Comments on: Memoir Guest Blog and Writing Prompt: Linda Joy Myers Discusses the Power of Memoir http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/ Memoir, Family History, Answers about Memoir Writing, Memoir Writing Workshops, Autobiography, Personal Stories, Journaling, Writing, Memoir Writing Prompts, Writing & Healing, Memoir Contests Mon, 21 May 2012 07:03:20 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 hourly 1 By: Kristin http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4521 Kristin Fri, 14 May 2010 14:27:28 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4521 Reading your blog reminds me of an author i know. Angelica Harris is a domestic abuse survivor who has healed many of her own life's struggles through writing. Check out her website and books because the two of you might be able to work together. www.angelicaharris.com Thank you for all you do! Reading your blog reminds me of an author i know. Angelica Harris is a domestic abuse survivor who has healed many of her own life’s struggles through writing. Check out her website and books because the two of you might be able to work together. http://www.angelicaharris.com

Thank you for all you do!

]]> By: Power of Memoir Blog Tour | Linda Joy Myers http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4107 Power of Memoir Blog Tour | Linda Joy Myers Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:38:12 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4107 [...] blog tour at WOW–Women on Writing–lasts all month. Stay tuned this week at Women’s Memoirs for audio posts, a book review, and a recipe and photo scrapbook, along with some great ideas and [...] [...] blog tour at WOW–Women on Writing–lasts all month. Stay tuned this week at Women’s Memoirs for audio posts, a book review, and a recipe and photo scrapbook, along with some great ideas and [...]

]]> By: Linda joy http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4071 Linda joy Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:14:11 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4071 I agree that after you have worked on the first draft of your book, it's time to think of marketing and platform. I know that some think we should perhaps think of that first, but my experience with students who go there too soon, is that they lose the center of where a memoir needs to come from--the heart, within that protected personal space that is so different from the public arena of marketing. One of my students was so focused on what her agent wanted, and her marketing plan that she didn't finish her memoir! She'd lost that inner connection and had become focused so much on the outer world and its expectations of her. However, in later drafts, we do begin to turn our attention to the audience, now that we know what our voice is and what we have to say. Just as in any "product" for the larger world, we need to take into account the audience, the tools and resources that we have to help get the word out. The platform that was the key to getting published by a larger press based in New York was my organization, The National Association of Memoir Writers. Having started it on my own, without having had a business background, showed both the agent and editor that I was passionate about memoir writing and willing to strike out beyond my comfort zone to create it. My agent says that she looks for people who are "bigger than their book," meaning that they are doing a whole lot of other meaningful things in life besides writing a memoir. So keep in mind that organizations as well as blogs and social networking can be part of your platform. After all, platform means something you can stand on that can support you, as you can support others with your passion and message. I agree that after you have worked on the first draft of your book, it’s time to think of marketing and platform. I know that some think we should perhaps think of that first, but my experience with students who go there too soon, is that they lose the center of where a memoir needs to come from–the heart, within that protected personal space that is so different from the public arena of marketing. One of my students was so focused on what her agent wanted, and her marketing plan that she didn’t finish her memoir! She’d lost that inner connection and had become focused so much on the outer world and its expectations of her.
However, in later drafts, we do begin to turn our attention to the audience, now that we know what our voice is and what we have to say. Just as in any “product” for the larger world, we need to take into account the audience, the tools and resources that we have to help get the word out.
The platform that was the key to getting published by a larger press based in New York was my organization, The National Association of Memoir Writers. Having started it on my own, without having had a business background, showed both the agent and editor that I was passionate about memoir writing and willing to strike out beyond my comfort zone to create it. My agent says that she looks for people who are “bigger than their book,” meaning that they are doing a whole lot of other meaningful things in life besides writing a memoir.
So keep in mind that organizations as well as blogs and social networking can be part of your platform. After all, platform means something you can stand on that can support you, as you can support others with your passion and message.

]]> By: Matilda Butler http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4070 Matilda Butler Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:32:33 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4070 Hi Linda Joy: Welcome to Women's Memoirs. We're delighted to have your guest blog and we're looking forward to tomorrow's interview. As you know, one of my interests is in openings -- openings to vignettes, openings to memoirs, openings to presentations, and even openings to non-fiction books such as your new book. I hope you'll discuss with our listeners what you have learned about writing effective openings to memoirs. Matilda Hi Linda Joy: Welcome to Women’s Memoirs. We’re delighted to have your guest blog and we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s interview.

As you know, one of my interests is in openings — openings to vignettes, openings to memoirs, openings to presentations, and even openings to non-fiction books such as your new book.

I hope you’ll discuss with our listeners what you have learned about writing effective openings to memoirs.

Matilda

]]> By: Kathleen Pooler http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4069 Kathleen Pooler Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:02:48 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4069 Linda Joy, I am interested in your thoughts on maintaining interest and momentum in the process of writing a memoir as it sometimes feels exhausting and overwhelming...as the "good,bad and ugly" memories are unearthed. Looking forward to "meeting" with you again on the tour! Kathy Pooler http://krpooler.wordpress.com Linda Joy,

I am interested in your thoughts on maintaining interest and momentum in the process of writing a memoir as it sometimes feels exhausting and overwhelming…as the “good,bad and ugly” memories are unearthed.

Looking forward to “meeting” with you again on the tour!

Kathy Pooler
http://krpooler.wordpress.com

]]> By: Cynthia Komlo, HealthCare Chaplain http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4067 Cynthia Komlo, HealthCare Chaplain Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:21:36 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4067 Hi Linda- I'm a member of National Association of Memior Writers (NAMW) and have enrolled in several workshops which have provided me with terrific learning. Thank you! Question: Audio books is an increasing trend in today's techy-world and Low -vision/blindness is an increasing issue as boomers age. Have you considered recording your books on CD's? "Your" audio voice would make your teachings even more powerful. Also, have you considered donating copies to low-vision organizations who may record them for you? Please contact me if you're interested ckomlo@msn.com. Hi Linda- I’m a member of National Association of Memior Writers (NAMW) and have enrolled in several workshops which have provided me with terrific learning. Thank you! Question: Audio books is an increasing trend in today’s techy-world and Low -vision/blindness is an increasing issue as boomers age. Have you considered recording your books on CD’s? “Your” audio voice would make your teachings even more powerful. Also, have you considered donating copies to low-vision organizations who may record them for you? Please contact me if you’re interested ckomlo@msn.com.

]]> By: Alex Tuttle http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-prompts/memoir-guest-blog-and-writing-prompt-linda-joy-myers-discusses-the-power-of-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-4066 Alex Tuttle Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:53:42 +0000 http://womensmemoirs.com/?p=5190#comment-4066 I'm starting to think about the marketing that will be needed to sell my memoir. I'm finished with the first draft and as I begin the editing process, I want to begin my marketing. What are some of the outlets, tools, resources and other sites that you are finding helpful? If you had to name just one thing, what is the most important thing in book marketing? Thank you Linda Joy. I'm sure any advice will be helpful. Im such a newbie. I’m starting to think about the marketing that will be needed to sell my memoir. I’m finished with the first draft and as I begin the editing process, I want to begin my marketing. What are some of the outlets, tools, resources and other sites that you are finding helpful? If you had to name just one thing, what is the most important thing in book marketing? Thank you Linda Joy. I’m sure any advice will be helpful. Im such a newbie.

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