I’m writing a memoir, but I’m not famous. How can that be????
Winston Churchill said, “I like to learn, but I don’t like to be taught.” This is especially true for our generation.
As I’ve connected with, and have written books for Gen Xers, I’ve discovered they (we) learn through story. We don’t want people/books/authors/speakers giving us a list of ten points … we want to hear their stories. And as we collect these stories, we figure out ourselves a little more. That’s why blogs are so huge. It’s a little more truth, a little more story, every day.
Memoirs are like taking our readers on a date. We create a relationship as we respond to the readers’ questions of who we are right from the get-go. Then, if they are interested, it’s like a second date … and third … and fourth. Each time they pick up the book it’s like being invited out again.
So, do you have to be famous?
People enjoy celebrity memoirs because we like to discover the real person behind the image. Yet, we are also joyfully surprised when we meet someone unexpected and unknown who has a story so good we want to know more. I love meeting someone at church or someone sitting next to us on a flight who has an amazing story to tell.
Anne Lamott is a great example of someone who was a nobody who dared to tell the truth. The truth about herself, her demons, her hopes, her angst. Her truth made her known.
I loved Anne Lamott’s Operating Instructions and Patty Kirk’s Confessions of an Amateur Believer. Oh, and I LOVED Kelly Corrigan’s The Middle Place. Currently, I’m reading Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy, but it hasn’t captured me like the other three. I like it, but I like the soul-baring, truth-telling, gut-wrenching memoirs better. I like hearing the truth, especially if it’s not pretty. Of course being brave enough to write that way is another thing entirely! Hard stuff!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner’s choice! Tell your friends.
Hello! I really like Anne Lamott. I have read her Grace(Eventually)…..
and Traveling Mercies. I can really identify with her. She seems quite witty. Your post today was very good. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
This is a fantastic book, folks. I just got finished reading it. And can’t wait to see it in print.
Thank you, Cara!!! I’m sooo glad you liked it!
Cara was a HUGE blessing to me. I’m thankful she was willing to read through it.
Tricia
I agree…we want to hear stories. And I would add, creative, artistic ways to express principles. I think you will enjoy “Spring into Fashion-Accessorize”, a creative story about how to be your authentic self the way God intended. Check it out @ http://www.thedailylily.com.