Hi Cherilyn, I just found your publication and was intrigued by the name - I too use a childhood story theme; in my case, Princess and the Pea, Survivor Edition. I really enjoyed your breakdown of memoir structure. I am in the final phase of my own memoir (started it in March 2020 during the lock-down phase of the pandemic). Thank you for sharing this structure. You make a lot of solid points about the growth of the narrator through their struggles and subsequent awakening.
Wow I don’t know what led me to find you but I’m glad I did.
I’ve always wanted to write my story but too afraid. (Still am) but it’s given me some inspiration to start.
Art and creation have always made me feel better but I’m so exhausted in ways I can’t describe (maybe I will find words for it one day) that fatigue in your soul. It goes beyond depression or loss of sleep. *sigh*.
Forgive me for wandering I don’t get to speak my truth much.
What you describe In your article reminds me of the hero’s journey. I am no writer but it is something I learned about in my Mythology class like the call to adventure etc.
Anywho, I really just wanted to reply with a thank you for helping those who are going through what feels like the worst pain in the world.
I was just telling my brother I don’t know how to channel this pain or emotions nothing is working. But the way you put it. “Just tell the truth” struck something within me.
I’m not tryin to hurt anyone. But sadly I am. Myself because I’m allowing my truth to be extinguished.
Why is it so easy to defend everyone (even those that hurt us) but we won’t defend ourselves? It’s all so complicated.
If we defend we look guilty. We messed up because we didn’t speak before the narcissist got there first and now it feels too late.
If you spoke BEFORE the narcissist did you STILL look like the one starting problems. Our truth feels futile.
Also, what about permission? Do you need the permission of all involved in your story before it’s published? (I know I know I’m thinking WAY too far ahead I tend to do that) I don’t think I want to use actual names here.
Whoa okay that was a long comment please do forgive me for the rant. My thoughts flow when I get passionate about something.
You most definitely have the right to tell your story!
In my case, I realized the narcissist would do everything they could to tell their lies and destroy my reputation—so I might as well tell the truth from my POV.
And even though I didn't lie—I’m using the term point of view for a reason—all memoirs are about the author’s POV.
One person in my family threatened to write a book about me and “tell how terrible you were” and for what? Nothing but lies to discredit me for telling about my childhood from my POV. If this person was a dedicated writer, they would write about life from their POV, instead of making stuff up to silence me.
Most people can tell if a memoir is written for revenge or simply telling a story. I have much more to say, but I’m short on time right now.
I understand the exhaustion. Everyone seems over loaded with stimulus on all media. I’ve stepped back to breathe for a while, I’ve been absent here for far too long. It’s been a weird two years and so much has changed. But I’m working on my next memoir and a novel so I will be back.
I will try to answer all your questions—just give me a little time. You brought many things worth discussing. Maybe I can get back later tonight. Meanwhile you are welcome to ask me any questions at any time—and I will do my best to get back to you!
Thank you for stopping by and reminding me that we are here to help each other! ❤️
Hi Cherilyn, I just found your publication and was intrigued by the name - I too use a childhood story theme; in my case, Princess and the Pea, Survivor Edition. I really enjoyed your breakdown of memoir structure. I am in the final phase of my own memoir (started it in March 2020 during the lock-down phase of the pandemic). Thank you for sharing this structure. You make a lot of solid points about the growth of the narrator through their struggles and subsequent awakening.
Wow I don’t know what led me to find you but I’m glad I did.
I’ve always wanted to write my story but too afraid. (Still am) but it’s given me some inspiration to start.
Art and creation have always made me feel better but I’m so exhausted in ways I can’t describe (maybe I will find words for it one day) that fatigue in your soul. It goes beyond depression or loss of sleep. *sigh*.
Forgive me for wandering I don’t get to speak my truth much.
What you describe In your article reminds me of the hero’s journey. I am no writer but it is something I learned about in my Mythology class like the call to adventure etc.
Anywho, I really just wanted to reply with a thank you for helping those who are going through what feels like the worst pain in the world.
I was just telling my brother I don’t know how to channel this pain or emotions nothing is working. But the way you put it. “Just tell the truth” struck something within me.
I’m not tryin to hurt anyone. But sadly I am. Myself because I’m allowing my truth to be extinguished.
Why is it so easy to defend everyone (even those that hurt us) but we won’t defend ourselves? It’s all so complicated.
If we defend we look guilty. We messed up because we didn’t speak before the narcissist got there first and now it feels too late.
If you spoke BEFORE the narcissist did you STILL look like the one starting problems. Our truth feels futile.
Also, what about permission? Do you need the permission of all involved in your story before it’s published? (I know I know I’m thinking WAY too far ahead I tend to do that) I don’t think I want to use actual names here.
Whoa okay that was a long comment please do forgive me for the rant. My thoughts flow when I get passionate about something.
Thank you again for sharing these amazing tips!
Very good advice, and well said!
Thank you!
Hi Vanessa,
You most definitely have the right to tell your story!
In my case, I realized the narcissist would do everything they could to tell their lies and destroy my reputation—so I might as well tell the truth from my POV.
And even though I didn't lie—I’m using the term point of view for a reason—all memoirs are about the author’s POV.
One person in my family threatened to write a book about me and “tell how terrible you were” and for what? Nothing but lies to discredit me for telling about my childhood from my POV. If this person was a dedicated writer, they would write about life from their POV, instead of making stuff up to silence me.
Most people can tell if a memoir is written for revenge or simply telling a story. I have much more to say, but I’m short on time right now.
I understand the exhaustion. Everyone seems over loaded with stimulus on all media. I’ve stepped back to breathe for a while, I’ve been absent here for far too long. It’s been a weird two years and so much has changed. But I’m working on my next memoir and a novel so I will be back.
I will try to answer all your questions—just give me a little time. You brought many things worth discussing. Maybe I can get back later tonight. Meanwhile you are welcome to ask me any questions at any time—and I will do my best to get back to you!
Thank you for stopping by and reminding me that we are here to help each other! ❤️
Cherilyn