Post #162 – Women’s Memoirs, Writing Prompt – Kendra Bonnett and Matilda Butler
Memoir Writing Prompt: Let Your Life Be Inspired and Your Writing Better Focused
An email has been making the rounds. Perhaps you got it from a friend as I did. In case you didn’t see it or it is buried in your overstuffed inbox, read it carefully, then let’s talk.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
I realize that this doesn’t sound much like memoir writing so just give me a minute. If you don’t recognize the quote, it is from Steve Jobs. Such a short life — just 56 when he died. His young death makes the words all the more poignant.
As memoir writers, I think we can learn from it. It might help you personally as you go forward with your life. Are you, for example, living the life that others want you to live or have you set your own path in life? Does dogma control you — living with the results of other people’s thinking?
The next part of his quote should speak do you as a writer — “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” Kendra and I hear this often from our students:
“My sister doesn’t think I should write a memoir.”
“My parents don’t want this family story told.”
“I’m worried I’ll offend someone.”
“I think I should get permission from other family members before I write.”
Is this kind of thinking slowing down progress on your memoir?
And finally, think about Steve Jobs’ words: “…have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Those few words are enough to inspire all of us.
Memoir Prompt:
1. Copy the quote from above. Put each sentence on a separate line as a prompt. Using each sentence as your inspiration, write about how you are already following that advice or what specific things you can do to change your life for the positive.
2. Our words matter. Although this part of the prompt may take you a while to write, decide what your overall message is to others. It might be the heart of our memoir or it might come from a different part of your life. Think about and then write this message.
3. Once you have your message, consider if there are a few people you would like to share it with. Remember, our words matter.
