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What do you look for in a memoir?
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This is a good question.I'm most interested in getting the "insider" view into other cultures, lifestyles, etc.
Granted, I'm most drawn to the memoirs of artists (authors, musicians, actors), but individuals who live eccentric, unusual lives or overcome extreme odds make for the most compelling memoirs.
Tabitha wrote: "This is a good question.I'm most interested in getting the "insider" view into other cultures, lifestyles, etc.
Granted, I'm most drawn to the memoirs of artists (authors, musicians, actors), b..."
Thank you Tabitha,
Though I should have done I did not take into account having an interest in specific types of people (authors, musicians, actors etc.). We are all unique and different and naturally this will be reflected in our reading choices.
With the advent of self-publishing there are now so many memoirs available, many realting dramatic and difficult lives and experiences. It can be hard choosing which one to read.
T.R. wrote: "With the advent of self-publishing there are now so many memoirs available, many realting dramatic and difficult lives and experiences. It can be hard choosing which one to read. "Agreed.
Truth be told, I haven't read an indie memoir yet. I think the merit of choosing one would be just as much about the quality of the writing as the nature of the story.
I've found that many trad.published memoirs that I've read have been "co-written", which I take to mean that the actual subject lacks writing talent and needs a legit writer to tell their story. In fact, the ones that have undertaken it alone have either been been musicians/songwriters or poets (i.e. writing ability).
That being said, I think an indie forging ahead in the bio/memoir genre, with no other works or fame to their name, probably has a tougher road ahead of them than fictional writers. More power to them though!!
Interesting question. I've reviewed and edited many indie memoirs and my main value test is this: Is there a good reason for this book to exist, and does the author do justice to that reason?Reasons can include gathering family memories, doing a personal inventory, describing a unique experience or point of view, making a political or philosophical statement, etc.
All of these are valid reasons to write a memoir, but obviously there's a bigger audience for the idiosyncratic story with a bigger message. (For the record, I didn't love Cheryl Strayed's Wild, but it obviously had a unique hook that people connected with and remembered.)
Especially in such a popular field, the memoirist needs to have a good story and tell it exceptionally well if he or she is to get noticed.
My pick for best memoir of 2015, so far, is the forthcoming Blackout by Sarah Hepola. Brilliant.
Sheila
www.sheilamtrask.com
Sheila wrote: "Interesting question. I've reviewed and edited many indie memoirs and my main value test is this: Is there a good reason for this book to exist, and does the author do justice to that reason?Reas..."
Thank you Sheila. I think your list of 'reasons' why someone chooses to write their memoir helps them home in on what should be the central theme. In my own case it was difficult because I have had such a variety of experiences. Besides recording my and my ancestors lives I have tried to include a little insight into the social and political conditions of the times. Nevertheless, the books could not be passed off as historical or social accounts. They are about our lives and experiences.
Green wrote: "Everyone has a story to tell and I love memoirs because they celebrate that fact! I read them and I write them and my first ever release has had good success. I think people like to identify with o..."I like your last statement Green. I think they also help some people find answers to their own situations. And may also provide inspiration and hope when they think there is no way out for them by seeing how others have freed themselves from similar circumstances. Of course there are also many more aspects.
I like memoirs because I very much enjoy reading about someone else's life, and usually the person has quite a story to tell. I especially like reading ones where the individual has overcome some hardship in their life. Those particular type of memoirs are inspiring, and always leave me reflecting on my own life and how fortunate I am.
The commercially successful memoirs are most often those of well-known celebrities. The exceptions are those of ordinary people who have personally experienced noteworthy social or historical events such as a war, social revolution, political campaigns, incarceration, or an extraordinary experience.Whatever the premise, the story must be realistic and sincere. It must delve not only into the main characters' strengths and accomplishments, but their weaknesses and failings as well. The reader must be able to empathize with the people and circumstances described in the story as being, not necessarily exceptional, but believably human.
My favourite book is a memoir. I loved it because it felt like I was having a deeply personal conversation with the author. It had drama and suspense, but it felt real. I could really relate to it. Has anyone else read the memoir, Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman
I agree Nicholas, memoirs can make us look more intently at our own lives.Yes Jim, readers are naturally attracted if the book relates to a celebrity or other well-know/famous person. And yet, as you point out, many 'ordinary' people have had unusual or dramatic experiences, which are worth reading about.
I have not read that particular book Joan but I have read some very interesting memoirs by people whose tales would never have been published without self-publishing.
I have to disagree just a wee bit. My memoir sells pretty good, and I am not a famous person or reality star. Many of us in addiction and recovery author community, with publishers tell and share our stories to be able to help others learn you can recover from a dark detour in life.That you can be a respected and trusted human being after addiction. Many real life stories make good reads while raising awareness, inform and educate the public about the inside world of many addictions, and how NOT to choose this path. While doing this, it helps me in recovery with healing, and to know I'm not alone.
I just celebrated my 8th year in recovery from addicted compulsive gambling addiction and alcohol abuse. Many people enjoy reading about other regular everyday people, as I always say; "we all in some way or another have a story inside us to tell. I also feel those books can be good enough without having to self-publish as ones only option of getting your testimony out in the world.
I am proud that my book was chosen by a publisher to take a chance with my true, personal memoir. What an awesome legacy to leave behind helping others in recovery when I am no longer on this earth.
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon
Catherine wrote: "I have to disagree just a wee bit. My memoir sells pretty good, and I am not a famous person or reality star. Many of us in addiction and recovery author community, with publishers tell and share o..."Good to hear your book has found success. Must have been difficult but probably also therapeutic, to write. And it is encouraging to those facing similar circumstances that you are celebrating your eighth year. Yes stories like yours give insight and inspiration and hopefully help those who perhaps have tended to be critical of addictions to understand.
I found it difficult to write my own story but persevered because: 1. Others as well, eventually, myself, believe the account should not be lost with me (I am the last from this branch of the family). 2. I hope it will help other suffers know they can overcome and go on to have a reasonable life.
Thank You T.R.I just added your book to my read list. I have just 2 of my new book clients I'm promoting for to read first, but then I'll get to yours.
And I'm happy that you chose to open up and write about your experiences and story. I confident it will help others. Trauma and abuse can effect us all differently. I am myself still in therapy for some PTSD. It seems to be triggered by stress.
I don't know what stress? LOL. I work from home, but I can be a little hard on myself. Especially when writing. :-)
I wish you "Mucho Success" with your book!
Blessings,
Catherine
It doesn't matter to me if the memoir is about a famous person, as long as it is honest and insightful. My favourite memoir is by an unknown author. Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman is about how the author fell victim to her abuser, why she stayed, and why she finally left. It inspired me to leave my boyfriend who was verbally abusive and controlling. Even non-celebrities can have a huge impact.
Jim wrote: "The commercially successful memoirs are most often those of well-known celebrities. The exceptions are those of ordinary people who have personally experienced noteworthy social or historical event..."Jim - that's a perfect description of my favourite memoir!
Catherine wrote: "Thank You T.R.I just added your book to my read list. I have just 2 of my new book clients I'm promoting for to read first, but then I'll get to yours.
And I'm happy that you chose to open up an..."
Thank you Catherine. I look forward to hearing your opinion. I have used a different style to 'normal' which, the few who have read it appear to like.
Usually, due to demands upon my time, I am sadly unable to read very much and at present do not have any time to dedicate to reading. However, I hope the later circumstances will change. Even then it takes some time for me to get through a book. Nevertheless, I have marked your book as one I would like to read. When I eventually do I will naturally write and post a review. I will let you know when that happens but it will be a while yet.
Liz wrote: "It doesn't matter to me if the memoir is about a famous person, as long as it is honest and insightful. My favourite memoir is by an unknown author. [book:Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordi..."Thank you for sharing that Liz. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear that someone's story helped you escape a bad relationship. To help and inspire people is one of the reasons I decided to write my own story.
I look for depth of character and a non-linear plot line.
Sandy wrote: "I look for depth of character and a non-linear plot line."Thank you Sandy. May I ask you to clarify what you mean by 'non-linear plot line.' Is it that you prefer the story not follow a strict chronological path? I.e. using flash backs/recalls to tell the story. If it is may I ask why. Sometimes, but of course not always, a memoir/autobiography/biography works just as well when told in chronological order provided the unnecessary day-to-day life is omitted. I do not think any of us want to know when someone had a cup of tea or what they had to eat unless it is relevant to the account.
S. wrote: "Had to be the point of view for me.."Surely by definition the 'point of view' in a memoir has to be the authors. Would you not agree?
My response to the original post may be found in message 9, posted on May 15, but I would like to make a suggestion.Regardless of one's level of writing skills or experience, everyone should write a memoir. It is not necessary that it be published. Provide copies as a legacy for your children and grandchildren. Be honest and forthright. Allow your loved ones to become familiar with you as a fellow human being, not just as a parent or grandparent. They will love, cherish, and share it long after the author is gone.
Jim wrote: "My response to the original post may be found in message 9, posted on May 15, but I would like to make a suggestion.Regardless of one's level of writing skills or experience, everyone should writ..."
Good advice Jim. Nevertheless, if the author has been honest, relatives and friends will not always appreciate them writing the account. For example, in my own case I have had to relate many very unpleasant, cruel and sometimes downright evil incidents (that seems a weak word for them). I still wrote my books but considered it only right to protect those involved from repercussions, even if they deserved them, and their decedents from embarrassment or worse. I have no wish to be responsible for other people suffering. I have done this by either changing or omitting names and locations. It still makes for an interesting (and true) read.
I look for a well-written memoir about something striking and extraordinary. If it makes me stop in my tracks and go, "Whoa, how could they have lived through that? I wonder what that was like?" it's a winner.
Nenia wrote: "I look for a well-written memoir about something striking and extraordinary. If it makes me stop in my tracks and go, "Whoa, how could they have lived through that? I wonder what that was like?" it..."I would agree Nenia. It is usually seeing how obstacles are overcome that draws a reader. The reader may even find answers to their own situations. That is something I hope my own books provide for readers.
However, before criticizing a book for not being to our own liking we need to bear in mind each of us is unique and different. Consequently what may not be of interest to us may in fact be pivotal to others.
We all have a story of one sort or another to tell but, as you have indicated, it does tend to be the more dramatic ones which grab the attention. I have read a variety of different memoirs, some with active drama others less so, but usually all have aspects which I have either never come cross or have never seen explained before.
I also agree with Jim. I always tell my reader fans that we all have something to share in book form as a memoir or biography. And you don't have to be famous to have life events and unique things happen in your life to write about. My memoir has many topics that I have had to overcome, and to share it is helping others have some HOPE if they have been 'touched' by the same. A story and words can be a powerful tool to help others. . .
T.R. wrote: "S. wrote: "Had to be the point of view for me.."Surely by definition the 'point of view' in a memoir has to be the authors. Would you not agree?"
I mean why such a person acted in certain ways..like why would someone become alcoholic? Was it to forget the past etc etc and how was that addiction being conquered?
S. wrote: "T.R. wrote: "S. wrote: "Had to be the point of view for me.."Surely by definition the 'point of view' in a memoir has to be the authors. Would you not agree?"
I mean why such a person acted in c..."
Thank you for the clarification S.
Making Connections
Books mentioned in this topic
Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman (other topics)Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman (other topics)
I would be interested to know what you look for when reading a memoir. Here are some thoughts of my own: http://bit.ly/1y9tRZK