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Lisa Schliff explains: How to write your memoir.

13 Comments / Celebrating Senior Women / By

“Lisa, you did something many women only dream of: you wrote a memoir. Can you tell us how it’s done?” Step by step, Lisa narrowed it down: First, I decided who I wanted to share my memories with—my ‘audience.’ Then I jogged my memory with a few saved notes, yellow with age. From there, I looked up old friends from way back and we talked about old times. Of course, I researched the history of that era–but AI did not write my book! All along, I called on my persistence. (I wrote and rewrote for three years.) When I started to lose confidence, I forged ahead. Finally, friends read my draft and gave me feedback. True … I’ve studied the art of writing for years; but don’t worry, there are many ways you, too, can learn the craft.   So, come on! Use Lisa’s list and get started telling your story. For inspiration, read her memoir—as lovely as the picture on the cover (which she painted herself, while on the adventure she depicts in her book.) The Rain in Spain is available on Amazon.

13 thoughts on “Lisa Schliff explains: How to write your memoir.”

  1. Kelly A Lardner

    Congratulations Lisa! I’m looking forward to reading your book and discussing it at Read and Review in October.
    Kelly

    1. Lisa Schliff

      Here they are: I chose my prospective reader audience; jogged my memories with notes and short stories I had written about that time period; interviewed friends who were part of that experience; researched the history and culture; persisted; got feedback from readers before I published; studied the craft of writing.
      Hope this helps!

  4. Heather Waite

    My memoir is finished, professionally edited. Ready to print. This is what I was advised:
    Write down three experiences that changed the direction of your life. Then write what came before each one.
    It’s an outline; a formula.

    Easy peasy. We need each other’s stories! Thank you, Sheila.

  5. Libby Taylor-Worden

    Lisa is normal to want to write it, but courageous to have done it…and published it. It’s a great deal of work. And I would add, not only identify your audience, but also what I call the “so what” of a book. What someone might glean from the story. Once identified, it helps the author stay on track and not take detours into other areas of their life that don’t advance the ‘moral of the story,’ so to speak. Thank you Lisa, for working so hard to get it right, testing it on readers. That’s the hard part of writing that many aren’t willing to do. But when done, as you did, it makes a much better book. Write Away, Libby

    1. Lisa Schliff

      Thanks so much, Libby! Truthfully, I sometimes think “Why didn’t I add that pearl of wisdom into the book?” Too late now!

  6. BJ WONG

    Thank you for the inspiration and support! I am currently writing about my experiences living and working with Hansens Disease (leprosy) patients in a remote isolated Settlement in Hawaii over a 20 year period.
    I can relate to your journey and it gives me courage and persistence to complete the book and publish.
    I appreciate Sheila Lopez who is highlighting senior women who are creative with authenticity, grace and
    focused intention. BRAVO!!!!

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