How to Write a Memoir or Personal Story http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:17:31 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc18 I would like to write my story. Gwen Smith Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:23:59 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc35 [size=medium][/size]I would like to write a true story about my life when the angel met the devil - a story about marrying the devil - an abusive husband Doreen Seville Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:01:29 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc36 [quote=Doreen Seville][size=medium][/size]I would like to write a true story about my life when the angel met the devil - a story about marrying the devil - an abusive husband[/quote] Hi Gwen, By all means write the story. It can be an incredible cathartic experience. As you write, think about how you can take a unique approach or come from a unique angle. There have been many books about domestic violence, so it\'s a tough sell to publishers. If you can either write it as a novel with some unique twists and turns, or write it as a self-help book (for example, include advice, tips, and interviews with experts) you\'ll stand a better chance of getting it published. Remember that publishers are interested in selling books, not in making political or social comments. Sid Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:54:38 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc58 [color=purple][/color][size=medium][/size] So when writing one\'s life story that is quite involved with so many available topics, just what DO publishers want ... what topics are they interested in? I could write a series ;) I have options LOL Mona Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:29:10 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc91 i am looking into getting in touch with someone on writing a book on my life with my husband. He died recently in iraq. I have since found out alot of my husband living a secret second life on me that has devastated me. Trust me it is very interesting . It was my frineds not me who advised me to write a book...for this story is still unfolding. Tilly Scott Sat, 04 Aug 2007 21:35:29 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc95 [quote=Tilly Scott]i am looking into getting in touch with someone on writing a book on my life with my husband. [/quote] Are you looking for someone to help you write the book? If so, I can recommend a good ghostwriter. A ghostwriter will cost you (typically) $10,000 and up if you want him or her to do most of the writing. If you just want help organizing the story or creating a book proposal, your cost would be considerably less. You can also go to www.elance.com and post a new project for a writer. Be very careful to ask for samples of work and references. There are many inexperienced writers and a few scammers on the site. Prices are generally lower, but you get what you pay for. Go to the Contact page on the web site and send me a more detailed note about your needs, including what you are willing/able to do and your budget. -- Sid Sid Sun, 05 Aug 2007 13:32:19 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc96 [quote=Mona][color=purple][/color][size=medium][/size] So when writing one\'s life story that is quite involved with so many available topics, just what DO publishers want ... what topics are they interested in? I could write a series ;) I have options LOL[/quote] The best way to see what publishers want is to go to your local library or a large book store (or search Amazon). See what life story/memoir books are being published. These things change, so this will be your easiest and cheapest way to do a market analysis. You can also ask your librarian or a manager in the book store. He/she will tell you what\'s popular and selling. You\'ll generally find that the most popular life story/memoir books are by well-known people. But also look for books written by unknowns - what stories most interest publishers these days? Make a note of the publishers who seem to publish books similar to yours. These are the publishers you\'ll contact about your book. Sid Sid Sun, 05 Aug 2007 13:35:37 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc98 I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO WRITE ABOUT BEING A SINGLE CHRSTIAN WOMAN BUT BEING ABLE TO EXPRESS THIS TO WOMEN OF ALL AGES. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS STILL BEING FULL OF LOVE AND LIFE, HAVING EXPECTATIONS AND MAKING SURE THAT WE LIVE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS AS WELL AS NOT DEVIATING FROM THEM IN OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR WRITING SELF HELP BUT FOR SOMETHING THAT IS RELATIONAL. THANKS MELISSA HORTON Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:32:50 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc99 [quote=MELISSA HORTON]I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO WRITE ABOUT BEING A SINGLE CHRSTIAN WOMAN BUT BEING ABLE TO EXPRESS THIS TO WOMEN OF ALL AGES. [/quote] Hi Melissa, By all means, write your book! I may be wrong, but I think your book would only appeal to Christian women. Being OK with yourself as single is certainly a hot topic. Go check out your book store, Amazon, and the library to see what publishers are printing today. Your book can actually be quite small and work well. A nice, upbeat, positive book would be highly desirable. Have fun! Sid Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:23:33 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc117 please tell me were to start! I want to write about my life and believe me it has been an experience being me. I have so much to share with readers and maybe the attention of non-readers, but I don\'t know the steps of even stating this book. HELP! THOMASA CARDWELL Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:19:50 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc220 Since I was 9 years old-I have loved to journal. When I was younger and started to write poetry, my mother told me that it wasn\'t worth it. She throw out all my poetry and I have been shy to pick it up again-40 years later. I have an inner voice that wants to create and express myself but low self esteem has kept me from seeking my dreams as a writer. How do I overcome self critism? Lisa Ferguson Sat, 22 Sep 2007 14:21:28 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc329 In writing an auto-biography, does one need to obtain release forms for the use of any individuals names that were a part of the person\'s life? If not, and some are court officials, will there be issues there when/if the book is published? If so, where might these release forms be obtained? Thank You. Ronda Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:06:58 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc339 Here please find my story! Hi I would first like to introduce myself and explain a little about why we are here. My name is Helena; I am 50 years young and live in New Jersey. My husband Michael and I have been together and have two wonderful children Thomas, and Dana. We will be married 34 years on August 31, 2008. Throughout the years we like many other couples have had our share of ups and downs in which life gives us. All and all we are a happy family being blessed with two of the most wonderful children. Giving Life Is Precious is created in hoping to find a kidney donor, living kidney donor for myself who had kidney failure, please become the kidney donor needed. The cause is from kidney organ failure which is treated with dialysis until a kidney donor or living kidney donor is found. Once someone agrees to become the kidney donor needed the Medical Center does testing to see if we are a blood type O match. All testing’s are preformed to see if a kidney organ transplant can be preformed. If you are interested in being the kidney donor needed for this mother of two please click here [url]mailto:givinglife@givinglifeisprecious.com[/url]. If you have any questions or concerns please refer to our Kidney Donor Needed Page [url]http://www.givinglifeisprecious.com/KidneyDonorNeeded.html[/url]to read the most (FAQ), if you have additional questions contact me and I will get the answers and get back to you. We will supply as much information as possible, and if need be we will also contact the kidney donor center about question such as what is being the kidney donor needed, kidney organ transplant, or kidney transplant procedures. If anyone can find in their heart and is willing to become the kidney donor needed (organ), so I no longer need to have dialysis treatments it will be appreciated to the fullest which cannot be explained in words itself. This kidney organ transplant will allow our family to continue to have the love and caring that we\'ve had for so many years. I feel confident that someone will consider becoming the kidney donor needed so strong I can almost feel normal and back to myself already. The strength I received from my husband after his organ transplant gives me the strength to thank GOD for being alive to see my children each and every day. If you cannot become the kidney donor needed because you must be blood type O, we are creating a new program entitled \"Email Campaign For A Kidney Donor\". This is how you can help. Just email us requesting the letter we generated to send to family, friends and anyone on your email list. When you do this ask them to email the letter to all the people they know or have on their email list. By doing this we can all help find a kidney donor, living kidney donor much faster. This is almost just as important as being the kidney donor needed, because it may be you who reaches the right person to become the kidney donor I need to perform the kidney organ transplant. Please help us in this way if you cannot become the kidney donor needed, it will only take a minute of your time to do this.[url]mailto:givinglife@givinglifeisprecious.com[/url] If you want or don\'t have the time you can email the email address you have to us and we will send the letter on your behalf. Thank you. I want to thank you for visiting Giving Life Is Precious, living kidney donor, kidney donor needed, organ donor needed website. You can email us at [url]mailto:givinglife@givinglifeisprecious.com[/url]. We chose this web name for this mother of two because it indicates everything we are looking for such as finding a living kidney donor (kidney donor). Next we need to find the rare blood type O to stop taken dialysis, kidney donor needed, living kidney donor, kidney organ transplant, dialysis treatments, organ transplant, and kidney failure. To us there could not be any better title than Giving Life Is Precious. Life is a precious gift and what we are looking for is a gift of life (kidney donor) from someone to save another person\'s life. Please help save a life send us an E-Mail Today,[url]mailto:givinglife@givinglifeisprecious.com[/url] Thank you once again, please keep in mind that you can be the one who will become the kidney donor needed that will allow me to have another tomorrow with my family. Think how good you will feel to be able to say I am a kidney donor and that Mother of two is alive today because of my becoming the kidney donor needed to perform the kidney organ transplant which we only need one of to live a perfectly healthy life. Please do not hesitate and Contact Me Today[url]mailto:givinglife@givinglifeisprecious.com[/url]. The only words that my family and I can say is Thank You more than words can express. May GOD Bless you and yours forever. Please visit our About Our Family Page for more indept details of what we have been through as a family. [url]http://www.givinglifeisprecious.com/aboutourfamily.html[/url] Thank you for taking the time to read this and hope you take a minute of your time to visit our website [url]http://www.givinglifeisprecious.com[/url] Helena Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:50:45 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc346 i have nothing interesting to write about myself...sigh matelot Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:51:59 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc352 just curious. . . .how do length and detail affect the amount of interest the reader holds throughout a piece? you want enough detail to make sure the reader understands but then you don\'t want so much it gets long and boring so how do you balance it? and how or where can i learn to write with more cinematic detail (make the best picture possible)?? Cara Jean Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:25:39 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc353 where can i get feedback on my writing? Cara Jean Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:26:13 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc354 I would like to be able to write about my own life story... Tenzin Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:18:01 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc373 I have lost half of my family in a very short time. I have taken my step-children through the loss of their birth mother, my dad my 34 year old sister and her full term baby girl. I would like to write all of this down for others to read, take comfort in, learn from etc. Where do I start? Robyn Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:33:58 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc417 People often says my life deserve a documentary movie so i thought why not just write it first. I have few drafts about it but i am so lost on what to do next. I am a forgotten american soldier child,during my journey in search of a better life, had experienced the toughest life you could imagine and along the way, i have fallen into the hands of a muslim abusive man, fought this battle all bymyself and reach my destination, my father\'s homeland USA. I truly believe it\'s a story worth sharing. Any advise? I am not too good in writing since english is just my secondary language. Kimberly Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:44:21 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc452 I would like to write a story about my life, but I fear it would be too unpalatable for most people. Here are a few lowlights. This summary is very victim focused, which makes it somewhat shallow. However for my actual memoir I would have time to move beyond the victim perspective and shed light on the depth of each character’s humanity, as well the universal truths and growth moments in my story. I would hire a good editor to help me tell a more cohesive story. What do you think? Does a story like this have any potential, or is it too personal or raw to be published? Summary (very broad strokes) I was born in a sea of blood the day my father returned from Vietnam. His homecoming consummation with my mother was painful and violent, leading to my premature birth. Four years later, he committed suicide, leaving me to be raised by my mentally ill mother. A poor European immigrant from a psychologically broken father, my mother had the emotional height of a small child. Her neurotic concern for financial security and a stable father-figure trumped all other needs, including the drive to protect her young. She married my sexually abusive stepfather when I was four. For years I was plagued with guilt and shame surrounding the sexual dreams I had about my stepfather. It wasn’t until I was ten that I literally awoke to the fact that my dreams were real. I was laying on the living room floor, legs spread, jamies around my ankles, when I suddenly awoken to my step father violating me with his tongue. Filled with disgust I laid paralyzed, tears streaming down my face, trying desperately to pretend that I was asleep. At that moment I heard my mother trudging down the hall. My step-father pulled the blankets over my bear legs, just as she walked in and mumbled, “when are you coming to bed?” I was praying that she would save me, but instead she turned around and went to bed. The most horrible moment happened next. He continued to violate me with his mouth and hands, then he stopped what he was doing and whispered a hot, sticky message in my ear, “Danielle, I know that you’re awake. I want you to know that I love you and I would never do anything to hurt you.” Horrified I opened my eyes and spit at his distorted face. I then ran to my mother’s room, pounding frantically on her locked door. When she opened the door I tried to tell her what happened, but couldn’t speak. Sobbing, I used body language to tell my story. Her response was the greatest betrayal I’ve ever experienced. She left me in the bedroom to cry alone, and spent the rest of the night talking with my step-dad and making phone calls. At about 5am she came into the room and looked at me with pleading eyes, “Danielle, dad wants to apologize to you. I need you to go to the kitchen and let him say he is sorry.” As I sat across the table my step-father managed to eek out an insincere apology. My mother then told me to hurry up and get ready for school. She urged me to, “Act happy and don’t let anyone know what happened. Act normal, or they might figure out what happened and arrest your dad.” After that my step-father never laid a hand on me, instead he and my mother hurled insults upon my fragile psyche. They attached my character, accused me of being a promiscuous child, and called me every vulgarity they could imagine. My mom was not only verbally abusive, she also began to be physically violent. Her favorite thing was to scream obscenities at the top of her lungs, then haul a big box of high heels out of her closet and throw shoes at me machine gun fashion. I would curl up into a ball to shield myself from the blows. For the next couple years I constantly was told that I was a manipulative, no good tramp. During that time my mother intentionally got pregnant with my two younger sisters. Amazingly, I eventually forgave her and my step-dad for their behavior, and life seemed to seem ‘normal, Then when I was 15 my step-dad wanted to leave my mom for his secretary. She begged him to stay. She even offered to let him be with his girlfriend two nights a week. He was so heartless and cruel to her, yet she sobbed for him like her life was ending. They were the type of cries you might hear in an insane asylum – from the deepest, blackest part of a person’s soul. Seeing my mother suffer like that was extremely painful. That was the day that I became her caretaker. My step-dad left when I was 15. I became the ‘man’ of the house. Two years later mom found a new boyfriend, so she kicked me out. I moved in with some girls near the university and started attending community college. I spent the next three years drinking, and being generally self destructive. I didn’t see my mom much because she was busy with her new family. I reminded her of things she wanted to forget, so I learned to spend holidays alone, or at friends’ houses. Three years later my mother’s boyfriend died of cancer. She decided to move North and begged me to go with her. When her pleas didn’t work she used bribery. We struck a deal. I would help her move north and settle in with my sisters. In exchange she would buy me a car. As the ‘man’ of the house I moved all the furniture myself, even the large oak cabinets. I don’t know how my 120 pound frame mustered the strength. Within a year of moving North my mother had a nervous breakdown and ended up in the mental hospital. Then about six months after that she met her third husband via a newspaper ad. Once again, I was told to hit the road – my presence was no longer needed. I went away to a private university, but ultimately dropped out. My spiral downward was rapid. In a matter of months I went from preppy college student to drunken stripper. I had always been very reserved with boys, so this new occupation was contrary to my nature. All those years of being told that I was nothing but a tramp finally came to fruition. My life as a stripper is a story in itself. I saw terrible things, met a lot of broken young women and gathered many gut wrenching stories. I met a girl from South American who, at age 13, was sold into prostitution. She escaped at age 15 by marrying a G.I. Another was the daughter of a prominent businessman, who spent his evenings raping his daughter. She sued him for millions, but still she stripped. There was a girl everyone called ‘crazy’ Julie who was gang raped in a parking lot. She was so out-of-it that she would go into the tanning bed fully clothed. Another ran away from home when she was 12, because prostituting herself on the streets was better than the brutality that she faced at home. Another was a preachers daughter, and the freakiest, most sexually depraved person I have ever met. It is unfair to paint these women with such broad strokes, as their stories and humanity go much deeper than a sentence or two. In future writing they deserve more ink. When I got pregnant with my oldest son. I was a single mom with no place to go. My mother offered no help so I ran to my grandmother for help. Living with my grandmother and aunt was the first time in my 24 years that I had ever been unconditionally loved or nurtured. It was there that I found myself, met my husband, and got my life on track. Over the years I struggled with post-traumatic stress and attributed all of my problems to the sexual abuse I suffered at my step-fathers hands. With much work and therapy I overcame these issues. Then ….BAM! My mother’s third husband left her for a younger woman. Suddenly she needed me again. I was her best friend, her protector, the person whom she relied on. She called me daily speaking, crying, ranting, raging, about entirely inappropriate things. On two occasions she threatened suicide, and I had to have her hospitalized. Both times that she threatened suicide were when I asked her to stop calling me to rant about inappropriate things. This most recent chapter with my mother has awakened previously forgotten childhood memories of abuse and neglect. The most painful memory was realizing that in looking back at my childhood, the only fond memories I have at home, are of (non abusive) playtime with my sexually abusive step-father. Memories of my mother are virtually non-existent. Those that do exist are of a shoe-throwing, ranting, mean, paranoid, frightened, drugged woman who acted more like my child than my mother. I realize now that my mother was and is ‘not there’. I am still grappling with the depth and extent of my mother’s mental illness. I would like to forgive her, but her actions are still as mean, ugly and self-centered as they were when I was a child. She demands love, but doesn’t give it. She constantly takes, threatens, screams, wallows, perverts, attacks, and disregards boundaries in a selfish attempt to get her needs met. If I don’t play her game, she disowns me. I know that my mother is mentally ill. At times I think that she is evil. I’m tired of playing the role of guardian angel, tired of trying to make it work, and tired of feeling guilty for not being able to fix her. Post Note The thing that kept me whole as a kid was my faith in god. Every night I slept with a bible and cross under my pillow. The grace of god kept me whole when most people would have broken. I’m thankful for that. Danielle Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:14:10 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc575 i am looking for someone to help me write my story and try to help other families and survivors of domestic violence i am a former marine served in gulf and somalia i lost my daughter of six weeks to shaken baby syndrome at the hands of her father. I served 14 months for robbing two banks in MI with this person and took the wrap since then he again got his wife to rob a bank and is now serving time this is just a short very short version of what i want to say gina Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:46:51 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc602 Danielle, I think you have a very strong story. Our stories sounded so much alike. I had to read your story to my husband. I know your hurt and pain and I feel your guilt each time I think about my mother. I would really loved to read your book when you have completed your book. With God Will, you will write this book. Your story needs to be told so that other will see they are not alone and to know there are other\'s out here that have survived. I patiently wait for your book raCarter Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:57:06 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc606 I have been through alot of self help and found out that your own story doesn\'t mean squat when you hear the story of someone else who blows your story out the window. I remember at one work shop with John Bradshaw, an exercise was to write a story of your life. I was in a group of six, two men and four women. When the women told their stories all I could do was cry for them. I had to laugh at my story because compaired to theirs mine was nothing. If anyone needs any kind of self help I recommend reading books from John Bradshaw. He covers many topics and he works on the inner child inside. God be with all Tom Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:31:15 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc671 I am writing a memoir about my manic and depressive experiences. I grew up in foster care and started manic behaviors in college. My episodes lasted only about 30 days in total. I was thinking of writing the book as a diary of each day. I want it to feel real, vivid and unique. I think this may be a hot topic now b/c of some celebs like Britney Spears ... what do you think? Pilar Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:24:28 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc718 I believe I have a story to tell I was 8 years old when I was first molested by the minister of our church son.He was 14.I was raped several more times at the age of 16. I actually foiled the attepmt on my 15 year old sister.My mom knew his parents knew.He was finally brought to justice in tghe mid 90s when a 12 year old testified.He was found guilty and released pending appeal.He appeared on americas most wanted at least 3to4 times and ran for 13 years he was recently apprehended.The story behind this was a church who stood behind him and used the name of Jesus to say that these girls were the sinners not they were cast out. He would continue to preach Sunday after sunday and the church property was sold to get him out on bail. Im only one out hundreds of young girls but I would love to tell my story and how what happen to me there forever changed the course of my life. Kim Bossard Sun, 25 May 2008 18:54:23 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc794 book on the life of a bi-polar I would like to write my experiences of being bi-polar. from early childhood to now. I would include details of my experiences, and how I am over coming this disease now. Any tips on how to start? Mike Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:23:38 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc845 Did Gwen ever write her book? Just curious. Thanks! jabal Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:12:15 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc855 Hi, everyone Iam 24 but ive have had experiences beyond my age. I want to write myt life story but want to remain annoymos also I dont want to name the people in the book I am going to be mentiong. Can I be ANNOYMOS? mona Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:17:43 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc858 Dear Reader, It seems that everyone replying to this site wants to write about their lives, things they have gone through, and obstacles they have faced in this never-ending journey we call life, I happen to be one of them... But I question my capabilities of writing my story at the age of 18. Would anyone even consider reading it at my age or will they simply judge and say an 18 has not gone through enough to interest them.Yet why does one wait till they are middled aged to allow someone to hear their story? I for one have gone through some rough patches. In writing my story how should I write it. A memoir, a journal of some kind? Any suggestions. Thank-you.. -Amanda Amanda Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:44:17 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc885 Hi. I want to write about my childhood to teen years, about my rich memories of growing up in a family of ten kids with a strict Catholic father and a loving, passive mother. My memories are rich with childhood freedom and exploration. I also lived with stress from an overly strict father who we feared most of the time. How does one write the truth about people who are still living? Or do you leave out some information in order to not hurt feelings? This is what is stopping me from beginning. Katie Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:28:00 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc890 I would love to write my story of living with an abusive husband who is a cop and even after divorce how he gets away with abuse towards his children and me. How does one start? Ramona Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:16:35 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc905 Hi, I have always been interested in writing since a very early age. My experiences consist of being born very sick and was in neonatal for respitory failure for a month. Forced a blood transfusion and was not given much hope for a life as my prognosis was a life of mental abnormalities or brain damage due to lack of oxygen at birth. I have endured extreme seperation from my mother since the early age of 3 and it has continued into my adulthood at 28. I was held back my first grade year due to Petit Mal sezures and had to attend a private school for a year. There I was abused emotionaly and physically by a teacher who clearly didn\'t like me. Perhaps due to the times my mind would go blank during a lesson and a distraction occured with the other children or it could have also been because I was one of Jehovah\'s Witnesses and took my stand for my faith even at this age. I was bullied in 6th grade and picked on for my appearence and a passive, awkward personality. My father passed away from Melanoma when I was 17 and my brother went to prison for 20 years in December 1999. I have had anxiety and Panic attacks that sent me to a Phyciatric Hospital in Austin, TX. I am still coping with experiences from my past which have scared me and people I loved and lost. Could this make for interesting reading? Nicky Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:24:15 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc906 Good question. I\'d like to know the answer to this one as well. Rico Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:37:28 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1021 i am very curious is i write about my life people will be interested in reading about it, my point of the book are, my parents background, my childhood with abusive father, moving so much and never had nothing that i felt it was mine, raped in my home town when we moved from usa by many man for 1 yr at 9 yrs old. moving back to usa, abusive domestic violence realtionship, child abuse from husband to our first son, bacame sexual active with many man and it didnt mean nothing, date raped, divorce, 3 pregancy and abortion, mental illness, and my present life that i dont have calm because of what i mentioned above and more. the problem is that i dont know how to write a book, and i want to let out my story. ces Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:02:03 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1130 Would like to try and write my life experiences as a cop, before, during and after. Faced raciel discrimination, hated by own family and loss badge to protect the same family which stil hates me now. Yozepy Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:28:58 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1131 well, i want to write a story about me and my boyfriend, how can i write my story? dennice Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:47:29 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1138 My problem is not writing or remembering - I have that down pat. It\'s organizing, getting a structure to put all my little stories together. I started chronologically with some major \"chapters\" like preschool years,Grade school years, high school years, Marriage, Employer1, employer2, etc. BUT I also wrote some standalone stories that span all my life, eg stories about girlfriends from age 5 to age 50, sports, school (age 6 to 50 as well). How do I integrate these \"complete\" stories with snippets I have in the major chapters? bob Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:17:26 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1186 I would like to write a book about the events in my life. I have excellent writing skills, but am having a hard time getting started. There is so much to write, where do I begin? Janine Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:37:28 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1187 I started by organizing my ideas/notes into chapters; then worked on chapter by chapter. Once you start, it goes easier. Good luck :) jabal Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:10:12 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1197 I am determined to write about my own personal quest for \"Life, Learning, Liberty and Love\" which I undertook when I was 33 years old. I plan on encompassing my life experiences from when I was born up until I achieved what I was seeking. This would entail my experience with child abuse, postpartum depression and bipolar manic depression. Do you think there is market for this type of personal memoir; and if so, how successul do you feel it would be in the publishing arena? Rosemarie A Stone Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:32:37 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1340 I am trying to write my memoirs, I have already started in Microsoft office note, which provides a sort of spiral notebook allows you to divide in sections, I put them in order of people of importance and well, my book is about abuse, pedophilia within my family, not only occuring to me but to other cousins of my family among a group of brothers. I have detailed it within my moms side, my fathers side, the reoccuring cycle, my therapy and understanding, my church upbringing and how it effected that. My only problem is how do I begin to get anyone to listen to my story? It is very detailed I am not sure I am going about this the right way...Suggestions on how to get published, or how to attract a publisher with my story? Deborah Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:40:57 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1354 My boyfriend wants to write a book about his life struggle and accomplishments of living with crippling arthritis. He is very young and arthritis has taken over his body and he wants to help people that have this disease and give people insight about living with arthritis everyday. What do you think? Julie Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:16:31 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1429 I have been told many times that I should write a book about my life. Grew up with an abusive father, ran away all over the country to become a drug addict that ended up in many dangerouse situations, married 6 times and now a successful business woman hiding her skeletons in the closet. Many have told me my story is intriging and one that would put people on the edge of their seat but also give hope. Will need someone to help me write. Tammy Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:53:37 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1430 I\'m looking to connect with someone to help me write my book on my experience as a female in the military with outstanding performance in the military from inception to discharge and yet discharged for reason of homosexuality. I invite your comments. sarah Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:35:08 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1487 My son was in an auto accident and broke his neck. We are Christians and saw many miracles of faith happen over the past year. I journaled this and would like to write on my feelings and life as a Mom when her child was in God\'s hands. When I searched I never found a book about a mothers emotions and grief to help me through this tough time. Kim Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:06:41 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1558 Did you find a writer? I could help you write it. I have a similar story and am also a writer. Let me know! :) Emily Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:59:44 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1559 Emily, Were you responding to my post about writing a book on my life? I received an email from you and there are other posts. Was not sure if you were responding to mine about abusive father, drug past and poor decisions. Tammy Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:56:56 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1595 when i was 9 years old, i loved to write stories about my life. and then i couldent think of anything so i just desited to not a story. but i need ALOT of idvise, because my friend when we were in the same school, she wrote stories. like ramdom stories.and i was jelious of her.because soon it is her b-day and i want to epress her. dashinka Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:36:44 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1599 i would like some1 help me write the book based on a true story hat happend to me in the pas 2 years until now i found the true colors.i have all the information i can narate and the write can write the book moses Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:13:24 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1604 I too am writing about my life and am hoping to get it published and possibly into a movie. In order to protect the innocent I changed the names of my relatives and use a pen name. For the manuscripts that I am giving, to my \"good\" relatives, I am including a family tree with the characters from my book identified next to each name. For the \"not so good\" relatives and ex-husbands hopefully they will recogonize themselves and make some serious life changes. Suni Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:25:39 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1679 I am 13 and i want to write a book about my life but i am not sure how to write it?? :) natalie Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:31:21 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1705 I want to write a book about my life, which will be an inspiration for those who have been born and brought up with despair and do not see a future in them. Hopestone Chavula Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:24:22 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1710 :woohoo: :angry: :X The last to leave the nest and obviously the last to know. Treated with total disregard like I was nothing. My cold and unaffected mother and wealthy, very wealthy, alcoholic step father found a way to dispose of me with my blind approval..or did they? Question: Should I write my life story while the characters are living? Erin Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:33:40 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1714 Hi ya Natalie, :side: ;) :whistle: Write poetry, stuff about boys girlfriends, your family and funny stuff that happens every day..well maybe not everyday but if you concertrate on the days events I bet you can find interesting scenerios from your perspective. Remember, write for you. When you write for you there\'s a feeling that you get, like a natural high and only you own it. It\'s worth exploring thoes feelings. B) Erin Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:33:54 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1751 Hi I would like to write a sort of self help book. I picked up my first positive thinking book about ten years ago , oddly enough it was a year before my son became ill with a brain tumour. I was able to use what I had read to help me and him get through the experience which was repeated again 18 months later. Over the years I have read other books and over the years I have become more and more a changed person for the better. My first thirty years of my life were pretty negative and how my changing my mindset things have turned around. There are a lot of books out there written by experts and I am not an expert only by life experience. I love true stories myself as I like to know how the normal average person goes through life , experiences etc. So I would like to write a book outling my negative experiences and how I was able to turn my life around. I also feel very strongly about children being educated at a young age about the power of thinking correctly so that they can grow up with the right attitudes and not suddenly in their mid life have to salvage a life gone by. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you Andrea andrea byrne Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:48:46 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1791 I am a gay married man who has been married to (female) wife for 47 years. Obviously, I have had a second life, maybe three. I was a very successful investment banker who developed AIDS after living a super charged anonymous sex life. I had a psychic break, clinical depression, numerous marital battles and was also diagnosed as bipolar. Despite all the heartache and turmoil, my wife has stayed with me and we have raised two very successful children. Wouldn\'t this be a good memoir. Married gay man of 47 years, AIDS, mentally ill with good recovery and now another life. ron hedger Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:55:33 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1916 I\'m only 17 years old and i\'ve wrote about 12 stories that could easily be turned into books. The stories even have outlines of an entire book attached to them. The problem is, I don\'t know how to publish them. I can be very close-minded about my books, because they could be better, so I never really send them out. I need some advice. EricaEclipse Thu, 14 May 2009 23:35:05 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1937 I had my first memoir, \"Not Just The Levees Broke\" My Story During and After Hurricane Katrina.\" Published by Simon and Schuster, and agent William Morris Talent Agency. Published August 19,2008. Sold approximately 18,000 copies within first month. Working on manuscript I\'ve always wanted to write,domestic abuse as a teenager. Lot of severe abuse, plans to use a lot of research from organizations that help, etc...A harder write than \"Levees\" why is that? I\'m thinking, I\'m 45 years old and this story happened when I was 15yrs old and stopped,by him, at 22-23 years old. Why so hard. Am writing more for me than them but for them. You know? Phyllis Montana-Leblanc Tue, 19 May 2009 16:57:34 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc1977 My story is a true nightmare to any woman. I know this because it happened to me recently and It will remain in my nightmares forever. Unfortunately it happens to more woman than we truly know. kathryn mcalpine Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:44:40 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2057 I would like to write a book about my relationship with a teacher while I was in high school. Do you think this is a topic of interest? Cheers Roberto Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:37:43 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2058 I want to write a book about my personal experience in dating a teacher while I was in High School. Think this might be a topic of interest? Cheers Roberto Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:45:19 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2144 :P Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:46:17 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2266 i have a real horror story to tell about my father molested and hit me with a hammer in my sleep and more stuff about my few personalities and what i did for a living...im not a writer and i dont know where to start..please help me where to start..thank you. christine Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:48:31 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2282 I have a lot to write but it is geting so endless Bareded Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:46:58 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2324 I want to write a story about all of my life and experiences that I have had. Lavoyger J. Durham Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:42:45 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2394 :whistle: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:15:44 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2402 Character problem. empty comment Doris Lynn Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:51:33 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2441 I want to write my memoirs from a Christian perspective but most of the troubles I\'ve seen in my life are of a sexual nature - but since I want my work to ultimately show people how God has helped me, the very people to whom I need to speak may be offended by my message (and therefore what Christian publishing company would publish my book? Alternatively, what secular publisher would publish an ultimately Christian book?) Hmm... any advice? Ann Onymous Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:34:34 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2515 I want to write a story which is based on my life and my family\'s pain which they have had since I was born. The story would be about my disabilities and my surgeries that never seem to stop. I don\'t have cancer or any terminal disease I\'m just unlucky on how I was born and this is also be about my suicidal thoughts. Thanks everyone Bineash Joseph Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:27:22 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2535 one day a boy named sean wrote a essay on ghosts for histroy class. he got a letter saying he should watch his back or else,so he doen\'t care and throws it away.at midnight he had a dream about him walking through dusty steps up a narrow opening,then seeing dusty corpeses hangup on a wall by their necks and trys to get out but is trapped by a wall with bloody handprints all over and wakes up cold and hurt and calls mom and dad and walks out the door but all their is left is a wall of blood and ghostly moans.and everyone vanished... exept for him and the deadly ghosts held him captive beyond the grave... is it the end for him? dante difederico Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:29:33 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2563 :unsure: This is my opion I think the same way as you do I would like to write all about myself but I can\'t put it in the right words Amelia E.Pierce Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:46:43 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2564 I would love to write a story about myself too! I love the way people express there feelings on what they want to do ! . I love the way they are not scared of what other people might think but if you are scared DO NOT LISTEN!you can do what you want so go out there and write that story all about YOU! :) Amelia E.Pierce Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:53:27 +0100 http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/writing/write-a-book/how-to-write-a-memoir-or-personal-story/#josc2625 I want to write a book about my life on drugs. I started with weed when I was young then moved to Meth for 2 years. In that time I was in a wreck and two girls in my car almost died. I was the driver and I had drugs on me and in my system. I ended up in jail and was in and out for months. I finally got my stuff together and have been clean now for a little over 4 years. I am currently in college to be a probation officer. I want to help teens falling into the same trap I did. My mom wants to do a second part to my story from the parents point of view. Do you think this would be a good book and that it would touch lives. I am a huge fan of Cupcake Brown\'s \"A Piece of Cake\". It was a fabulous book. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:18:50 +0100