I was always a natural story teller, like my parents. I write, how I remember things. I published "Memories od Fairlawn" back in September on amazon and am working on my memoirs of seven years as a maintenance man at a luxury apartment complex.
There are so many authors on UA-cam it’s ridiculous. But the universe made your video appear in front of me and now I am hooked on how you present your videos. Being that I am 63 years old writing my first memoir I watched all 17.16 seconds of your video and you have my attention. Not only are you in established author but it conveys you know what you’re talking about. And I guess because you’re bald to and not shaved your head has a lot to do with it just kidding so now I’m about to watch other videos of yours to help me along my journey
You are genuine and generous, Jerry! No loud marketing tricks that insult the intelligence. I learn a lot from your videos. Greetings from the Netherlands!
WOW, I just listened to this video on UA-cam. Awesome. I am 70 yrs. old and have been toying with the idea of putting pen to paper (more specifically, fingers to keyboard - digitally) and leaving my grandchildren and friends the transformation of my life over the years. Your video has given me to courage to step forward. Thank you. Your new follower.
I helped a friend edit his memoir and have read other unpublished memoirs. I knew they were bad, but you articulated exactly why so perfectly. Thank you. Knowing what made them bad, and why what I've written thus far didn't feel good either, is so helpful and inspiring.
This is crazy😩😩 first time writer even though it’s always been apart of me and I decided that I wanted to write a memoir. It has literally been coming along as you described but you’ve given me ways to clean it up tremendously. Before, I was just writing what sounded interesting and felt captivating to me but with someone else in mind… kind of like I was having a conversation in my mind. Thank you so much
Im a 15 year old trying to write about my experiences in foster care, and what i experienced when i came back home, but its hard to get advice because most people think it silly someone so young writting a memoir.
Hey Jacob, I'm a former foster kid myself. When I was your age, I had dreamt of writing a memoir of my experiences as well. I put it off until now, but I wish I hadn't. I believe in you. You've got this. With time you will get better and better.
@Mjukglass Vanilj morning were we g I’m hgheg high home w I’m jl e him j jim hi Kim mmmmmmm new ok mom m nwhhww him mmm he dee hill we r here a bed of Ll Lmm m l m mmm mmm mmm m
Thank you Jerry. I learned so much in those 17 minutes - such valuable advice for me to take forward in my own memoir. Particularly around changing names AND going the extra mile not to throw people under the bus... that's food for thought.
Jerry, that was great!! Thank you very much. I’ve just recently begun writing my memoir in hopes to help others. 🙏🏼 My only slight dilemma is that though I’m 39, my life is just now making that turning point 🙌🏼 and I’ve met the love of my life. So, I can start telling my story, but with her now, it’s only just begun. 😊
Keep writing. Someone needs to hear your story. Congratulations on meeting the love of your life, it's an amazing feeling, even through the storms of life
Thanks Jerry. I'm resisting writing a book that won't leave me alone, I guess it's time to listen to a master and follow their guidance carefully. I'll start by immersing myself in the genre like you mention at the end. Again, kind thanks for this video, it gave me peace and motivation.
Thank you as so much! The part of about throwing people under the bus is especially helpfull. That was the main thing preventing me from wrighting together
“I have been putting this off for ten years, because it was personal, because dreaming backwards can carry a man through some dark rooms where the walls seem lined with razor blades.” Rick Bragg I want to thank you M Jenkins for the list of references. I just begin to read Rick Bragg and just the opening of the book hit deep and strong. I’m holding my breath. Just don’t want to cry.
wow. Thank you so much. Jerry, you have helped me so much, and even though I am rarely compelled to write a comment, it would be churlish not do so because I got so much out of this one short video. I'm deeply grateful to you for your precision and clarity and most of all your willingness to share your knowledge with everyone who is here. When those big emotions are crashing into the words we have to put onto the page to get the story written and out of our heads and hearts and onto the paper, it is so vitally important and so amazingly helpful to have this video with this structure and tips to hang on to. Thank you again Jerry, and I wish you well. M
I have found Jerry B. Jenkins and must say it has been an excellent learning experience. As a published author of forensic mystery/thrillers, I have an interest in writing a memoir and wanted some guidance on the most successful approaches to producing a great one. Jerry is very articulate and helpful in his guidance. Writers are always growing and honing skills. I value his literary views.
This was amazingly helpful! I searched hundreds of videos and articles for this information and this provided more help than all of them put together. Thank you!
Wow… I woke up, remembering the really crazy year(s) around 1993. I opened my phone to look for “how to” videos and found this video. Your advice is awesome. I totally thought I’d need to write from “my” perspective, until you said “make it about the reader.” I plan to self- publish, on AMAZON maybe. This video guide, is extremely helpful. Thank you. I’ve subscribed and will watch your other videos too. Thanks again!
This is very informative. I want to start writing my own memoir and i asked God for help. He sent your video to me without me searching for writing videos. And after listening to him, I have no desire to check any other video for this has all i need to know.
I suggest reading How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. It’s a perfect example of what you describe as a good memoir. In fact that’s how I found this channel. I’m inspired to finally write a memoir.
I'm so happy to have found you! I appreciate the clarity in the way you talk and explain things. And wonderful tools! It's easy to follow! Thanks so much!
Great advice. Just when I thought I would have to write a long autobiography, I was reminded that I don't have to do that in order to keep the theme alive and portray the important information.
Good Morning Sir, thank you so much for explaining everything in detail. all the doubts have been cleared, the difference between an autobiography and a memoir, the theme, reader oriented, no preaching, and the MOST IMPORTANT THING I WAS CONFUSED TOO MUCH WAS," THROWING PEOPLE UNDER THE BUS". THIS WAS THE POINT I WAS CONFUSED BCZ, HOW CAN I LIE IN A MEMOIR. THE TIPS THAT YOU'VE GIVEN ARE OF GREAT HELP. Thanks once again and may God bless you sir!!!! 👍👍👍👍🌻🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🪳
Succinct and timely! I recently published my first novel, and my oldest and dearest friend promptly asked me to write her memoirs. I never even toyed with the possibility of nonfiction before, but her story really should be told. We already even discussed some aspects included in this video. THANK YOU!
Thank you for this. I needed this as I have been thinking about writing a memoir myself. I very much appreciated the information you have given here. If not only for myself.
Thank u so much ur soul is amazing I'm an aspiring writer and have all these ideas I have dyslexia and can't quite organize them so I'm going to get it all on paper I don't have much money but this has been on my heart since I was in my teens and now I'm 41but it never to late
Your advice came up on my feed near the top and I'm grateful for the advice. I've written a first draught of my memoir. I'm disturbed, though, by you saying not to throw anyone under a bus - how do you not? Thank you
I am grateful to have found your videos. I have almost completed my Memoirs and am glad to say I believe it's written for the reader, not me. HOWEVER, I am devastated by your advice on changing names. In my case changing years, locations, schools names, etc makes no sense to me. I take your advice on shaming and naming but in my case, most of the bullies, etc have long passed. Are you suggesting ALL names should be changed? School teachers etc. OR is this an American issue? I live in New Zealand and it is rare for anyone to sue anybody. Never the less I want to publish on Amazon worldwide. I would be grateful for a response.
You are great really great thank you so much Jerry B Jenkins, you have given so much sincere and useful information you have enriched us with this generous sharing .Makes the Internet worth while.👍
Thank you for posting this, it was so helpful! Insightful, and we're lucky to have a platform like this that allows brilliant minds like yours to share your writing wisdom!
Thank you, Jerry, I have been able to fill 3 pages of notes on this topic, as I can see now how I can relate this information you gave here, and apply it to a non-fiction book I am working on. You have given me a slant on how I can give the topic a more personal to reader acceptance and a novel approach I am trying to get across with this book. Cheers Peter... From Australia...
Hi Jerry, I really adore your content. Could you do a video on what kinds of books you read and which authors you love. I would love to know your thoughts on Anne Rice (if you read her) and how and when flowery prose works in novels.For me personally, I find Young Adult fiction beneath my reading level and get bored very easy, because as much as I enjoy a good story- I like to be challenged by the language too. Think David Eddings and Dean Koontz who have this very deliberate evocative prose in addition to Anne.
This video is really helpful, but I disagree with your last point. If your father abused you during your childhood, you can’t change it to your teacher abusing you. Your memoir becomes fiction at that point. Pseudonyms are fine if you give a disclaimer, but you can’t make big changes like that and still call it a true story. Also, sometimes you gotta throw people under the bus if they deserve it. If the events really happened and you have proof, any grievances won’t hold up in court.
I agree, the emotional response to a father's abuse is far different from that of a teacher. I know I experienced both. Actually it wasn't a teacher it was the school psychologist
It depends upon how you destroy your father and your reasoning for wanting to publish his sin against you. Here is an excerpt of my draft of my memoir and how I handled it: And why was that damn gun in their room and how did Kimmy know about it! Of course, our family dynamic repressed outbursts from early childhood. At first it was just a matter of respecting daddy, then he turned respect into control with our fear of reprisals. So, by adulthood, we were all paralyzed with the dysfunction of our family dance which translated into not uttering an accusation against daddy for having a gun in the home. He knew she was psychotic. At least he must have known. Can’t a parent notice such aberrant behaviors? Wouldn’t hospitalizations on a psych ward, and trips to the ER with a frantic screaming daughter give one a clue? So, that night seething anger and outrage were swallowed like baby aspirin. Another contributing change to the dance was there were more dancers on the floor with our two grandmothers living in the home. We couldn’t upset them. Then, there was our saintly mother. There we sat, silent, seven of us impacted by the unthinkable act of one dancer, all biting our tongues in grief, not speaking the obvious. In another chapter I revisit: Thank God above for my not lashing out at my father! What I did not know the day my sister shot herself was the depth and layered heartbreak mom and dad had on hearing the discharge of the handgun. This didn’t happen to my baby, it happened to theirs. While I could no longer eavesdrop, I learned that my parents were barely speaking to one another. Since Kim was over 18, the shrinks had no obligation to tell anyone about her mental condition. Had the two of them only communicated to my parents some vital information: (a) extremely sick, and (b) vulnerable to a catastrophic end via suicide. I found mommy’s journaled note among medical records 40 years later reflecting on their lack of information. She wrote: We did not know at that time that the Union would cover psychiatry. We could not believe she was sick like this, and this doctor never really told us about her condition. She even had him fooled. We found out after she got sick again that he told her to see another doctor. But he never called to tell us this, and she told us she did not have to go back to see him anymore. I hope the Lord grant you some revelation about the pain you feel and I pray for your healing.
Perhaps one could invent a fictional stepfather to attribute a father's actions to. It is still fictional, but it preserves the fundamental father-child relationship which is the most important thing not to fictionalize. And to further misdirect readers and protect the guilty find something good to say about one's real father and present that in the novel as the truth, identifying is good points and correctly attributing them to the proper relationship. Alongside the fictional stepfather. If one is so inclined to include any good points about their father. My Memoir would, despite everything my father did end also failed to do. Of course, I don't think this would work nearly as well if one had an actual stepfather.
Thank you very much Jerry for your generosity, support, and encouragement. I have learned so much from you and I thank God for all the videos and information. God bless you always! Ann
So, a memoirs can be a total life story as long as there’s a gripping theme of overcoming and triumph? And it can go back and forth with background details and portraits of other characters?
@@jamibarnett9266 Memoir is not exactly a total life story. That would be autobiography. Unless you are famous, there isn’t an audience for that type of introspection. We don’t always get what we want. Sometimes we do. Memoir is the art of sharing that fact in an interesting manner keeping readers to turn the page to the very end. Another way of looking at is 1. I always thought 2. Now I see 3. I’ve come to realize
![How to Write a Memoir for Beginners [12-Step Blueprint from a Writing Coach]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t5TUZajlM6g/mqdefault.jpg)
I was always a natural story teller, like my parents. I write, how I remember things. I published "Memories od Fairlawn" back in September on amazon and am working on my memoirs of seven years as a maintenance man at a luxury apartment complex.
I’d love to read your memoir of being a maintenance man in a luxury apartment.
I love Jerry's voice. He isn't pushy or overselling, just gently describing some great tips for writing.
A genuine and genuis writer. All this for free. God bless you sir. This is more than information. This uncommon wisdom
There are so many authors on UA-cam it’s ridiculous. But the universe made your video appear in front of me and now I am hooked on how you present your videos. Being that I am 63 years old writing my first memoir I watched all 17.16 seconds of your video and you have my attention. Not only are you in established author but it conveys you know what you’re talking about. And I guess because you’re bald to and not shaved your head has a lot to do with it just kidding so now I’m about to watch other videos of yours to help me along my journey
You are genuine and generous, Jerry! No loud marketing tricks that insult the intelligence. I learn a lot from your videos. Greetings from the Netherlands!
Gosh, all of his comments are so clear and spot-on.
WOW, I just listened to this video on UA-cam. Awesome. I am 70 yrs. old and have been toying with the idea of putting pen to paper (more specifically, fingers to keyboard - digitally) and leaving my grandchildren and friends the transformation of my life over the years. Your video has given me to courage to step forward. Thank you. Your new follower.
I salute you for moving forward. I am almost 70 and tackling it too. It’s long overdue but I’m ready. I wish you well in your writing.
Do it! I’m 76 and I learn so much about my life, find things to pray about, and forgive. 🙏🏻
How well a person is able to overcome adversity and completely prevail under the most harshest situations.
Your information is invaluable as I proceed to write a book, for the first time, at 60 years old. Thank you so much!
Good luck Sandee.
How’s it going…did you write one?
I helped a friend edit his memoir and have read other unpublished memoirs. I knew they were bad, but you articulated exactly why so perfectly. Thank you. Knowing what made them bad, and why what I've written thus far didn't feel good either, is so helpful and inspiring.
I wrote my Memoir and am trying to get it published now, so this video was really helpful. Thank you so much for posting it.
This is the best most concise advice I have ever heard. Thank you!
Jerry you broke it down so easily I'm excited to start writing. Your tips are helpful thanks!
This is crazy😩😩 first time writer even though it’s always been apart of me and I decided that I wanted to write a memoir. It has literally been coming along as you described but you’ve given me ways to clean it up tremendously. Before, I was just writing what sounded interesting and felt captivating to me but with someone else in mind… kind of like I was having a conversation in my mind. Thank you so much
How’s it going? I want to do a memoir for cathartic and morbid reasons…I want my children to know about me and understand me😊
Jerry, your superior advice on how to write a memoir is priceless.
I have been thinking of writing a book about my 39 year career still on going . Your tips are encouraging . Thank you for genuine tips and guidelines.
Im a 15 year old trying to write about my experiences in foster care, and what i experienced when i came back home, but its hard to get advice because most people think it silly someone so young writting a memoir.
Hey Jacob, I'm a former foster kid myself. When I was your age, I had dreamt of writing a memoir of my experiences as well. I put it off until now, but I wish I hadn't. I believe in you. You've got this. With time you will get better and better.
This helps me to present my testimony in Christ. Merry Christmas All!
@Mjukglass Vanilj morning were we g I’m hgheg high home w I’m jl e him j jim hi Kim mmmmmmm new ok mom m nwhhww him mmm he dee hill we r here a bed of
Ll
Lmm m l m mmm mmm mmm m
Uhwwuy
Thank you Jerry. I learned so much in those 17 minutes - such valuable advice for me to take forward in my own memoir. Particularly around changing names AND going the extra mile not to throw people under the bus... that's food for thought.
Jerry, that was great!! Thank you very much. I’ve just recently begun writing my memoir in hopes to help others. 🙏🏼 My only slight dilemma is that though I’m 39, my life is just now making that turning point 🙌🏼 and I’ve met the love of my life. So, I can start telling my story, but with her now, it’s only just begun. 😊
Keep writing. Someone needs to hear your story.
Congratulations on meeting the love of your life, it's an amazing feeling, even through the storms of life
without knowing, this man has just answered all the questions id been asking myself about how to write my memoirs, brilliant
Thanks Jerry. I'm resisting writing a book that won't leave me alone, I guess it's time to listen to a master and follow their guidance carefully. I'll start by immersing myself in the genre like you mention at the end. Again, kind thanks for this video, it gave me peace and motivation.
Wow… you just spoke about the difference between telling and showing and I am speechless. So impressive
So clearly explained. Thank you
Oyyy, the “crunch of the gravel” brought back some memories/panic! (Not, fortunately, for the extreme reasons as the character mentioned.)
Thank you as so much! The part of about throwing people under the bus is especially helpfull. That was the main thing preventing me from wrighting together
You are a wise man, a generous teacher, and a master at your craft. I am indelibly grateful for the precious lessons I have learned from you.
“I have been putting this off for ten years, because it was personal, because dreaming backwards can carry a man through some dark rooms where the walls seem lined with razor blades.”
Rick Bragg
I want to thank you M Jenkins for the list of references. I just begin to read Rick Bragg and just the opening of the book hit deep and strong. I’m holding my breath. Just don’t want to cry.
Really needed this as I'm writing my memoirs now! Determined to finish my story - thanks Jenkins a true legend in the field of writing
I got alot from this video, I appreciate the way you give information and dont ramble 15 minutes before getting to your point.
I want you to know I throughly enjoyed your insight. Also, I have started your recommended reading with the first title of course. So very good. 👏
I could have listened all day. Wow what valuable information. I purchased his courses a few years back. Thank you.
Amazing! So clear and answering my questions as if you read my mind! Huge help!
An excellent video. Very helpful - I've learnt a lot watching and rerunning this video. Many thanks.
Thank you a million!!! I’m about to cry!!! I’m not afraid anymore!! ❤️❤️❤️✨✨✨
So helpful! Wow.. this was absolutely on point, starting from the intro until the very end.
Thank you for sharing your expert knowledge with us.
I am encouraged and ready to try .......
Cheers!
wow. Thank you so much. Jerry, you have helped me so much, and even though I am rarely compelled to write a comment, it would be churlish not do so because I got so much out of this one short video. I'm deeply grateful to you for your precision and clarity and most of all your willingness to share your knowledge with everyone who is here. When those big emotions are crashing into the words we have to put onto the page to get the story written and out of our heads and hearts and onto the paper, it is so vitally important and so amazingly helpful to have this video with this structure and tips to hang on to. Thank you again Jerry, and I wish you well. M
I have found Jerry B. Jenkins and must say it has been an excellent learning experience. As a published author of forensic mystery/thrillers, I have an interest in writing a memoir and wanted some guidance on the most successful approaches to producing a great one. Jerry is very articulate and helpful in his guidance. Writers are always growing and honing skills. I value his literary views.
This was amazingly helpful! I searched hundreds of videos and articles for this information and this provided more help than all of them put together. Thank you!
Talks by Jerry Jenkins are not only educational, they are inspirational! Heartfelt thanks!
Great idea, Jerry, I think that filling out a character arc worksheet would help me flesh out my memoir tremendously. Wishing you well
This is so valuable. I just wrote a memoir last year. I had not viewed this video, but you have confirms I approached it correctly.
“The most powerful, effective memoir gets closer to the bone. The more introspect and vulnerable you are, the helpful your memoir would be.”
Wow… I woke up, remembering the really crazy year(s) around 1993. I opened my phone to look for “how to” videos and found this video. Your advice is awesome. I totally thought I’d need to write from “my” perspective, until you said “make it about the reader.” I plan to self- publish, on AMAZON maybe. This video guide, is extremely helpful. Thank you. I’ve subscribed and will watch your other videos too. Thanks again!
This is so helpful, I have been debating about this very subject! Thank you so much Jerry
This is very informative. I want to start writing my own memoir and i asked God for help. He sent your video to me without me searching for writing videos. And after listening to him, I have no desire to check any other video for this has all i need to know.
Thank you for tips of the trade in writing a successful memoir. Much of this I didn't realize. This is very helpful.
I suggest reading How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. It’s a perfect example of what you describe as a good memoir. In fact that’s how I found this channel. I’m inspired to finally write a memoir.
I'm so happy to have found you! I appreciate the clarity in the way you talk and explain things. And wonderful tools! It's easy to follow! Thanks so much!
Thank you, I feel I have something that I can help others to overcome. You confirmed it is important but how to write it is more important. Ty
Great advice. Just when I thought I would have to write a long autobiography, I was reminded that I don't have to do that in order to keep the theme alive and portray the important information.
On which paper weekend need to write a book in a simple book or any other type
Am about to write a biography about my grandmother, listening your video is super helpful though the subject about memoir. Thank you🌻
Thanks so much for this. It was very helpful and encouraging. and now I know I'm working on a memoir, not an autobiography.
Good Morning Sir, thank you so much for explaining everything in detail. all the doubts have been cleared, the difference between an autobiography and a memoir, the theme, reader oriented, no preaching, and the MOST IMPORTANT THING I WAS CONFUSED TOO MUCH WAS," THROWING PEOPLE UNDER THE BUS". THIS WAS THE POINT I WAS CONFUSED BCZ, HOW CAN I LIE IN A MEMOIR. THE TIPS THAT YOU'VE GIVEN ARE OF GREAT HELP. Thanks once again and may God bless you sir!!!! 👍👍👍👍🌻🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🪳
Character worksheet link did not appear on screen
You're quite right, I"ll search his website, see what I can find ...
Jerry, your generosity with knowledge and craft techniques is humbling. Thank you so much for all your outstanding videos.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. It has blown my mind. I am itching to write!
I’ve asked you a question several times and received no answer, but I think this might my answer.
Succinct and timely! I recently published my first novel, and my oldest and dearest friend promptly asked me to write her memoirs. I never even toyed with the possibility of nonfiction before, but her story really should be told. We already even discussed some aspects included in this video. THANK YOU!
So helpful, thank you!
I like your videos Jerry and they'll turn my dreams into reality. You're so genuine.
Thank you for this. I needed this as I have been thinking about writing a memoir myself. I very much appreciated the information you have given here. If not only for myself.
Thank u so much ur soul is amazing I'm an aspiring writer and have all these ideas I have dyslexia and can't quite organize them so I'm going to get it all on paper I don't have much money but this has been on my heart since I was in my teens and now I'm 41but it never to late
Always clear and to the point Jerry 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿. I have benefited a lot from your advice.
I am starting o write a book and his information helped me a lot from South Africa
thank you for the clarification - i sorely needed an explanation of a memoir. Now i know i am writing a memoir
Your advice came up on my feed near the top and I'm grateful for the advice. I've written a first draught of my memoir. I'm disturbed, though, by you saying not to throw anyone under a bus - how do you not? Thank you
Excellent help! I wasn’t able to find the link to the worksheet.
This is pure gold
This inspired me to write my first book. Thank you for the info!
Wow great information condensed in a short video, thank you so much Jerry!
This is brilliant, and extremely helpful. thank you!
I am grateful to have found your videos. I have almost completed my Memoirs and am glad to say I believe it's written for the reader, not me. HOWEVER, I am devastated by your advice on changing names. In my case changing years, locations, schools names, etc makes no sense to me. I take your advice on shaming and naming but in my case, most of the bullies, etc have long passed. Are you suggesting ALL names should be changed? School teachers etc. OR is this an American issue? I live in New Zealand and it is rare for anyone to sue anybody. Never the less I want to publish on Amazon worldwide. I would be grateful for a response.
It's not only an American issue, it's universal issue -- change them all, avoid being sued 😆
Jerry, this is a very generous and helpful video. Thank you so much!
Valuable insight. Thank you, incredible info. You are appreciated.
dude, i love you. thank you so much for this video! love from brazil
This has been so helpful. My outline was almost written by the end! Please can you suggest some examples by natural historians.
You are great really great thank you so much Jerry B Jenkins, you have given so much sincere and useful information you have enriched us with this generous sharing .Makes the Internet worth while.👍
Great advice! Very informative and easy to understand material. Thank you for your education.
Thank you for posting this, it was so helpful! Insightful, and we're lucky to have a platform like this that allows brilliant minds like yours to share your writing wisdom!
Great advice Jerry, thank you
Wow. This is beyond good advice for writing a memoir. Thanks.
Agree. This man is a born teacher.
This has been so very helpful. Thank you for your expertise and simplification of your instructions.
This was really helpful, it seems like I was already on the right path, but this solidified those ideas.
Thank you for this video and for the Character Arc Worksheet download, Jerry!
And my favorite memoir is The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls.
I have started my memoir ruff draft.YOU ARE GREAT!!!!
Thanks sir I really wanna work on this.
Thank you, so much...wonderful stuff and no hot air...lots of fresh air... also love that mine was the thousandth like... seems portent :)
Thank you. This was incredibly insightful and helpful.
Just subscribed! Great content, Jerry!
Thank you for being the mentor to us you didn't have!
Thank you, Jerry, I have been able to fill 3 pages of notes on this topic, as I can see now how I can relate this information you gave here, and apply it to a non-fiction book I am working on. You have given me a slant on how I can give the topic a more personal to reader acceptance and a novel approach I am trying to get across with this book. Cheers Peter... From Australia...
Hi Jerry, I really adore your content. Could you do a video on what kinds of books you read and which authors you love. I would love to know your thoughts on Anne Rice (if you read her) and how and when flowery prose works in novels.For me personally, I find Young Adult fiction beneath my reading level and get bored very easy, because as much as I enjoy a good story- I like to be challenged by the language too. Think David Eddings and Dean Koontz who have this very deliberate evocative prose in addition to Anne.
This video is really helpful, but I disagree with your last point. If your father abused you during your childhood, you can’t change it to your teacher abusing you. Your memoir becomes fiction at that point. Pseudonyms are fine if you give a disclaimer, but you can’t make big changes like that and still call it a true story. Also, sometimes you gotta throw people under the bus if they deserve it. If the events really happened and you have proof, any grievances won’t hold up in court.
I agree, the emotional response to a father's abuse is far different from that of a teacher. I know I experienced both. Actually it wasn't a teacher it was the school psychologist
I agree
It depends upon how you destroy your father and your reasoning for wanting to publish his sin against you. Here is an excerpt of my draft of my memoir and how I handled it: And why was that damn gun in their room and how did Kimmy know about it! Of course, our family dynamic repressed outbursts from early childhood. At first it was just a matter of respecting daddy, then he turned respect into control with our fear of reprisals. So, by adulthood, we were all paralyzed with the dysfunction of our family dance which translated into not uttering an accusation against daddy for having a gun in the home.
He knew she was psychotic. At least he must have known. Can’t a parent notice such aberrant behaviors? Wouldn’t hospitalizations on a psych ward, and trips to the ER with a frantic screaming daughter give one a clue? So, that night seething anger and outrage were swallowed like baby aspirin. Another contributing change to the dance was there were more dancers on the floor with our two grandmothers living in the home. We couldn’t upset them. Then, there was our saintly mother. There we sat, silent, seven of us impacted by the unthinkable act of one dancer, all biting our tongues in grief, not speaking the obvious.
In another chapter I revisit: Thank God above for my not lashing out at my father! What I did not know the day my sister shot herself was the depth and layered heartbreak mom and dad had on hearing the discharge of the handgun. This didn’t happen to my baby, it happened to theirs. While I could no longer eavesdrop, I learned that my parents were barely speaking to one another. Since Kim was over 18, the shrinks had no obligation to tell anyone about her mental condition. Had the two of them only communicated to my parents some vital information: (a) extremely sick, and (b) vulnerable to a catastrophic end via suicide. I found mommy’s journaled note among medical records 40 years later reflecting on their lack of information. She wrote:
We did not know at that time that the Union would cover psychiatry. We could not believe she was sick like this, and this doctor never really told us about her condition. She even had him fooled. We found out after she got sick again that he told her to see another doctor. But he never called to tell us this, and she told us she did not have to go back to see him anymore.
I hope the Lord grant you some revelation about the pain you feel and I pray for your healing.
I said the same thing I didn’t agree with that part the REAL abuser need to be known
Perhaps one could invent a fictional stepfather to attribute a father's actions to. It is still fictional, but it preserves the fundamental father-child relationship which is the most important thing not to fictionalize.
And to further misdirect readers and protect the guilty find something good to say about one's real father and present that in the novel as the truth, identifying is good points and correctly attributing them to the proper relationship. Alongside the fictional stepfather. If one is so inclined to include any good points about their father. My Memoir would, despite everything my father did end also failed to do.
Of course, I don't think this would work nearly as well if one had an actual stepfather.
Such an informative video. Thank you.
Angela's Ashes is one of the very best books I've read...and I've read over 7,000.
Thank you very much Jerry for your generosity, support, and encouragement. I have learned so much from you and I thank God for all the videos and information. God bless you always! Ann
So, a memoirs can be a total life story as long as there’s a gripping theme of overcoming and triumph? And it can go back and forth with background details and portraits of other characters?
@@jamibarnett9266 Memoir is not exactly a total life story. That would be autobiography. Unless you are famous, there isn’t an audience for that type of introspection. We don’t always get what we want. Sometimes we do. Memoir is the art of sharing that fact in an interesting manner keeping readers to turn the page to the very end. Another way of looking at is
1. I always thought
2. Now I see
3. I’ve come to realize
Thank you, exactly great information I need to know right now 😊