Summary of "I Coached 500 Memoir Writers. THIS Makes a Book Good"

Summary of I Coached 500 Memoir Writers. THIS Makes a Book Good

This video, presented by Wendy (presumably Wendy Lawton), shares hard-earned lessons from coaching hundreds of memoir writers over 17 years and writing her own memoir. She outlines 11 essential principles to help memoir writers avoid common mistakes, write compelling stories, and save years of wasted effort. The focus is on understanding what makes a memoir engaging and structurally sound, distinct from autobiography or novel writing.

Main Ideas and Lessons

Memoir ≠ Autobiography
- Memoirs tell a specific story or theme, not the entire life story.
- Famous people can tell broad life stories; non-famous writers must focus on a particular narrative or event.
Use a Premise
- Define your memoir’s story in a single sentence (your premise), similar to a Netflix movie description.
- This premise encapsulates the main plotline and guides your writing.
Make Your Premise Specific
- Avoid vague premises like “my childhood” or “my travels.”
- Focus on what the narrator wants or is searching for (e.g., becoming a chef, hiking a trail).
- Specificity creates clarity and emotional engagement.
Include a Search in Your Premise
- Your memoir should have a quest or goal that drives suspense and reader interest.
- The reader wants to know if and how the narrator achieves this goal.
Deliver on Your Premise Immediately
- The premise is a promise to your reader; start fulfilling it from chapter 1.
- Avoid delaying the main story or burying it deep in the manuscript.
Avoid Backstory at the Start
- Don’t begin with extensive background info or explanations.
- Start with the story’s action or conflict to hook readers.
Keep Your Plot Simple
- Resist including every story or event from your life.
- A simpler, focused plot allows deeper emotional impact and better pacing.
Tell Your Story Chronologically
- Use a clear, forward-moving timeline for your main story (the “trunk” of the tree).
- Flashbacks or time jumps can be used but must follow rules and not confuse the reader.
Create a Present-Day Timeline to Return To
- This timeline anchors the memoir and provides a reference point.
- Helps maintain coherence when exploring different time periods or themes.
Plan Chapter Chronology Before Themes - Don’t organize chapters solely by theme if it causes overlapping or confusing timelines. - Chronological flow is essential for maintaining the story’s search and momentum.
Don’t Write Your Memoir Like a Novel - Novel structures and formulas (e.g., W structure, Heroine’s Journey) don’t fit memoirs well. - Memoirists must distill real events down to plot essentials rather than inventing or rearranging like novelists. - Learn memoir-specific structure principles to create a compelling narrative.

Additional Resources Mentioned

The Memoir Engineering System (Wendy’s book)
Free class: The Seven Steps to Structure
Another video about memoir chronology and structure (linked in description)

Summary of Methodology / Instructions

Before Writing:

Define a clear, specific premise (one sentence).
Identify the narrator’s main desire or search.
Outline the main timeline chronologically (the “trunk”).
Plan chapters to avoid overlapping timelines.
Resist backstory and unrelated stories at the start.
Focus on a simple, emotionally impactful plot.

During Writing:

Start the story immediately, fulfilling the premise’s promise.
Use chronological progression as the backbone.
Use flashbacks or thematic elements sparingly and clearly.
Avoid novelistic structures; rely on memoir-specific storytelling principles.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Wendy Lawton (presumed speaker and memoir coach/author)
Examples referenced:
- Dolly Parton’s memoir (example of autobiography/famous person memoir)
- Cheryl Strayed’s Wild (example of specific story memoir)
- Client stories about witchcraft in Ghana, billionaire family memoir, relationship with a guru, and Lisa (PhD literature professor client)
Film examples: Kill Bill, Oceans 8, and Netflix movie descriptions

This video is a comprehensive guide for memoir writers to understand the unique demands of memoir writing, emphasizing clarity, focus, and structural discipline to create books readers love.