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Memoir Resource Center

The Memoir Hub

Everything about turning a life into a book that lasts. I’ve ghostwritten memoirs for people who were sure their story wasn’t interesting enough, then watched them hold the finished book and change their minds.

No pitch. No pressure.

TL;DR: This hub is for anyone thinking about turning a life into a book. The chapters walk through whether to write a memoir at all, how to start, writing about family without a lawsuit, memoirs written for a purpose such as gifts, founders and veterans, and why yours can’t wait. The last chapters cover working with a memoir ghostwriter and the memoirs and life stories on this site.

This hub is laid out in chapters, from whether to write a memoir at all to where to start, family and legal risk, memoirs with a purpose, and working with a ghostwriter. When you’re ready to talk about your own story, see my ghostwriting services or start smaller with the Book Discovery Intensive.

The seven chapters of the Memoir Hub
Chapter Articles What it answers
Should you write a memoir at all? 14 Whether your life is interesting enough, and memoir versus autobiography
How to start writing a memoir 16 Where to start, structure, and organizing decades of memories
Writing about family without a lawsuit 7 Writing about living people and family without a rupture
Memoir for a purpose: gifts, founders and veterans 15 Memoirs written as gifts, tributes, founder stories and veteran stories
Why your memoir can’t wait 6 Why to write while the witnesses can still verify it
Working with a memoir ghostwriter 18 How to hire one and what the interviews are like
Memoirs and life stories on this site 14 Life stories and memoir pieces published on this site

1. Should you write a memoir at all?

↑ Back to chapters

2. How to start writing a memoir

↑ Back to chapters

3. Writing about family without a lawsuit

↑ Back to chapters

4. Memoir for a purpose: gifts, founders and veterans

↑ Back to chapters

5. Why your memoir can't wait

↑ Back to chapters

6. Working with a memoir ghostwriter

↑ Back to chapters

7. Memoirs and life stories on this site

↑ Back to chapters

Thinking about a book of your own? Start with the Ghostwriting Hub. Related: Writing Hub, Writing in Tampa Bay, Publishing & Marketing Hub.

Memoir or Autobiography?A two-column comparison taken from the Memoir Hub's FAQ. The autobiography side covers a whole life told in order. The memoir side covers the part of a life that carries one theme or question, and works because of a clear theme and honest specifics, with no dramatic life required.Memoir or Autobiography?The difference the Memoir Hub drawsAutobiographyCovers a whole lifeTold in orderMemoirCovers part of a lifeCarries one theme or questionWorks on a clear theme and honest specificsA dramatic life isn't required
Memoir or Autobiography?A two-column comparison taken from the Memoir Hub's FAQ. The autobiography side covers a whole life told in order. The memoir side covers the part of a life that carries one theme or question, and works because of a clear theme and honest specifics, with no dramatic life required.Memoir or Autobiography?The difference the Memoir Hub drawsAutobiographyCovers a whole lifeTold in orderMemoirCovers part of a lifeCarries one theme or questionWorks on a clear theme and honest specificsA dramatic life isn't required

An autobiography covers a whole life in order; a memoir covers the part that carries one theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my life interesting enough for a memoir?
Almost certainly, and the question is slightly wrong. What makes a memoir work is a clear theme and honest specifics. A dramatic life isn’t required.
What is the difference between a memoir and an autobiography?
An autobiography covers a whole life in order. A memoir covers the part of a life that carries one theme or question.
Can I write about my family without getting sued?
Usually, if you tell the truth as you remember it and don’t state provably false things as fact. Changing names helps with privacy but doesn’t protect you from a defamation claim.
How long does a ghostwritten memoir take?
Most take four to eight months from the first interview to a finished manuscript, depending on length and how much material already exists.

Ready to finally write your memoir?

You’ve been meaning to for years. The stories are still in your head, and the window doesn’t stay open forever. Let’s talk about getting your life onto the page, in your voice.

No pitch. No pressure.

Categories and tags
CategoriesMemoirs
TagsResearchWriting Craft
About the Author
Richard Lowe, professional ghostwriter

Richard Lowe is a professional ghostwriter and author with 113+ books authored and 54+ ghostwritten. Before writing full time he spent 33 years in enterprise technology, including 20 years as Director of Computer Operations and Technical Services at Trader Joe's. He writes nonfiction, fiction and memoir, and works with executives and experts on books that build authority.

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Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of Richard Lowe and are based on personal experience and research. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional legal, financial, accounting, or business advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making important business or legal decisions. Richard Lowe is not a lawyer, accountant, or licensed professional advisor, and this content does not establish any professional relationship.

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