Deep Memoir: An Archetypal Approach to Deepen Your Story and Broaden Its Appeal

by Jennifer Leigh Selig

We stand at the crossroads of two remarkable the golden age of memoir and the golden age of publishing. This is an exciting time for memoir readers. However, for memoir writers, it presents a formidable challenge. In a saturated market brimming with competition, how do you captivate the hearts of readers and the discerning eyes of publishers?

Cheryl Strayed, the celebrated author of the wildly successful memoir Wild, reveals a crucial “The most powerful strand in memoir is . . . tapping into your universality.” You mine “your” story for “our” story, the universal inside of the unique, the archetypal inside of the personal—that’s where the gold lies.

While many books on memoir writing acknowledge this, none are dedicated to showing you precisely how to and where to tap into the universal. Until now. In Deep Memoir, author and popular memoir teacher Jennifer Leigh Selig distills decades of experience in writing, teaching, and research into nine chapters focused on the archetypes essential to memoir

• The Storyteller
• Structure
• The Journey
• Character
• Truth
• Meaning
• Image
• Transformation
• Community

Deep Memoir is not just a book; it's an odyssey into the heart of memoir writing. Enriched with examples from over 140 memoirs and the stories of their creators, and enhanced by cutting-edge neuroscience about our brain's affinity and affection for archetypal patterns, this book is an indispensable companion for all memoir writers seeking to enrich their storytelling and expand their reach.

Genres: Writing

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2024

Reviews

[Shelley Oram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole-hearted approach to writing memoir.

Jennifer Selig masterfully takes her readers on a journey to bring all our hearts, souls, and minds to the vulnerable work of sharing our life experiences through memoir. In addition to sharing ideas for structure, she gives excellent examples and cites myriad memoirs and books on aspects of craft. My “to read” list expanded, and I have already learned so much from her and the other teachers and writers she cites. I think this is a great book for any writer, not just memoirists. Selig’s thoughts about how writing classes and groups can be conducted as places of safety, encouragement, and inspiration are beautiful, and much needed in our world of easy criticism and cynicism.

[Katie Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's publicist requested a review, and I was happy to agree as I'm recently retired and have been working on a memoir of my teaching career. I have been struggling with organization, so Selig's book came at the perfect time to help me, especially "Chapter II: The Archetype of Structure."

I also appreciate the focus on creating a bond with the reader, bringing one specific life into relevance for a wider audience. I now see how I can expand my audience to all people, even though I am focused on my teaching career.

In addition, I liked the scientific approach to the idea of memory and overall academic tone without being stuffy. I learned a great deal that has been helpful as I revise my memoir.

[Tracey Curzon-Manners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, and a must for anyone wishing to understand and develop their skills in memoir writing.

Following more than a few years break from trying to write and pull ideas together, and having read many 'how to' books on memoir writing, this one by far takes first prize for fully breaking down and chewing the psychology process.

Obviously, reading quality memoirs written by others will always help, and there is an extensive reading list at the back, but this book digs deep (as in the title) and really gets down to the nuts and bolts - including reasons to write versus the fear factor and why our experiences are worth recording for 'the human manual'.

I'm preparing to read again and this time, I'll be making notes.

[Krista Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-read for memoir writers

I’ve read several books on writing memoir, but this one takes memoir to a whole new level by considering archetypes in our stories, our writing, and our connections with our readers and other writers. Contains the most helpful discussion of metaphor I’ve ever read. It goes beyond how metaphors can enrich a story to tips on creating metaphors that fit your unique story. Highly recommended!

[Kresha Warnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book one should study, not read. And I mean that in a good way. As I revise my own memoir, I plan to apply many of the concepts (archetypes) described to help make my work better. Especially helpful were the discussions of structure and metaphor, but each chapter contained valuable material for the writer of memoir.

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best memoir-writing craft book I’ve read in a long time. The key to welcoming the reader into your story, your journey, your quest is transformation, change, to invite readers into the self-transcending meaning of life. But writing deep memoir is not for the faint of heart. One must walk into darkness to find light, let alone healing. In memoir, that is the prize.

[Charles Michael Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be rereading this one. The discussion on "takeaways" was a revelation.

[Kate Vogl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth it for breadth of memoirs covered - and good insights on archetypes

[Deborah Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this book because I was stuck in my memoir writing process. I ended this book with ideas and insights, yes. But I also ended with my heart opened, with a greater understanding of how and why writing and the sharing of writing are healing.