5 Things to Think About Before You Start Writing
As a ghostwriter in St. Louis for over a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of helping my clients tell their stories. Through those experiences, I’ve learned a very valuable lesson: not everyone who wants to write a memoir is ready to do so.
Maybe you’ve heard a little voice whispering in your ear to tell your story? Or perhaps you’ve been told your life would make a great book?
The urge to tell our stories is powerful. Some of us live lives teeming with extraordinary experiences, while some of us navigate the quiet complexities of everyday existence. No matter our stories, they matter and can make a difference in others’ lives.
You might finally feel ready to tell your story and write your memoir, but writing a memoir is a deeply personal and often challenging journey. It’s more than putting together a collection of stories. Memoir writing requires you to confront your past, your truths, and to craft a vulnerable narrative that resonates with your readers. Not only does it involve introspection, but commitment as well.
So, before you take that leap and dive into memoir writing, let me ask you a few questions to help you determine if it’s a good time to write your memoir.
1. Are You Writing from the Wound or the Scar?
Memoirs often explore life-changing events, both joyful and painful. Writing from the wound means you’re writing from unresolved pain, and it can make the memoir writing process more emotionally taxing than necessary. Unresolved trauma makes it difficult to write about experience with a degree of emotional detachment. You could find yourself in an unhealthy place very quickly.
To better ensure the memoir writing process doesn’t take a toll on your mental or physical wellbeing, consider the following questions:
- Have you sought counseling or therapy?
- Do you feel ready to take on any emotional stress the writing process might bring?
- Has enough time passed that you can reflect on the events you want to write about without causing yourself undue stress?
2. Why Do You Want to Tell Your Story?
Understanding your motivation is crucial because a clear sense of purpose will guide you as you hit inevitable challenges during the writing process. Are you driven by a desire to share lessons learned, to leave a legacy, or to simply make sense of your life? Do you want to get rich and famous? Maybe have your book hit the bestseller list and be made into a Netflix series?
The first three motivations should always be your only motivations. Yes, your story is incredible and deserves to be told, but most memoirs don’t make it to the number one bestseller lists or start production studio bidding wars for television rights. I’m not saying that won’t happen, but it should never be your sole motivation for writing your memoir.
Reflect on the following questions when thinking about why you want to tell your story.
- What do you hope readers will gain from your memoir?
- What is your story’s core message?
- Who are you writing for? Yourself, others, or both?
3. Are You Ready to Be Vulnerable?
The most poignant, unforgettable memoirs thrive on honesty and vulnerability. Why? Quite simply put, readers connect with stories that are real and reveal the author’s most authentic self, flaws and all.
So, I ask you the following question: Are you willing to share your struggles, your imperfect life, your good and bad decisions, even if it’s uncomfortable?
4. Do You Have the Time and Dedication?
Writing a memoir is a significant undertaking. It requires time, dedication, and discipline, even when you hire a ghostwriter to help you. You must commit to the writing process, even when motivation wanes. If you’re working with a ghostwriter in St. Louis or anywhere in the world, you must understand it’s a collaborative process. You don’t hand over journals and bullet points and call it a day. The ghostwriting process takes six to twelve months (sometimes more) and involves interviews and a lot of homework.
Before you invest money in a ghostwriter or time into the writing process if you’re doing it yourself, you must ask yourself these questions:
- Am I committed to the process?
- Will I give my memoir the time and dedication it deserves?
5. Are You Ready for Potential Criticism?
Sharing your story with the world can be daunting. While writing your memoir, it’s your baby. You nurture it. You take care of it. Once you release it to the world, it no longer belongs only to you. Sharing stories brings us together, but it also opens us up to potential criticism or differing interpretations of our experiences.
Not everyone is ready to open themselves up to outside opinions about their life and experiences—and that’s okay!
There’s no rush to write your memoir. Take the time you need to process your experiences, clarify your motivations, and develop your writing skills. Journaling, freewriting, and exploring your memories can be valuable tools for preparation.
But, If You’re Ready, Take the Leap!
People want to hear your story—and there’s no better time to start than now, when you’re ready.
If it’s your lack of confidence in your writing skills holding you back, hire a ghostwriter in St. Louis. Ghostwriting Solutions STL is a boutique ghostwriting service in St. Louis that wants to help you tell your story.
Not in the St. Louis area? Not a problem. We work with individuals and businesses (yes, businesses have stories to tell too) all over the country. Click the box below and tell us more about your project.