• Letters from CAMP Rehoboth
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Advertising Information
    • Where Can I Get Letters?
    • The Write Stuff
  • Events
    • Featured Events
    • Past Events
    • Classes + Events
    • SUNFESTIVAL 2022
    • Women's FEST
  • Programs
    • Arts & Culture
    • Education & Advocacy
    • Health & Wellness
    • Community Building
    • CAMP Facilities
  • About Us
    • Membership
    • Volunteers
    • Board of Directors
    • CAMP Rehoboth Staff
    • Reports and Financials
    • History
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Press
  • Resources
    • Beach Guide Directory
    • LGBTQ Resources
    • LGBTQ Providers
    • LGBTQ Delaware Data
    • Trans & Nonbinary Resources
    • BIPOC LGBTQ Resources
    • LGBTQ Local and National Resources Guide
  • Contact
  • Shop
close× Call Us 302-227-5620
close×

Search form

October 22, 2021 - The Writing Life by Jane Knaus

Writing an Authentic Memoir

 


For those of us who have more salt than pepper in our hair, this might be a time to think about writing a memoir. We all have a story to tell, looking through the rearview mirrors of our lives. The questions are: Why write one? What purpose would it have? Why would it be of interest to those who don’t know us? What do we reveal, and what do we conceal? We cannot and perhaps should not share everything with friends and strangers, but we also want to tell a story that may appeal to those we never meet, as well as to those who know us, but not everything about us.


My story is not unique; there are thematic parts to it that may connect with others who have entered this phase in their lives. You may have friends, relatives, or co-workers who have encouraged you to write and share your past with others. The most influential person who encouraged me to write My True Colors: A Memoir, was my son, Eric.


Before you begin a memoir, be sure you have enough time and focus to protect this very intense and at times emotionally wrought process. There will be memories—both happy and difficult—that you need to embrace to tell a balanced, authentic view of your life. After all, most of us have had both positive experiences as well as painful ones. 


You may find it helpful to develop an outline of what you want to share, lessons you have learned along your journey. Consider who your prospective audience might be. 


There are many ways to craft a memoir. I chose to do it chronologically, starting with a background that included my parents, who were German-Jewish refugees. I originally didn’t want to go too much into their background, as it was quite complex, but was convinced by my editor to share their story. After all, we are shaped by our past in ways that at times determine and reflect our own journey. 


I also wanted to include many of the paintings I have created over the years, as a major part of my identity is being an artist. Think about your passion(s)—how do you want to share this with others?


I found hiring both a professional developmental editor and a professional copy editor was critical to the success of my memoir; you may find that helpful, too. The former will review the overall content and provide suggestions for telling your story, as mine did regarding the inclusion of my parents’ narrative. He/she may help shape the memoir and find discrepancies you may have overlooked. Later on in the process, the copy editor will review your manuscript for grammar, typos, and any inconsistencies.


Prior to the copy editing phase, ask some close friends and/or relatives to be your “deputized editors.” They will help you recall some stories from your past that you may have forgotten or brushed aside. They may also help you understand the role and/or the importance of certain people in your life. 


You also need to decide if your memoir is one that addresses people who may have scarred you or had a negative impact on you. Is this a “settling the score” memoir, or is its purpose to share your growth and sense of empowerment over the years? Remember, once the story of your life is in print, it’s permanent. I chose not to identify everyone who made my life a challenge, but that was my decision and my approach.


Count on writing and rewriting many times, as your story is a dynamic piece that will most likely improve with each review and rewrite. My entire process took 15 months.


When it came to publishing the memoir, I did not want to go through the long and often frustrating process of finding an agent and a mainstream publisher. I just wanted to get it printed, so I worked with a self-publishing house. You may find that works for you, too—or you may choose another route.


I found writing a memoir challenging but very rewarding. I hope you do, too. ▼  


Jane Knaus is an artist and memoirist; she may be contacted at knausjane@gmail.com. Her book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the self-publishing house website: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/my-true-colors.
 

‹ October 22, 2021 - It's My Life by Michael Thomas Ford up October 22, 2021 - Before the Beach by Michael Gilles ›

Past Issues

Issues Index

  • December 17, 2021 - Issue Index
  • November 19, 2021 - Issue Index
  • October 22, 2021 - Issue Index
    • October 22, 2021 - Cover to Cover with Issuu
    • October 22, 2021 - The Way I See It by Marj Shannon
    • October 22, 2021 - In Brief
    • October 22, 2021 - Intentionally Inclusive by Wesley Combs
    • October 22, 2021 - CAMP News
    • October 22, 2021 - Community News
    • October 22, 2021 - Who's That?.... That's CAMP! by Anita Broccolino
    • October 22, 2021 - Out and About by Eric C. Peterson
    • October 22, 2021 - 'Tis the Season by Fay Jacobs
    • October 22, 2021 - Out & Proud by Stefani Deoul
    • October 22, 2021 - Health & Wellness by Marj Shannon
    • October 22, 2021 - Classes and Events
    • October 22, 2021 - Visiting View by Robert Dominic
    • October 22, 2021 - A (Former) Sporty Gal by Beth Shockely
    • October 22, 2021 - Volunteer Spotlight by Karen Laitman
    • October 22, 2021 - Halloween Happenings by Michael Gilles
    • October 22, 2021 - Words Matter by Clarence Fluker
    • October 22, 2021 - Dining Out by Fay Jacobs
    • October 22, 2021 - It's My Life by Michael Thomas Ford
    • October 22, 2021 - The Writing Life by Jane Knaus
    • October 22, 2021 - Before the Beach by Michael Gilles
    • October 22, 2021 - Straight Talk by David Garrett
    • October 22, 2021 - The Real Dirt by Eric W. Wahl
    • October 22, 2021 - Historical Headliners by Ann Aptaker
    • October 22, 2021 - Sporty Gals by Stefani Deoul
    • October 22, 2021 - Spotlight on the Arts
    • October 22, 2021 - Booked Solid by Terri Schlichenmeyer
    • October 22, 2021 - Dress for (Halloween) Success by Mikey Rox
    • October 22, 2021 - We Remember
  • September 24, 2021 - Issue Index
  • August 20, 2021 - Issue Index
  • July 16, 2021 - Issue Index
  • June 18, 2021 - Issue Index
  • May 14, 2021 - Issue Index
  • April 16, 2021 - Issue Index
  • March 19, 2021 - Issue Index
  • February 19th, 2021 - Issue Index

Follow Us

Follow us on Social Media!

RECEIVE WEEKLY EMAIL

Information

  • Letters
  • Events
  • About Us
  • CAMP Center

Support CAMP

  • CAMP Membership
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
Copyright © CAMP Rehoboth, 2022
  • p. 302-227-5620
  • info@camprehoboth.com
  • 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971