Tips for Writing a Memoir

Writing a memoir may seem overwhelming. You may feel too uncertain about your writing skills. You may feel too busy or disorganized. You may not know how to start. Whatever is causing you to avoid writing your memoir, no matter.

Take heart from our tips for writing your memoir.

Top 10 Tips for Writing Your Memoir

Take Heart Commit Write Listen Read Adapt Feedback Print Publish Partner

Tip 1. Write from the heart and think about those to whom you want to dedicate your memoir. This will help fuel the drive for writing and finishing your memoir.

Tip 2. Write because you want to leave your memoir as a treasured legacy for your friends and family. Make a sincere commitment to write for 28 days or more. For step-by-step guidance, use 7Memories: Write Your Memoir in 28 Days.

Tip 3. Write your memoir every day, even if you can spend only 10 minutes. This will get your brain used to the activity and give you the momentum to continue so that it becomes a habit. Jumpstart your memoir with 7Memories online program, MemoirMagic.

Tip 4. Listen to others tell their personal stories. Ask questions and encourage them to tell more.

Tip 5. Read extensively. Be sure to read plenty of children’s literature if you are writing for children. Everyone should read a wide variety: memoirs, fiction, nonfiction, biography, magazines, poetry…

Tip 6. Adapt and be flexible. While it’s good to establish a writing routine, it’s equally important to be able to write wherever and however. I know writers who have written while in the line waiting to get a driver’s license, while on a cruise ship, and even while waiting at the doctor’s office!

Tip 7. Get feedback from a memoir review or a personal writing coach. Or join a writing group. It’s important to get support and guidance throughout the process.

Tip 8. Print your memoir or your home printer. Or check out printing options at FedExKinkos, Costco, and online printing companies.

Tip 9. Consider the numerous online self-publishing firms such as Createspace, Mixbooks, etc.

Tip 10. Help another write his/her memoir using 7Memories: Partnering to Write a Memoir.

Edit and Proof Before You Distribute

Expect from us:

prompt and courteous service
a firm fixed fee for service
an understanding of your goals for your material
a focus on critical readability issues
a clearer and more compelling memoir that retains your voice
personal attention to maintain the integrity of your work

Tell us your editing needs

Please feel free to submit the first ten double-spaced pages of your work and some basic information.

the working title
the stage you’ve reached in your memoir project, i.e. first, second, third draft
the total number of words (Hint: open the document in MS Word, click TOOLS, WORD COUNT)
any concerns you have about your material
anything else we should know about your memoir project

We offer general feedback on your writing, along with the proposed fee and schedule. There is no cost to you for this first feedback.

Capture Your Precious Memories

Time is something that can never be stopped, but memories can be captured. Use out templates to turn your precious life memories into a memoir in 28 days!

Become a Memoir Partner

An easy way to help another turn life memories into a memoir! Without you, it’s a lifetime of experience and learning lost, like a library burning to the ground.

Jumpstart Your Memoir

An online program to covering 20 topics to get you to a first draft of your memoir

Get First Feedback (Free)

Submit the First Feedback form:

Or e-mail and include:

the working title
the stage you’ve reached in your memoir project, i.e. first, second, third draft
the total number of words (Hint: open the document in MS Word, click TOOLS, WORD COUNT)
any concerns you have about your material
anything else we should know about your memoir project

E-mail us