Writing Your Life: Putting Your Past on Paper – An Expert's Guide to Crafting Memoir and Creative Nonfiction for Aspiring Writers

by Lou W. Stanek

We all have stories to tell -- of a rapturous first kiss, a life-altering moment of choice, or the shocking revelation of a long-guarded secret. And these stories are often as distinctive, fascinating, exciting and entertaining as those found in the memoirs and autobiographies that currently top the nation's bestseller lists. We just need to know how to tell them best. Veteran, writing teacher, lecturer, and author of So You Want to Write a Novel , Lou Willet Stanek can help you translate your joys and ordeals, thoughts and triumphs into superbly crafted nonfiction -- taking you step-by-step through the writing process with care, encouragement, and expert advice. She shows you how to unlock your memories, create settings and scenes, protray major characters and dramatic events. And she offers the key to finding your own unique voice, and to presenting your greatest charcter -- yourself -- without boring your reader or sounding egotistical. Complete with invaluable exercises, nuts-and-bolts techniques, and motivational tools, Writing Your Life is indispensible for every aspiring writer who wishes to mine the rich lode of his or her past for all the gems hidden there.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Peggy Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stanzek has written several books about writing your life. Of all I have read, this book is my favorite. Lots of guidelines and notebook exercises to keep you reading and writing.

[Alicia Zuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for something that is this well put together and has writing exercises to get my mind going and feeling like I'm participating with the book.

[Lakshmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an aspiring writer working on my first memoir. This is a fantastic resource for any writer. It’s full of writing prompts and examples from various memoirs.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for beginning memoir writers. Many writing ideas and examples are presented. Obviously the author has many insights to share from a lifetime of teaching and research. I will add this book to my shelf for future reference and inspiration as needed. I did appreciate Stanek's chapter on how memories change over time and adapt to one's new knowledge and life stages.

Having read several books on memoir writing, I've not found one that has much to say about sustaining a theme over time, which seems like an important element of writing a good memoir. I marvel at how Joyce Carol Oates wrote 432 pages about the death of her husband in A Widow's Story, or how Patti Smith wrote 279 pages in Just Kids. It seems like the key to this is writing about how insights on a theme change during a lifetime. Writing such as this can reveal new knowledge and paths not traveled before.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special gift to me (from a very dear friend) ... This book came at the precise moment I needed it.

We all have a story within us; new chapters are being written (and edited) with each breath and with each moment!

This book is an easy read to assist you in writing your life story. It includes writing prompts, tools and exercises as well as wonderfully written examples from the author's own life. All of which will provide you will the key to unlock the door of your heart. That place where the memories are stored.

And, even if — especially if! — you have sorrow and other doody stuff from your yesterdays, I encourage you to at least read this book.

Writing is healing. It gives you a voice and it propels you toward authenticity, forgiveness and the courage to move on.

★

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was all pretty straight-forward. Lots of common sense here. But as usual, reading about writing motivates me to write more.

I read this in prep for an interview as a writing instructor. Didn't get the job - but still worth the read.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lyrical book that encourages - almost demands - that people begin writing their own histories. No one can tell the story of your life as you do because nobody sees it in the same way. Tips to get started and ways to make the writing more readable. This is another re-reading exercise.

[Kathy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

just what i needed to kick me into writing again. it helped that she is a fellow midwesterner.