deal with the lack of space issues and not knowing what to do with the box when finished. I do like Project Runway for the creative aspect of the clothing, especially what they call the "unconventional" challenge where they give the designers strange items of a theme to make clothing out of and expect them to make it look like you could wear it to go out. Some of them are especially talented. I like Isaac Misraghi and Michael Kors as judges, some of the funny comments, especially Isaac are very funny. The designers have gotten bigger and bigger personalities as the seasons have gone on. I love any creative shows. They used to have a show about vintage designer clothing. I think the shop was in LA, the outfits were just amazing, and had "stories" of their own, wonderful to hear and see all of this part of history.
I used to watch project runway, I don't know if it's still on, but it was one of the better shows although Heidi Klum sometimes had questionable taste. "Fashion Forward" is one phrase I learned from that show. I have some sewing books, one is called Famous Frocks: Patterns and Instructions for 20 Fabulous Iconic Dresses
I have yet to make any dress from but one day I will. I am actually really after the dress Leisl wore in Sound of Music as I think that's really pretty, but maybe start with something simple first, like the dresses made from curtains.
Selina, you just reminded me of one of my favorite moments from The Carol Burnett Show, the scene where 'Miss Starlett' appeared wearing the dress she made out of the green velvet curtains in "Went With The Wind:"
Fishface wrote: "Selina, you just reminded me of one of my favorite moments from The Carol Burnett Show, the scene where 'Miss Starlett' appeared wearing the dress she made out of the green velvet curtains in "Went..."This was so funny!
Carol Burnett another fantastic actor that many could not shine a light to these days!
Biography, Autobiography, Memoir
Books mentioned in this topic
Growing Up Greenpoint: A Kid's Life in 1970s Brooklyn (other topics)Growing Up Greenpoint: A Kid's Life in 1970s Brooklyn (other topics)
Famous Frocks: Patterns and Instructions for 20 Fabulous Iconic Dresses (other topics)
At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power (other topics)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope (other topics)
