Since 2016, I have been teaching memoir as a therapy for healing traumas and improving health outcomes – or “Memoir As Medicine”, as my first teacher Nancy Aronie called it. Some people find therapeutic writing morning pages or journaling extemporaneously. But what if you’d like to create a narrative that tells your entire life story?
Many memoir writers struggle to get started. If you have thirty years’ worth of disorganized journals or sixty years’ worth of fragmented memory in your head, it may be difficult to know where to start. In our next Memoir As Medicine course, we will explore this process in more detail. This time, my editor at Sounds True Jennifer Brown is joining us. She has edited hundreds memoirs and she’s currently writing her own.
Click here to register for the summer round of Memoir As Medicine.
Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Start anywhere
Later, you can decide the structure of your memoir. Once you’ve written your “shitty” first draft, you can then organize and structure it.
2. Write your six-word memoir.
Try to distill the essence of your story into six words. Sometimes it’s hard to distill the essence of our lives, but less is more. My quote might be: “Riking love again.” “Likely to fail” is mine. What’s yours?”
3. Make your first sentence captivating.
Create a first phrase that catches the reader’s eye and makes them curious. You can use a provocative statement, an unexpected fact or a question that makes the reader curious.
Here are some good ones.
No one died in that year.
In my younger, more vulnerable years, my father gave some advice to me that I have been mulling over in my head ever since.
“I get the shivers when I see closed doorways.”
There were at least six psychoanalysts aboard the Pan Am flight from New York to Vienna.
This story is not mine.
Here’s a list of some great opening lines for memoirs.
“I am an invisible man.”
The phone shouldn’t be ringing this early.
“My most vivid memory is a single moment surrounded by darkness.”
“At age three, my grand aunt declared her independence when she refused to have her feet bound. She ripped off the bandages with a resolute determination as soon as they were applied.”
After dying, I should not be starting my afterlife by eating a chicken sandwich. Especially one that is served up to me by nuns.
“Anyway I tell this is a lie. So I ask you to turn off the device in your brain that keeps repeating how old and confused I am.”
4. Lead with your story’s climax.
Then, start with the “before X”, “after X”, or “before Y” of your story. Start in the middle of action. Consider starting the story at a crucial moment or conflict, rather than the beginning. You can then flashback to earlier chapters of your story in the following chapter, giving the reader a glimpse of what is to come. This is not to say that you should think about your readers so early, but this can make them curious and interested in the events leading up to this point. This was the strategy I used in my memoir Sacred Medicine.
5. Follow your hero or heroine journey in life.
Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey”, a concept that has been used in countless movies, fairy tales and books, such as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Wizard of Oz, is a great inspiration. Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journeyis a great resource for fiction or memoir writers who are looking to tell a compelling story. I used the hero (and then heroine) journey to format my memoir The Anatomy Of A Calling.
6. Stretch your tolerance window by starting with your nervous system.
Start where you are excited to begin if you’re writing as a medicine. Write each memory in the order that they appear in your mind. You may not want jump to the most emotional moments as part of a therapy process. Your psyche will reveal its story when it is ready.
7. Use humor or anecdotes that are captivating.
Start your memoir with an amusing, humorous, self-deprecating, memorable or surprising story that shows off your writing skills, showcases you unique voice and draws the reader in with a feeling of intrigue, entertainment or enjoyment.
8. Start with a question.
You can pose a challenging question or a thought-provoking one that will be explored throughout your memoir. This will create an anticipation and curiosity in readers, causing them to read on to discover the answer or solution. In my first TEDx presentation, I used this technique. I asked “What if you were told that caring for your own body is the least important aspect of your health?” People are immediately curious.
9. Start with a moment of reflection or contemplation.
Your memoir should begin with a moment of reflection or contemplation that establishes the tone and theme for your story. Share an insight, a learning experience, or a question which has driven your journey.
10. Share an image or a memory that is meaningful to you.
Start your memoir by describing a memorable event or place. It can help to set the scene and establish a strong emotional bond with the reader from the very beginning.
11. Write about a particular time period in your life.
Choose the timeline from a calendar. Will it be a year in your life? What about your entire autobiography? One week? One day? One day?
12. Incorporate a powerful quote.
Start your memoir off with a quote that captures the essence of the story you will tell or the themes it will explore. This can help set the mood and give the reader a new perspective.
13. Write down everything you remember about a particular sense.
What do you remember from your nose? What does your nose remember? What do you remember with your fingertips? What do you hear?
14. Make notecards with the main points you wish to cover. Don’t worry about their order.
You may remember the days before computers when you used to make note cards for school essays or big projects. For those who prefer to plan before writing, having something tangible to hold and move can be helpful.
15. Start with a scene that describes the setting.
Use sensory and evocative language to create a vivid image of the time and place where your story is set. This will transport your readers into the world of the memoir right from the beginning.
16. Write the summary of your book on the jacket cover.
Write the inner copy of the book jacket by imagining that you have already written your book.
17. Pretend to be your favorite celebrity reviewing the book.
Allow your imagination to run wild. Imagine the person who would write the foreword of your book. Then, try to imagine what that person might write. Dreaming is what fuels the creative muses of our minds, so dream big.
Hope that helps! The summer is here. Join me, Nancy Aronie and Jennifer Brown to learn more about telling your story creatively and therapeutically.
The original post, 17 Tips to Get Your Memoir Started appeared first on Lissa Rankin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does holistic mean to you?
Holistic means whole-based. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. This can be hard because we are used seeing things as parts.
Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. There are many shades and shades of grey.
So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. Take a look at it from every angle.
Consider how the whole thing fits together. How do the various components interact?
Ask yourself why you are having trouble with a particular element. Make sure to take into account the impact of every change you make.
Is holistic healing safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
Always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan.
What is another name for alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine can be described as any method of healing that is different from traditional medical practice. Alternative medicine can take many forms, but most of them are rooted in the belief that healthcare should be rooted more in natural remedies and practices than in chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative practitioners claim that their treatments result in better health outcomes. This includes a lower risk of developing side effects and higher patient satisfaction. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence because most mainstream medical authorities ignore the evidence-based benefits that alternative medicine offers.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers generally to any form of diagnosis or treatment that does away with allopathic (conventional), medical approaches.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
The best way to describe these products would be as “natural” but not necessarily organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These latter may contain higher levels herbicides as well as fungicides.
Herbal supplements are usually made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. But this does not mean they are less safe. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It is not possible to guarantee the product’s original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Most herbs and spices are added to food once it is cooked. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements can be taken orally (by the mouth). Most vitamins or minerals come in tablet format. Others are available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies are highly concentrated substances made from plants, animals, minerals, or synthetics. They can stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Although they are called “homeopathic,” they do not work like regular medications. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies may be safe and not toxic. They are widely used in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles in specific points along the meridians. It is based on a traditional Chinese medical theory that says there are energy channels through which life force flows. Blockages in these channels can lead to illness, according to the theory. The stimulation of certain points along the Meridian lines with fine needles is thought to restore energy flow and allow the body to return to normal function.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments and muscle tests. He also percussion.
Chiropractic has grown in popularity over the last few years. Many people think it is more effective than traditional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and relax sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology, an alternative form of medicine, involves pressure being applied to certain areas of the feet or hands with thumb pads, fingers and toes. Reflexologists claim that this method stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. There are many forms of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Therapy uses gentle touch to ease pain and discomfort. Cranial refers the skull and sacrum, which in Latin means “sac”, is cranial sacral therapy. The therapist applies light pressure on various areas of the patient’s head, neck, shoulders, arms and legs while moving her/his hand across the body.
Cupping therapy uses cups placed on the skin to produce suction and draw out toxins. Cupping therapy can also be combined with moxibustion (burning of herbs) or acupuncture to help detoxify.
Dietary Supplements are oral or topical products containing vitamins, minerals. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of94 is the FDA’s regulation of dietary supplements. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. It must be a “dietary component,” which means it contains more than 1% of a vitamin or mineral, herb, or any other botanical listed on Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized as Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. The most common form of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS devices deliver low-level electric pulses to the skin using electrodes. These pulses activate brain receptors to block pain signals. Electrotherapy can also be used in interferencential current therapy (MFT), magnetic field therapy, or ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing is based on the belief that we all possess innate healing abilities and that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions affect our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer of energy is called emotional. Another layer of energy is called mental. Others include psychic, spiritual and chakras. Vital, life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. Aura, quantum fields, and prana. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some claim that they can heal others using just their mind. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of energy medicine remains limited.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Because it doesn’t focus on the past but focuses more on helping clients change their behavior now, energy psychology is sometimes considered an alternative or complementary to psychotherapy. Although energy psychology doesn’t require a specific theoretical framework, it draws on many disciplines such as cognitive behavioral therapy and transactional analysis.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Karoline
Title: 17 Tips for Getting Your Memoir Started
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/17-tips-for-getting-your-memoir-started/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=17-tips-for-getting-your-memoir-started
Published Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 18:07:16 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does holistic mean to you?
Holistic means whole-based. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. This can be hard because we are used seeing things as parts.
Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. There are many shades and shades of grey.
So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. Take a look at it from every angle.
Consider how the whole thing fits together. How do the various components interact?
Ask yourself why you are having trouble with a particular element. Make sure to take into account the impact of every change you make.
Is holistic healing safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
Always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan.
What is another name for alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine can be described as any method of healing that is different from traditional medical practice. Alternative medicine can take many forms, but most of them are rooted in the belief that healthcare should be rooted more in natural remedies and practices than in chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative practitioners claim that their treatments result in better health outcomes. This includes a lower risk of developing side effects and higher patient satisfaction. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence because most mainstream medical authorities ignore the evidence-based benefits that alternative medicine offers.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers generally to any form of diagnosis or treatment that does away with allopathic (conventional), medical approaches.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
The best way to describe these products would be as “natural” but not necessarily organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These latter may contain higher levels herbicides as well as fungicides.
Herbal supplements are usually made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. But this does not mean they are less safe. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It is not possible to guarantee the product’s original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Most herbs and spices are added to food once it is cooked. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements can be taken orally (by the mouth). Most vitamins or minerals come in tablet format. Others are available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies are highly concentrated substances made from plants, animals, minerals, or synthetics. They can stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Although they are called “homeopathic,” they do not work like regular medications. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies may be safe and not toxic. They are widely used in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles in specific points along the meridians. It is based on a traditional Chinese medical theory that says there are energy channels through which life force flows. Blockages in these channels can lead to illness, according to the theory. The stimulation of certain points along the Meridian lines with fine needles is thought to restore energy flow and allow the body to return to normal function.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments and muscle tests. He also percussion.
Chiropractic has grown in popularity over the last few years. Many people think it is more effective than traditional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and relax sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology, an alternative form of medicine, involves pressure being applied to certain areas of the feet or hands with thumb pads, fingers and toes. Reflexologists claim that this method stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. There are many forms of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Therapy uses gentle touch to ease pain and discomfort. Cranial refers the skull and sacrum, which in Latin means “sac”, is cranial sacral therapy. The therapist applies light pressure on various areas of the patient’s head, neck, shoulders, arms and legs while moving her/his hand across the body.
Cupping therapy uses cups placed on the skin to produce suction and draw out toxins. Cupping therapy can also be combined with moxibustion (burning of herbs) or acupuncture to help detoxify.
Dietary Supplements are oral or topical products containing vitamins, minerals. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of94 is the FDA’s regulation of dietary supplements. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. It must be a “dietary component,” which means it contains more than 1% of a vitamin or mineral, herb, or any other botanical listed on Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized as Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. The most common form of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS devices deliver low-level electric pulses to the skin using electrodes. These pulses activate brain receptors to block pain signals. Electrotherapy can also be used in interferencential current therapy (MFT), magnetic field therapy, or ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing is based on the belief that we all possess innate healing abilities and that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions affect our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer of energy is called emotional. Another layer of energy is called mental. Others include psychic, spiritual and chakras. Vital, life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. Aura, quantum fields, and prana. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some claim that they can heal others using just their mind. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of energy medicine remains limited.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Because it doesn’t focus on the past but focuses more on helping clients change their behavior now, energy psychology is sometimes considered an alternative or complementary to psychotherapy. Although energy psychology doesn’t require a specific theoretical framework, it draws on many disciplines such as cognitive behavioral therapy and transactional analysis.
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