I feel you on this! For me, the "slowness" is usually a sign that there's something else I need to learn and discover before moving forward—recently, it was a place I wasn't willing to go for the sake of the story but am ready to now. Just think of this as "the dip" and give yourself permission to wander so that when you do sit down to write, it'll be because you're bursting with inspiration.
I agree and when I give myself the time and mental energy to take a step back and think about the past, my story changes a little bit and evolves. However... there comes a moment when I'm like, I just want to solidify the story and finish lol. I suppose this is a memoir writing thing?? I have no clue, but there are many days when I wish I could just write fiction (grass is always greener, right?)
Definitely not a memoir thing! The other day, I impulse bought Memoir as Medicine even though I have zero intention of writing a memoir, so maybe give yourself permission to buy a fiction craft book and see if it unlocks anything.
Hi Claire, I just saw your quote in Writing Class Radio and had to check you out! I love the idea of memoir as therapy; that writing our stories can transform them in some way.
I am about to start writing a memoir about my recent road trip to Alaska and figuring out what comes next after infertility. So from my vantage point of having zero words, your progress is admirable!
Thanks Liz. I am a big fan of writing class radio! I learned a lot in their writing groups. I’m also looking forward to one day reading your story. Doesn’t get better than Alaska. 🌲
This is great: "Memoir writing means picking at old wounds and scars. Before I started my book, I did a really good job of carefully tucking away traumatic parts of my life. But writing, editing, rewriting, and sharing these scenes with my teachers, writing groups, and writing buddies made me feel like those tough times weren’t all that bad." Yes, Claire, yes. I consider writing memoir to be, in a strange way, writing a love letter to my future self because I have often had almost no compassion for my former one. If we use the tools of story well, if we write scenes, and limit our "telling" and allow it to unfurl before us on the page, there the compassion is born. It's amazingly subtle and I might suggest that is what heals...our ability to finally have a measure of compassion for ourselves (or simply being with ourselves, which is the very definition of compassion) which then allows us to be more compassionate with others. Oh dear! Got a little long winded there. 💗
That's so true. I didn't think about it that way (compassion for ourselves). For me, I became way more empathetic to the people in my story (parents, brother, the ex, etc.). For my own healing, I think the act of repetition was helpful, and after a while I started to question a lot of things -- like, did it actually happen that way?? It's a fascinating thing to write a memoir. Everyone should do it!
Jennifer, I love the image of memoir as “writing a love letter to my future self”! I am planning to write a memoir about my recent road trip to Alaska as I tried to figure out what comes next after infertility. Thinking about memoir as a healing tool makes me eager to get started!
I’m sending you all writerly-good-vibes. 🤗Write true, write as full in your moments as witness vs reporter and you’ll see yourself and when you do, you’ll also see God. Then comes that knee buckling moment of overwhelming love and you know you’ve done it. But you don’t need me to tell you that… You have wonderful Claire here to give you all the insights you need.
Currently working on a fantasy fiction 1st draft and I gotta say, I'm much more comfortable writing memoir but only because the scenes are already constructed and the story is my story so the POV and the voice is in the bag too. Lol But no matter what genre getting to the chair to write is always the hardest part and then when I hit little walls and challenges or learn that I'm telling not showing I just want to go back and edit what I've done so I end up doing circles around the first 6,000 words instead of just plugging through! Eek!
Anyway, thanks for your transparency. Your struggle is warranted and you are not alone. Keep up the good arduous work! And don't forget, a good workout or nature walk is always good for clearing the brain cobwebs. You can do this! You are amazing and talented and you're right, your story needs to get out there, even if you self publish! Wishing you some strong inspirational vibes!
Hi Jess, that's an interesting way to think about memoir... I guess I never thought of it that way. Thanks for your encouragement, and I agree that sitting down the make a habit of writing and surrounding yourself with folks who are going through something similar is definitely helpful. Good luck on your fantasy fiction! :D
Good luck w/ your memoir venture. I've written one (my first book) and it was a good experience. As you mention, not easy, but it felt really good to get thoughts down, and the fun parts were great b/c I could re-live them all over again. Quick question- you mention you turned on Upgrade to Paid, back in Nov, I think. Has it produced any results? I'm not sure when I should begin to monetize. Any advice will be appreciated, Claire. Thank you.
Thank you Jeanine! And congrats on writing your first book... that is such an accomplishment! I love hearing stories about new authors and what the publishing process was like. So, I have 1 paid subscriber, and she is a friend of mine, LOL. I just turned it on just to have it there. I was told by many Substackers, why wait? But my strategy for paid subscribers isn't there, and I know other folks who have a decent amount have an actual strategy for what they offer to their paid audience. Follow Amanda Hinton of the Editing Spectrum. She's a terrific marketer and Substacker: https://theeditingspectrum.substack.com/ !
Thanks so much for the reference, Claire, and the info. I've published all 4 of my books, 2 non-fiction, 2 fiction, through indie publishing and am completely satisfied the way all turned out. If you go that route, do not skimp on cover art or an editor. Two very important aspects of your book's success, imho. I hear you regarding being fully prepared for going paid, and I will for sure look at Amanda Hinton's editing spectrum today. Much appreciated!
That is very impressive. Kudos to you! You're not the first to say not to skimp on a good graphic designer and an editor! You're very welcome, I'm pretty sure you will find Amanda's work to be helpful!
I am not writing a book, but sometimes just editing a post for Substack brings up so much - I can’t imagine the rollercoaster ride of writing a memoir! Last week I was working on a post and I kept tweaking and editing and after a few days I was feeling like “I hate this post entirely” 🤣
Oh gosh, I have SO been there. Substack can be so time consuming. I edit and edit and edit. It's kind of a bad habit I've created. But yes, memoir writing can be daunting! Thank you for your comment! :D
"The deadline that forever feels like 'someday'" Man! I feel this! I spend months obsessed with my memoir and then months where I can't even look at the file in my google docs, AND oh, what about that short story I want to write??
I love Elizabeth Gilbert's take on creativity. I re-read her Big Magic at least once a year. She was on one of The Isolation Journals talks and she talked about how there is always a point (or more than one) where you lose your (pardon the crude talk here) hard on for a project. And I totally get it. As soon as I hit a little bit of friction I fall into negative self talk. I've learned to accept these feelings as part of the process. It still sucks, but I know it won't last forever. Keep going Claire! The world needs your story!
Thank you for the vote of confidence! The world needs your story too! I can't wait until your book is done too. I read Big Magic but admit I only read if once and of course I don't remember what it's about. I'll have to go back to it! I am the same way about being obsessed with my memoir and then working diligently on structure but then getting tired and feeling like I'm swamped with work. It's why I devote 15 mins each day, even if it's just a tiny paragraph. For me, it's the act of doing it each day so I don't lose my hard on. 😂
I feel you on this! For me, the "slowness" is usually a sign that there's something else I need to learn and discover before moving forward—recently, it was a place I wasn't willing to go for the sake of the story but am ready to now. Just think of this as "the dip" and give yourself permission to wander so that when you do sit down to write, it'll be because you're bursting with inspiration.
I agree and when I give myself the time and mental energy to take a step back and think about the past, my story changes a little bit and evolves. However... there comes a moment when I'm like, I just want to solidify the story and finish lol. I suppose this is a memoir writing thing?? I have no clue, but there are many days when I wish I could just write fiction (grass is always greener, right?)
Definitely not a memoir thing! The other day, I impulse bought Memoir as Medicine even though I have zero intention of writing a memoir, so maybe give yourself permission to buy a fiction craft book and see if it unlocks anything.
Memoir as Medicine... sounds really intriguing. I may. have to check it out. :)
Hi Claire, I just saw your quote in Writing Class Radio and had to check you out! I love the idea of memoir as therapy; that writing our stories can transform them in some way.
I am about to start writing a memoir about my recent road trip to Alaska and figuring out what comes next after infertility. So from my vantage point of having zero words, your progress is admirable!
I look forward to following your memoir journey.
Thanks Liz. I am a big fan of writing class radio! I learned a lot in their writing groups. I’m also looking forward to one day reading your story. Doesn’t get better than Alaska. 🌲
Thank you, Claire! Have you been to Alaska?
This is great: "Memoir writing means picking at old wounds and scars. Before I started my book, I did a really good job of carefully tucking away traumatic parts of my life. But writing, editing, rewriting, and sharing these scenes with my teachers, writing groups, and writing buddies made me feel like those tough times weren’t all that bad." Yes, Claire, yes. I consider writing memoir to be, in a strange way, writing a love letter to my future self because I have often had almost no compassion for my former one. If we use the tools of story well, if we write scenes, and limit our "telling" and allow it to unfurl before us on the page, there the compassion is born. It's amazingly subtle and I might suggest that is what heals...our ability to finally have a measure of compassion for ourselves (or simply being with ourselves, which is the very definition of compassion) which then allows us to be more compassionate with others. Oh dear! Got a little long winded there. 💗
That's so true. I didn't think about it that way (compassion for ourselves). For me, I became way more empathetic to the people in my story (parents, brother, the ex, etc.). For my own healing, I think the act of repetition was helpful, and after a while I started to question a lot of things -- like, did it actually happen that way?? It's a fascinating thing to write a memoir. Everyone should do it!
Exactly. You know.
Jennifer, I love the image of memoir as “writing a love letter to my future self”! I am planning to write a memoir about my recent road trip to Alaska as I tried to figure out what comes next after infertility. Thinking about memoir as a healing tool makes me eager to get started!
I love Alaska! Sorry to hear about the infertility... I hope your writing helps you. ❤️
Thank you, Claire. Where have you been in Alaska?
Hi Liz! I have been to Alaska. It was short but magical. Landed in Anchorage and then made my way down to Homer Spit. :D
I was there in 2017. I wrote about it here: https://clairesholiday.substack.com/p/alaska
(Moved my WordPress travel blog to Substack but admit I haven't really updated it or focused on it.)
Awesome, Claire! I look forward to reading this. 😃
I’m sending you all writerly-good-vibes. 🤗Write true, write as full in your moments as witness vs reporter and you’ll see yourself and when you do, you’ll also see God. Then comes that knee buckling moment of overwhelming love and you know you’ve done it. But you don’t need me to tell you that… You have wonderful Claire here to give you all the insights you need.
Thank you for your kind comment! ❤️
You got thisss!!!
Currently working on a fantasy fiction 1st draft and I gotta say, I'm much more comfortable writing memoir but only because the scenes are already constructed and the story is my story so the POV and the voice is in the bag too. Lol But no matter what genre getting to the chair to write is always the hardest part and then when I hit little walls and challenges or learn that I'm telling not showing I just want to go back and edit what I've done so I end up doing circles around the first 6,000 words instead of just plugging through! Eek!
Anyway, thanks for your transparency. Your struggle is warranted and you are not alone. Keep up the good arduous work! And don't forget, a good workout or nature walk is always good for clearing the brain cobwebs. You can do this! You are amazing and talented and you're right, your story needs to get out there, even if you self publish! Wishing you some strong inspirational vibes!
Hi Jess, that's an interesting way to think about memoir... I guess I never thought of it that way. Thanks for your encouragement, and I agree that sitting down the make a habit of writing and surrounding yourself with folks who are going through something similar is definitely helpful. Good luck on your fantasy fiction! :D
Good luck w/ your memoir venture. I've written one (my first book) and it was a good experience. As you mention, not easy, but it felt really good to get thoughts down, and the fun parts were great b/c I could re-live them all over again. Quick question- you mention you turned on Upgrade to Paid, back in Nov, I think. Has it produced any results? I'm not sure when I should begin to monetize. Any advice will be appreciated, Claire. Thank you.
Thank you Jeanine! And congrats on writing your first book... that is such an accomplishment! I love hearing stories about new authors and what the publishing process was like. So, I have 1 paid subscriber, and she is a friend of mine, LOL. I just turned it on just to have it there. I was told by many Substackers, why wait? But my strategy for paid subscribers isn't there, and I know other folks who have a decent amount have an actual strategy for what they offer to their paid audience. Follow Amanda Hinton of the Editing Spectrum. She's a terrific marketer and Substacker: https://theeditingspectrum.substack.com/ !
Thanks so much for the reference, Claire, and the info. I've published all 4 of my books, 2 non-fiction, 2 fiction, through indie publishing and am completely satisfied the way all turned out. If you go that route, do not skimp on cover art or an editor. Two very important aspects of your book's success, imho. I hear you regarding being fully prepared for going paid, and I will for sure look at Amanda Hinton's editing spectrum today. Much appreciated!
That is very impressive. Kudos to you! You're not the first to say not to skimp on a good graphic designer and an editor! You're very welcome, I'm pretty sure you will find Amanda's work to be helpful!
I am not writing a book, but sometimes just editing a post for Substack brings up so much - I can’t imagine the rollercoaster ride of writing a memoir! Last week I was working on a post and I kept tweaking and editing and after a few days I was feeling like “I hate this post entirely” 🤣
Oh gosh, I have SO been there. Substack can be so time consuming. I edit and edit and edit. It's kind of a bad habit I've created. But yes, memoir writing can be daunting! Thank you for your comment! :D
"The deadline that forever feels like 'someday'" Man! I feel this! I spend months obsessed with my memoir and then months where I can't even look at the file in my google docs, AND oh, what about that short story I want to write??
I love Elizabeth Gilbert's take on creativity. I re-read her Big Magic at least once a year. She was on one of The Isolation Journals talks and she talked about how there is always a point (or more than one) where you lose your (pardon the crude talk here) hard on for a project. And I totally get it. As soon as I hit a little bit of friction I fall into negative self talk. I've learned to accept these feelings as part of the process. It still sucks, but I know it won't last forever. Keep going Claire! The world needs your story!
Thank you for the vote of confidence! The world needs your story too! I can't wait until your book is done too. I read Big Magic but admit I only read if once and of course I don't remember what it's about. I'll have to go back to it! I am the same way about being obsessed with my memoir and then working diligently on structure but then getting tired and feeling like I'm swamped with work. It's why I devote 15 mins each day, even if it's just a tiny paragraph. For me, it's the act of doing it each day so I don't lose my hard on. 😂