Why Write Memoir?
Many people have kept journals throughout their life, a memoir. Perhaps over a period of travel, a period of change or a period of trauma. Some people write in their journal every day. These writings can easily be turned into a book of memoir. But why? And who would read it? Would you really want your nearest and dearest to?
Have you ever found one of your relatives diaries or letters? It’s always so intriguing to read a family members point of view on love or death, on the big subjects rarely discussed. That is why you should publish for others to learn; a new viewpoint, a different way of life, even experience a by gone era.
Family History
Family are generally much more forgiving than we give them credit for and they really do want to know the family secrets, even if that secret is merely just a different perspective.
Families over generations sometimes follow the same trends and where that stems from is always interesting. Websites such as ancestry.com encourage us to delve deeper into our family history but where do we put this information? Do we put it in a bottom draw hoping someone will find it or do we self publish it and help the story to live and breathe.
Fictional Memoir
Capote is most famous for writing fictional memoir. Some memories are too traumatic to simply publish with complete truth and some writers also like to provide some discreet cover by way of fictional memoir. Sticking to the plot of what happened but perhaps renaming or reshaping some sequences so as not to offend can be ideal. It’s your story after all, it’s your perspective, you can write it however you see fit!
Memoir Memories as Therapy
Writing memories as memoir is also a proven therapy known as written exposure therapy. In conjunction with a therapist this is one of the best known ways to deal with post traumatic stress disorder. I would argue that in varying degrees we have all overcome or suffered from a traumatic experience at some point in our lives. With or without guidance we can all write the wrongs.
In conclusion memoir helps our families to understand and learn about their history, it helps us to move forward from trauma and it helps anyone who reads to widen their perspective and maybe write their own story one day. So what are you waiting for?
If you would like some help with your writing or getting published please email me at frankiebanks27@gmail.com
My Nan would always use the expression ‘spend a penny’ to let us know that she was just ‘popping to the loo’. It would always make me giggle. After a little research I discovered that men’s urinals were free, it was just the women who had to spend that penny! The last time I was in London, Liverpool Street Station still charged to use their conveniences! I hope they don’t now.
