Writing About Yourself

As a writer, it's important to understand the importance of individuality. Writers are often influenced to write what their teacher or editor wants, when they should be writing what they want. I learned that we shouldn't write what other people want to hear, but what is familiar to us. When you write for yourself, you will reach the people who you want to write for.

When writing about yourself, it's important you are able to distinguish the thin line between "ego and egotism." Confidence and pride are important as a writer; you won't be able to get far without it. On the other hand, being too egotistic will only bring down your writing. You want to make sure that all of the details of your memoir are moving your story forward.

A memoir shouldn't be a summary of your life, which is what autobiographies are for. Narrow it down to specific moments, and build up to the person you are today. Use important details from your past to give your readers an insight on your life, but do so without describing an entire timeline.

People should be the real focus of your memoir. Small details, perhaps the smell of your childhood home, are important to painting an image of what your life was like, but not as important as using real people and experiences. Use people to pave the way for the main focus of the writing, yourself. Give an idea of how certain people impacted you.