Writing a memoir likely will dredge up some difficult memories. For some writers, the pain of these memories might slow down the process of writing, like it did for Cheryl Landes, author of The Best I Can Do. It took Cheryl nearly two decades to complete her memoir. In this episode, Cheryl offers advice for structuring a memoir after years of being stuck. She also shares strategies for relieving tension and writing complex characters that the reader will cheer for.
Great Moments in the Episode
4:57 – 9:37 How painful memories lead to procrastination, and how to push through.
10:05 – 13:30 Creating a scene list to develop a structure for a memoir.
12:40 – 14:44 Identifying scenes that capture a reader’s imagination.
14:45 – 16:18 How to write a memoir in which readers will root for the protagonist (you).
16:47 – 18:22 Creating an invisible character in a memoir to create tension.
18:25 – 19:58 How simple scenes can become pivotal, profound scenes.
21:05 – 23:58 How to provide relief in an emotionally heavy memoir.
23:59 – 25:33 How to weave in flashbacks in a memoir.
25:34 – 28:18 How to honestly portray characters in your memoir without villainizing them.
28:19 – 30:33 How writing a book can change you and your perspective on the world.
30:34 – 34:09 Advice for writers who are stuck in the memoir writing process.
Words of the Episode
dolce far niente: (n) The 'sweetness of doing nothing'; pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness
inure: (v) to become accustom to something, especially something unpleasant.
Connect with Cheryl
Website: https://tabbycatco.com/about-cheryl-technical-writer/
Follow Journey Sixty6
https://www.journeysixty6.com/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.