The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Memoir: Expert Guidance on Crafting Your Most Meaningful Story

by Victoria Costello

Writing a memoir is more than making a list of life's big moments. A good memoir tells a true story in the same way as a novel tells a fictional one. Therefore, memoirists must employ the same tactics as novelists to tell a unique personal story.

The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Writing a Memoir enables readers to learn to:

* Select a focus--the period of time or series of events on which to concentrate and explore the theme that arises from this pivotal time in their lives.

* Invoke and recreate essential pieces of conversations and scenes that took place long ago in order to accurately recreate them in a narrative with a beginning, middle and end.

* Hone their craft--plot, dialogue, setting, pacing, and point of view are the essential ingredients for writing a compelling memoir.

* Add a pinch of drama

* Write, re-write, edit and consider the possibility of publication

Through prompts, exercises and inspirational examples from published memoirists, this guide will help readers learn and refine their personal writing in order to create a memoir they'll wish to share with others.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Memoir

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

I'm an author and life-writing teacher living in Ashland, Oregon. I've published six books of nonfiction, including a memoir, A Lethal Inheritance. My debut novel, Orchid Child, published in June/2023 by Liminal Books, won the top prize for General Fiction and Cross-Genre Fiction in the 2023 American Book Fest Awards. Set in NYC and West Ireland over the course of the 20th century, Orchid Child asks the question, how far would you go to heal the past? My answer is this enchanted family saga that blends mystery, history, magic realism, and romance to map intergenerational trauma and its healing in one Irish American family. Along the way, Orchid Child explores the intersection of ancient Celtic mysticism and 21st century neurodiversity.

Visit my website https://www.victoriacostelloauthor.com for more information about Orchid Child, other writing and my upcoming classes.

Reviews

[Jennifer L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to books. Anything that first insults my intelligence and then proceeds to teach me about something is not likely to end up on my bookshelf.

That said, I received a copy of this book to review, and who hasn't dreamed of writing a memoir or some type? I know I have, so I decided to see what it had to say.

What I found was a book that is great in helping you organize your ideas, pointing out what is important, what to leave out, and of course what to put in your story! It had pointers for how to handle dialogue. I know I enjoy well-written dialogue, but if it's not well written, I tend to skip over it. This is true not only for memoirs but for any book I read! There were suggestions on how to recreate a conversation that may have happened decades ago.

Of course there is basic writing tips such as plot and structure, as well as information on self-publishing, and even legal issues that can arise. (Thinking of writing a tell-all about your family? Might want to think again if they are still alive because it could be a lawsuit waiting to happen, but this book addresses the stickier issues you may not have considered.)

The quick prompts would be great for those who have less of an idea where they are going with their book. With the book I would like to write someday, I have it somewhat structured in my mind and they weren't as helpful to me. I did, however, find myself taking notes and jotting things down as they came to mind that I hope to add to my manuscript.

Overall, this is an excellent book and one I would recommend to anyone who is thinking of writing a memoir, even if it is just to give to your grandchildren!

FTC disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. In no way did that influence my opinion of the book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with many others. If you want to write a memoir, this is the book to start with. Costello provides a comprehensive guide for beginners but also offers substance to those who are further advanced in their writing quests. The author also writes an insightful blog.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book as I was finishing the final edits to my own memoir Crash: A Mother, a Son and the Journey from Grief to Gratitude. My first thought? Gee, maybe I should have read this first.

[Erwin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Costello’s The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing a Memoir takes a reader through the necessary steps in the writing process. The book asked the question, “Why write a memoir?” Then it proceeds to guide a writer with topics like truth telling, researching, mechanics, ingredients, having believable characters, writing like people talk, plot and structure, creating a scene, making a setting come alive, and rules for revision. Part 3 looked at the bigger picture of theme and genre, with passages, relationships, illness narrative, travel and adventure, getting read, and being published.
To further promote memoir writing the author also discussed self-publishing. She explained what self-publishing was, its language, ISBN, subsidy, or vanity press, print-on-demand, producing the printed book, composing the book, the printing process, getting into bookstores, self-marketing and promotion, and asked the question, “Is self-publishing right for you? The writer did a good job by providing a list of resources, memoirs that are a must read, and included a standard release form. Undoubtedly Costello covered all bases in her writing. She was able to organize and structure this book simply for a beginning memoir writer.

[Michelle Estella Usher-Grano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir writing

I loved this book! It explained a lot things I didn't know were involved in writing a memoir, yet it didn't make it seem impossible to accomplish.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot hints to help you move your story forward.

[Rhonda Rae Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the absolute best writing books I've read and one that I will not only buy copies for others who are writing in my family but will also reference often within my own journey.

If you are interested in writing or want to know what to do with your journal or stories of life, read this. It will help you go deeper, provide structure for the scattered pieces, and encourage you to keep going. Writing is a healing process and one worthy of pressing through whether you plan on publishing or not.

Everyone could learn something here and maybe even realize that a memoir needs to be written. Your story matters and could help others along their adventures in life.

[Stellamaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow.. Practical hints and examples.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Lots of interesting information. The beginning's especially good.

[Todd Smith]

There was parts at the end that I did not read since it did not pertain to the type of memoir I was writing. It was a quick read with some good ideas when it comes to memoir writing. I think it is a good companion piece to "Memoir Writing for Dummies."