The 5 Important Parts of a Successful Memoir & Why You Need Them: A Definitive Guide for Memoir Writers

by Carolyn V. Hamilton

In this definitive guide on how to write a memoir, Carolyn V. Hamilton begins by explaining a concept every memoir writer must The difference between memoir and autobiography.The steps and tips and information she shares in this book are the same ones she has developed specifically for her memoir clients and students.They • Chapter 1 - The difference between memoir and autobiography• Chapter 2 – The rules of “story-telling.”• Chapter 3 - The STORY part of your memoir• Chapter 4 - The DESCRIPTIONs in your memoir• Chapter 5 - The DIALOGUE in your memoir• Chapter 6 - The SCENES in your story• Chapter 7 – The SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PART of your memoirReal examples from published stories will help you understand the concepts presented. Included at the end is an additional “3 Ways to Begin to Write Your Memoir.”The 5 Important Parts of a Successful Memoir & Why You Need Them is a fast, to-the-point, no-nonsense book that will give you the confidence to begin writing with ease. Once you implement what you discover here, you will no longer worry about how to write effectively, and you will have a strong plan for how to structure your story."I was expecting a more textbook feel but was pleasantly surprised by how conversational it was! I especially enjoyed the seven-part story exercise. I learned that I do have a rudimentary structure that I can develop easily with the guidance you offered in five steps." - Heather Monroe-KieferClick on the book cover to open AMAZON’S “LOOK INSIDE” FEATURE to learn more!

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2020

About the author

Carolyn V. Hamilton is a multi-genre author, free-lance journalist, workshop leader and Success Coach for Memoir Writers. Professionally trained as an illustrator and graphic designer, she spent over 3 decades working as a marketing executive and copywriter in the real world of “Mad Men.”

In 2009 she founded www.adventuress-travel-magazine.com, the digital magazine “for women over 50 doing fun things”, focusing on essay stories from women about their personal travel adventures.

Carolyn V. Hamilton is a graduate of Antioch University Seattle and her other adventures have included two years’ service as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer and a stint (in her “younger days”) as a Playboy Bunny.

When she is not traveling, she resides in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Visit her writers' website at www.carolynvhamilton.com and her publisher's website at www.swifthousepress.com!

Reviews

[Carol Wakeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a dearth of 'how-to' books out there for everything you might want to learn! It can be confusing, like standing in front of a shelf full of Face Cream (or anything really) and scrutinizing all the labels and descriptions for just the one to suit your skin type. Well, since beginning to write my memoir I have bought a few books on the subject and have several more in my Amazon 'Wish List'. Anything to put off that moment of opening a blank document and actually starting to write! I could have saved myself a lot of time and money by just buying this book at the start! It is straightforward and clear with no waffle. It really is an excellent instruction book especially for a beginner like me. I will certainly keep returning to this book over and over again, to check that I am following the guidelines and not going off on my own tangents! It is rather like a recipe, showing you how to find the essential ingredients and then the instructions to follow. Thank you to the author for setting me on the right path.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short (<80 pages) guide to memoir writing and editing, with some useful information about structuring scenes and creating a story arc for the book.

There's not a lot of in-depth information, but there are a lot of helpful checklists, so this is something I may well refer back to as I work on memoir projects

[Gloria Braunschweig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read two of Carolyn's books on writing a memoir. Lots of overlap, but this is concise and to the point. Very effective.