What keeps you going, when you’re writing a memoir?
It’s different for everyone, of course. But sometimes a simple word of encouragement can make all the difference.
We asked a group of fellow memoir writers recently what keeps them going, and what advice they can give fellow writers.
Here are their wise words of encouragement. Here’s hoping they help keep YOUR writing spark alive!
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Words of Encouragement From Fellow Memoir Writers:
- Even if you just write ONE sentence today, remember that that counts as progress. Somehow, writing just that one first sentence makes the second one come easier. And pretty soon you’ve written even more.
- Write something. Tell yourself you’re just going to write for 15 minutes. That’s it. Often, before you know it, it’s been half an hour, then 45 minutes or more. Remember you can always go back and change the words until you’re satisfied you have precisely the right words.
- Take it slow and easy. Don’t be in a rush (much as you may feel you’ve been waiting your whole life to write your story!)
- Help other writers. Post about their successes online; write and post book reviews; invite writers do give readings locally; volunteer to read manuscripts. Not only are you building up social capital that may benefit you when your book is done, but when you help others, you’ll feel empowered yourself.
- Allow time to simply be. If you’re not writing now, it just means that it’s not time, yet, for that piece of writing to come out. Writing (and everything else) has a time of its own. When it’s time, you’ll know it, and the words will pour forth with beautiful abandon.
- Pay attention to your gut excitement-meter. Write what you’re excited to write about, not what you think you “ought to” write about.
- Stay determined. As Og Mandino said, “Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough.”