Thank you so much for your videos. I have been wanting to write a memoir for about ten years now. Never realized how many resources are out here. The Lord delivered me from heroin about 7 years ago and has given me a message of hope. Just want to be that willing vessel. Thank you.
Been watching Kristin’s videos for a few years now. They helped me push through the first draft of my memoir! Wish I could afford her editing services-God knows I need help with my revision 😅 keep it up Kristin
Hi Dawson! I also have a critique group where you can get corrections and commentary on your memoir if you're interested. There are about 15 of us, ranging from beginner to expert. If editing is to pricy right, this might be a good alternative! critiquegroup.nonsensefreewriters.com/c/community-introduction/welcome-to-inkcrafters-critique
Good day! I am a public teacher in the Philippines. I want to write my success story to inspire others on their own journeys. By opening up about my challenges, triumphs, and the lessons I've learned along the way, I hope to motivate those facing obstacles to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams. Together, we can create a ripple effect of encouragement and resilience that empowers everyone to reach for their goals, because I believe that poverty is not a hindrance to success.
I can appreciate your approach... being fully saturated with sarcasm and wit makes you very relatable to me.... I am going to download the memoir outline worksheet now and go from there!!... thank you
I've written a very successful biography and now working on a memoir about growing up with the subject of that biography, so this was helpful. Thank you!
Hi Courtney! Thank you for letting me know the link was missing. No sure how I deleted the most important part :/ You can find the link to the memoir outline here: subscribepage.io/70bsxZ
My theme would be in relation to trauma ... I know pieces of this story but your direction really helped me frame my thoughts. I'll be back for sure. Thank you!!!
Hi Kristin, another good topic! I wrote 2 non-fiction books and wonder if I'd start again....I do like non-fiction. Great tips once again! Thanks Rachel
Thanks much for the starting advice, I wrote one memoir and it was published but I disavow it now: it was about significant news-making events I found myself in, but it had zero real world context or history (time constraints were one excuse) but I was also writing for people already familiar with the event. I want to do a longer and more expansive memoir and research it well. I understand that publishers must verify any historical facts I use and some said finish it all before shopping it around because they dont want to get discredited... I get historical non-fiction isnt in your top 5, but anything about painting a context far deeper in time? (These are things I've studied my whole life but the average person may know nothing). My fear is balancing solid, researched history with my personal (and almost all humorous) stories to keep it thoughtful and entertaining. Is this a common mix of non-fiction? My inspirations are memoirs by journalists of their crazy experiences, but even they dont bore the reader. Any thoughts?
Do you sell a 1 on 1 if so I’d definitely like to purchase. I ask bc I am writing a memoir but I am definitely missing something but have no clue what it is! I have researched memoir for years which has kept me from actually writing and going down a rabbit hole! Please let me know
Oh! One more question about publishing memoirs: Two of my favorite memoirs are from war journalists. The most amazing was a drug addict who, with zero experience, jumped into the Bosnian war and realized he was 100% clean, but when visiting home, he'd fall back again. Its crazy and psychologically intriguing. But his book (and that of another) kept going to back stories about getting to know their fathers better. I literally ended up skipping those parts - the did nothing for the story and distracted me. My hunch was that they took their book to an agent who said basically, "Great stories! Now can you add more background, about your distant farmer?" It really felt like the authors hsd to put in these parts. Does this happen to memoir writers much? Can a writer push back and say no?
So glad I came across your channel! Starting writing my first draft in 2016, and throughout the years I have put it down.....and got discouraged...do you do one time free consultation calls?
Yes, those first novels often take the longest. Mine took 7 years! Yes, I do offer free initial calls by appointment. If you want to set one up, you can use the contact form on nonsensefreeeditor.com and we can align our schedules.
I am currently 40,000 words into my memoir. Teenage artists regarding film, music, and photography nowadays are part of a generation that is broken, sad, and numbed to satisfaction from their work. I shed light on the growing culture of teenage artistry and share my story and perspective of a long journey to satisfaction and how I transformed my artistic wasteland to a more suitable place for myself.
So glad I found your video! It’s been a long time dream of mine to write.. I’ve been thinking of a theme about self discovery. Would that be good enough?
Awesome! I have all of this covered but I didn't list names in my book. Except my daughter but I didn't say any thing about her just said her name. everyone else I said this guy I was dating or he, she...never a name. Is that ok?
Helpful...thank you...rewriting an 80,000 memoir draft because i was ignorant on story struckture, theme and outline. Dan, M77, Copperopolis, CA Sex With Librarians and God."
Thank you so much for this video! How could a writer "obscure" a parental figure who is still in one's life, but doesn't have the best history? Would it be best to use a pseudonym as the author...? Or..?
Hi Tamara! It’s the first link in the description box. If you’re on your phone, there’s a small downward arrow next to the video title. If you push it, the description box will show up. On PC, it should already be visible:)
My story is going to be about what it's like to live with a mentally unstable/drug addict mother. I want the theme to be something about how you can always grow from a situation. And I have tried to start it off a couple different ways, I need help! Please!!
That sounds like it would be best suited for self-help. You can start off introducing your own story then have each subsequent chapter be a lesson for others. I’m sure there are so many who could benefit from your story
Family members are tough. One option is to make the fictionalized version not a family member. Or perhaps splitting up this one person’s actions among two fictionalized characters in your book
Yes. As long as “a reasonable person” can’t identify who you’re really talking about, then you’re good. The person can still bring a suit but they likely won’t win if you’ve fictionalized them
@@nonsensefreeeditor my goodness I've gotta start all over agian now, and it's not going to have the same affect because the person is the guts of my story.my story is based around this person and who they were to me ect.. Luckily I'm only 3 chapters and my prelude in.
I just started my memoir and the theme is the struggles of a single mother who is a doctor trying to bring up her kids and attain the impossible work life balance in a world which is hostile to the needs of a mother and a career which deems a personal life nearly impossible......does that sound ok?
I don't know, I don't enjoy the sad stories about abuse, addiction or poverty. I prefer happy stories written with humor about travels, discoveries ,writing career. Right now I'm enjoying a book by Mark Adams "Turn Right on Machu Picchu".
I really wanted to see this video. It seemed so helpful. BUT it is WAY over edited. So much starting and stopping simply distracted me so much that I couldn’t continue.
![How to Write a Memoir for Beginners [12-Step Blueprint from a Writing Coach]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t5TUZajlM6g/mqdefault.jpg)
For the memoir outline, you can find it here: subscribepage.io/70bsxZ
thank you!
Thank you so much for your videos. I have been wanting to write a memoir for about ten years now. Never realized how many resources are out here. The Lord delivered me from heroin about 7 years ago and has given me a message of hope. Just want to be that willing vessel. Thank you.
Been watching Kristin’s videos for a few years now. They helped me push through the first draft of my memoir! Wish I could afford her editing services-God knows I need help with my revision 😅 keep it up Kristin
Hi Dawson! I also have a critique group where you can get corrections and commentary on your memoir if you're interested. There are about 15 of us, ranging from beginner to expert. If editing is to pricy right, this might be a good alternative! critiquegroup.nonsensefreewriters.com/c/community-introduction/welcome-to-inkcrafters-critique
Where is the link?
I ver much liked your short, clear, and clean presentation style. The infomation is very on target. Thank You
Thank you, I’m so glad you liked it!
Good day! I am a public teacher in the Philippines. I want to write my success story to inspire others on their own journeys. By opening up about my challenges, triumphs, and the lessons I've learned along the way, I hope to motivate those facing obstacles to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams. Together, we can create a ripple effect of encouragement and resilience that empowers everyone to reach for their goals, because I believe that poverty is not a hindrance to success.
I can appreciate your approach... being fully saturated with sarcasm and wit makes you very relatable to me.... I am going to download the memoir outline worksheet now and go from there!!... thank you
How to download the outline sheet, could you tell me?
No nonsense is right! Thanks for getting right to the point. Looking forward to watching your previous videos on fiction.
So glad you liked it! Next month will be exclusively fiction so hopefully you’ll find some good tips
I've written a very successful biography and now working on a memoir about growing up with the subject of that biography, so this was helpful. Thank you!
Hello! I have clicked on the links, but they do not connect me to the outline described. Is the outline still available? Thank you!
Hi Courtney! Thank you for letting me know the link was missing. No sure how I deleted the most important part :/ You can find the link to the memoir outline here: subscribepage.io/70bsxZ
Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate your speedy reply :) @@nonsensefreeeditor
I’m writing a non fiction but struggling so this helps thank you!
Writing about yourself can be even harder than creating a fictional story. Structure can help make the process less stressful
Haha I love your transparency on avatar. I'm so excited for this series - I plan on writing a business book. I've subbed to make sure I don't miss it!
Wonderful! Business and finance video is 2 weeks from today :)
this is great! really enjoyed watching, cant wait to see more from you! keep them coming :)
My theme would be in relation to trauma ... I know pieces of this story but your direction really helped me frame my thoughts. I'll be back for sure. Thank you!!!
Wonderful! The theme of trauma can be so powerful for readers looking for guidance. So glad I can help with your writing.
Thank you for the outline. I look forward to your news letter
Yay, it's nice to see your face back!
This is great Kristin. Thank you.
Hi Kristin, another good topic! I wrote 2 non-fiction books and wonder if I'd start again....I do like non-fiction.
Great tips once again!
Thanks
Rachel
I hope you keep writing!
I have suffered through OCD and want to write a memoir regarding it
Nice content! I have to write every week and this tip helps.
Great video! Thank you
Thank you for such good info. I haven’t had any success In finding the memoir outline, tho! :(
Hi! You can find the memoir outline here: subscribepage.io/70bsxZ
Thanks much for the starting advice, I wrote one memoir and it was published but I disavow it now: it was about significant news-making events I found myself in, but it had zero real world context or history (time constraints were one excuse) but I was also writing for people already familiar with the event. I want to do a longer and more expansive memoir and research it well. I understand that publishers must verify any historical facts I use and some said finish it all before shopping it around because they dont want to get discredited... I get historical non-fiction isnt in your top 5, but anything about painting a context far deeper in time? (These are things I've studied my whole life but the average person may know nothing).
My fear is balancing solid, researched history with my personal (and almost all humorous) stories to keep it thoughtful and entertaining.
Is this a common mix of non-fiction? My inspirations are memoirs by journalists of their crazy experiences, but even they dont bore the reader. Any thoughts?
So fun!!! I love your writing wisdom!
Do you sell a 1 on 1 if so I’d definitely like to purchase. I ask bc I am writing a memoir but I am definitely missing something but have no clue what it is! I have researched memoir for years which has kept me from actually writing and going down a rabbit hole! Please let me know
Wow Thank you
A few years away from a memoir! But a super interesting video
Your channel is incredible Kristin!! I found you through YT4B!! :)
Welcome! I followed you on Insta as well
Oh! One more question about publishing memoirs:
Two of my favorite memoirs are from war journalists. The most amazing was a drug addict who, with zero experience, jumped into the Bosnian war and realized he was 100% clean, but when visiting home, he'd fall back again. Its crazy and psychologically intriguing.
But his book (and that of another) kept going to back stories about getting to know their fathers better. I literally ended up skipping those parts - the did nothing for the story and distracted me.
My hunch was that they took their book to an agent who said basically, "Great stories! Now can you add more background, about your distant farmer?" It really felt like the authors hsd to put in these parts. Does this happen to memoir writers much? Can a writer push back and say no?
So glad I came across your channel! Starting writing my first draft in 2016, and throughout the years I have put it down.....and got discouraged...do you do one time free consultation calls?
Yes, those first novels often take the longest. Mine took 7 years! Yes, I do offer free initial calls by appointment. If you want to set one up, you can use the contact form on nonsensefreeeditor.com and we can align our schedules.
Thanks so much for your words of wisdom.
Have you ever wanted to write a memoir? If so, what would your theme be?
I am currently 40,000 words into my memoir. Teenage artists regarding film, music, and photography nowadays are part of a generation that is broken, sad, and numbed to satisfaction from their work. I shed light on the growing culture of teenage artistry and share my story and perspective of a long journey to satisfaction and how I transformed my artistic wasteland to a more suitable place for myself.
Narcissistic parents
I’ve just gotten out of the hospital after having neurosurgery during the covid19 19 crisis. I’m writing a memoir about it.
Sexual trauma and the aftermath of it
So glad I found your video! It’s been a long time dream of mine to write.. I’ve been thinking of a theme about self discovery. Would that be good enough?
Awesome! I have all of this covered but I didn't list names in my book. Except my daughter but I didn't say any thing about her just said her name. everyone else I said this guy I was dating or he, she...never a name. Is that ok?
Helpful...thank you...rewriting an 80,000 memoir draft because i was ignorant on story struckture, theme and outline.
Dan, M77, Copperopolis, CA
Sex With Librarians and God."
This was helpful. Thank you.
As I am just beggining my writing with no degree or courses in writing
The top selling memoir of all time was written by a guy in prison with zero art school or writing classes
Thank you so much for this video!
How could a writer "obscure" a parental figure who is still in one's life, but doesn't have the best history? Would it be best to use a pseudonym as the author...? Or..?
Generally, the only way to obscure close relatives is to obscure yourself, either via pen name or full-on fictionalizing your story.
Thank you soooo much !
U r a foxy lady. Own it!!
I love this thank you
I want ur guidance
My theme would be experiences and dramatis personae encountered in a 50 year career in non-diplomatic foreign service.
Thank you for this very informative video. You mentioned a link below to help us construct our outline. Where exactly is it?
Hi Tamara! It’s the first link in the description box. If you’re on your phone, there’s a small downward arrow next to the video title. If you push it, the description box will show up. On PC, it should already be visible:)
Thank you very much!
My story is going to be about what it's like to live with a mentally unstable/drug addict mother. I want the theme to be something about how you can always grow from a situation. And I have tried to start it off a couple different ways, I need help! Please!!
That sounds like it would be best suited for self-help. You can start off introducing your own story then have each subsequent chapter be a lesson for others. I’m sure there are so many who could benefit from your story
@@nonsensefreeeditor thank you!! This really helps!!
how on earth would i obscure my main charter given its a very close family member.. the story won't be the same if I null him out...??
Family members are tough. One option is to make the fictionalized version not a family member. Or perhaps splitting up this one person’s actions among two fictionalized characters in your book
@@nonsensefreeeditor
so everyone else would be real but he is " a made-up character"?
Yes. As long as “a reasonable person” can’t identify who you’re really talking about, then you’re good. The person can still bring a suit but they likely won’t win if you’ve fictionalized them
@@nonsensefreeeditor my goodness I've gotta start all over agian now, and it's not going to have the same affect because the person is the guts of my story.my story is based around this person and who they were to me ect.. Luckily I'm only 3 chapters and my prelude in.
It’s not defamation if it’s true. “Private facts” as true as they are can cause you legal problems.
I’m new to your channel. Do you talk about writing fiction too?
Yes definitely! Most of my previous videos focus on fiction and next month will be targeted on sci-fi and fantasy.
Thanks for the sub!
I just started my memoir and the theme is the struggles of a single mother who is a doctor trying to bring up her kids and attain the impossible work life balance in a world which is hostile to the needs of a mother and a career which deems a personal life nearly impossible......does that sound ok?
That sounds fantastic! This subject matter provides a mine field of conflict which can help other mothers through similar struggles
Nissa sounds amazing, tell me when it’s finished I’ll buy and read it. I want to be a doctor so it’s perfect
thank you
I don't know, I don't enjoy the sad stories about abuse, addiction or poverty. I prefer happy stories written with humor about travels, discoveries ,writing career. Right now I'm enjoying a book by Mark Adams "Turn Right on Machu Picchu".
Kristin - can we talk about an edit job?
I am very serious and I want to write my memoir
04:50 Names, legal stuff...
🎉 👍
Do you have to obscure if the people are now dead?
I really wanted to see this video. It seemed so helpful. BUT it is WAY over edited. So much starting and stopping simply distracted me so much that I couldn’t continue.
the video is good but the editing is a bit distracting
I don't understand how you can obscure someone like your ex husband or parents.
Very fast spoken
Thank you