My Journey Through Memoir Writing: Embracing the Process

The Path to Self-Discovery

For those who may not be aware, I am currently working on my memoir. I have shared this with a few people, and a year or two has passed since I began this journey.

Initially, I wrote a bit, but nothing resonated deeply. So, I took a break. However, after my trip to Grenada in August 2022, everything changed. I became serious about my memoir and wrote fervently. Within five months, I drafted an initial outline of the various stories and topics that came to mind, organizing them into chapters and a potential sequence of events. I gained significant momentum and conducted extensive research. I explored traditional versus self-publishing and the qualities and structure of a memoir. I also looked into how to write a memoir when experiencing memory lapses. I shared some of my questions with a few trusted friends and received invaluable feedback. I reflected on my memoir goals and reasons for writing it. I considered titles, formats, and book sizes, even creating a cover draft.

Reconnecting with the Past

During those five months of writing, I reconnected with my former Pre-K teacher. She offered valuable insights and resources from her experience in writing and publishing. She introduced me to her publisher, who provided a gentle critique of my work. My draft was a collection of individual stories rather than a cohesive manuscript, but I felt I was making progress. As the New Year approached, I received feedback from the critique that was helpful, yet it didn’t fully align with my vision. This discrepancy discouraged me and halted my writing.

Although I continued researching, I found myself unable to write. My teacher suggested turning my memoir into a series, which sparked new ideas. While I planned the series' structure and themes, the memoir itself remained at a standstill. My original vision became unclear, and two-thirds of the year slipped away without any progress on the story.

The Struggle to Move Forward

I longed to get back to writing. Occasionally, as I developed the potential layout for the series, I humbled myself and read the Gentle Critique over and over, piece by piece. Gradually, I began to accept what was said and started to see the vision. The main theme of the critique was that there was no strong storyline. In the quick version I wrote, I had merely told the story as it happened. I hadn’t developed it with feelings and character traits for those I interacted with. There was some context to the setting and the different senses, but I wasn’t allowing the reader to feel any emotions during the scenes.

It was time for me to start over.

A Fresh Start

I began anew, taking my time to explain everything in great detail as much as I could remember or sense. I added internal feelings, thoughts, and descriptions of the places I visited. I was truly immersed in the process. I managed to complete 12 chapters, and as I shared my work with a few friends, they helped me elaborate on the missing details and questions they had. I was off to a good start.

However, I faced my biggest challenge: I couldn’t recall certain details of my story. I needed to craft a specific narrative that was realistic and believable in the context of my life.

Writer's Block

Navigating Emotional Terrain

This is where I currently find myself, stuck in a web of memories and emotions. It's difficult to explain how I felt at certain moments; often, I struggled to convey the depth of my emotions. This was my reality, but I know not many would understand that. I need to find a way to articulate my feelings clearly for my readers.

There have been moments of motivation where I started writing, only to get stuck trying to fill the holes in my narrative. Other times, I wanted to write, but I knew it would take a lot out of me. I just need to leap over that hurdle. I must work with what I have, continue moving forward, and perhaps someone could help me better express my feelings so they resonate with my readers.

The Weight of Expectations

Many are waiting for my memoir, while some may have forgotten. I am still working on it, but it comes with its challenges. I find myself self-reflecting and rethinking my life, considering how much I’ve been affected by it all and how far I’ve come.

I ask for your patience as I navigate through my writer's block and emotional hurdles. This is all part of the painful process of creation. Yet, I know that in the end, it will be worth it.

As I continue this journey, I remind myself that every word, every struggle, and every moment of doubt is a step toward something beautiful. Writing is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey of self-discovery and healing.

In this sacred space of reflection, I invite you to join me. Together, let’s explore the depths of our stories, the beauty of our struggles, and the light that emerges from the shadows.

---wix---