On Writing Well
Writing
Write a memoir

Write a memoir

from On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

How to Apply This

  1. Focus on a particular angle.
    For example, your social life or your life as a business mogul.

  2. Make sure every component of your memoir is doing useful work.
    Ensure that all the details such as places, events, anecdotes, ideas, and emotions, are developing your story steadily.

  3. Communicate your personal experiences.
    Tell your readers how you witnessed certain events, even if everyone else has a contrary experience.

  4. Include details.
    Any kind of detail will work. You could write about a sound, a smell, or a song title, as long as they played a shaping role in the portion of your life you intend to distill.

  5. Include people.
    Include the men, women, and children who notably crossed your path.

  6. Be the most interesting character in your memoir
    Focus the write-up on yourself. People are interested in reading about you more than the notable people you encountered.

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