Your Story

by JOANNE FEDLER

We either think our lives are so special that everyone should be interested in what’s happened to us, or so ordinary that we can’t imagine anyone would care. The truth lies somewhere in yes, we are all special, and no, people will not care—unless we write with them in mind.Joanne Fedler , a beloved writing teacher and mentor, has written Your Story to help all people, even those who don’t necessarily identify as “writers,” value their life stories and write them in such a way that they transcend the personal and speak into a universal story. This book shows how to write from your life, but for the benefit of others. Each human life is unique, and the meaning we each make from our joys and suffering can, if written with a reader in mind, be an act of generosity and sharing. Filled with practical wisdom and tools, the book mind-set issues that prevent us from writingways to develop trust (in yourself, the process, the mystery)triggers or prompts to elicit our own storiesJoanne’s original techniques for “lifewriting,” developed over a decade of teaching and mentoringand much more“Joanne understands the writer’s loneliness,” says one such writer whose life she’s touched, the award-winning Israeli author Nava Semel. “In this book she has created a menu of encouraging possibilities on how to overcome our fears and dig deep into our souls, so that our true voice can emerge.”

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Memoir, Crafts

Paperback

About the author

Joanne Fedler is an internationally bestselling author and witing mentor. She studied law at Yale and now lives in Australia.

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quero escrever um livro desde que me conheço. No entanto, passo a vida a adiar essa tarefa. Aliás, já escrevi três livros mas nada do qual me orgulhe. Antes de ir de férias tive um convite para publicar um livro mas recusei. Quanto mais leio, mais penso que não tenho talento e preciso de largar este sonho. Já frequentei um curso de escrita criativa e um workshop com a mesma temática. Ambos foram interessantes, mas não os considero essenciais. Foram mais exercícios práticos e alguma conversa sobre escritores. Adoro ler livros sobre a arte da escrita, já li uma série deles. Estou sempre à procura de novidades dentro do género.

Mais aqui:
http://amulherqueamalivros.blogs.sapo...

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real advice, helpful tips, one of the better 'how to write' books I've seen. Joanne Fedler is writing from her own experience as a successful writer.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the best writing books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read dozens of them. Fedler is inspiring, humorous, and immensely helpful. The second I finished the book, I went to her website and signed up for her free seven day writing challenge.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to help you create a story, whether it is for others to read or just for yourself as a journal or writing to heal.

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.

[Joanne Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Fedler accomplished what I believe is the goal of any writer - to have the reader believe the book was personally meant and written for them. This is how reading “Your Story” felt to me. I was feeling more and more that I am a writer, but Joanne through her words supplied the encouragement and validation needed so I now believe “I am a writer”!
I love some of her final written words of encouragement: “Writing and sharing our stories is the bravest, most generous act of service we can perform.”

[Laura K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this thoughtful how-to manual on memoir writing 3.5 stars, though if I were a beginning writer it would earn 4. The author holds the hand of the reader while giving her the tools she needs to write her story. The advice is sound and delivered in short, easily digestible chapters. However, it skims topics that other books delve into more deeply. It's the reader's digest version of a writing manual.

[Jennifer Pownall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book! When I finish my memoir (and I most certainly will, partly due to this read) it will be one that I mention in the bibliography with appreciation for its insights and encouraging tone. Fedler is an exceptional writer and I am grateful to have found her helpful, thoughtfully written book.

[Sarah Diop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has practical advice and the chapters were small and precise. When I first started the book I was flying through it but once it gets to the actionable advice it inevitably slows it down especially if you are currently working on a manuscript. I’d recommend for anyone that is starting the process of writing, very helpful. This books gives you support right to the end with a couple pep talks to get you through the potentially crushing editorial notes.

[Jennifer Pownall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book! When I finish my memoir (and I most certainly will, partly due to this read) it will be one that I mention in the bibliography with appreciation for its insights and encouraging tone. Fedler is an exceptional writer and I am grateful to have found her helpful, thoughtfully written book.

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read on writing a good book. Joanne engages with the reader/writer offering information and helpful tips on every page. I love her sense of humour and that she does not patronise her readers in any way. I took a wealth of knowledge away from this book and am now working on the workbook. Thank you Joanne for such an enlightening book.

[michelle pylar · Rating 5 out of 5]

both thought provoking and inspirational!!!

I love this book in that it wasn’t all about how to structure a story, which while I also love….I just needed some good old fashion encouragement….which I got from this book in funny and inspirational ways!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. It has given me a lot to think about for my writing projects going forward.

[Luigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book full of ideas that I will go back and use as a reference in future.

[Joshua Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just begun to write a memoir of my own, I feel like I stumbled upon this book at just the right time. It gave me a few new tools to play with and sharpened the ones I already possess.

[Natasa Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good insight into the ins and outs of overcoming small apprehensions and getting to work without fear.

[Sarah Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of valuable information for writers!

[Sharron Bardsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and easy to follow

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway. I was attracted to the title as I have a book inside of me. At least one. This book is a great read even if you don't want to write. It's a good way to think of your life, your story and what it means. It gave me the confidence to really get started. I understand now why I want to share this story and feel like I can now do it justice. Thank you, Joanne!

I have also put her other books on my To Read Shelf.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use a pseudonym.

Write to meet yourself.

Your book could change someone's life.

So many inspiring and thought provoking ideas, subjects and feelings to include in a memoir.