From Keeping a Journal to Writing a Memoir
Tips on Choosing Entries From a Personal Diary When Writing Memoirs
Nov 6, 2009
It's a logical step for a keen diarist to move on to writing a memoir. But if there are years – sometimes even decades – of memories, how does a writer choose? The answer: adopt an organised approach.
1. Decide on the Focus of the Memoir
Obviously, different things are important to different people. The focus for some writers will be home and family; for others it will be a career or the story of a family business. Still others will want to show how a single major event changed the direction of their lives.
The focus of the memoir will determine which journal entries will be chosen.
2. Look for Life Turning Points and Major Events
Significant events and turning points in any life prompt a flurry of journal entries – if not as the event unfolds, then certainly not long after. People who keep journals generally write about what led up to these events, how they were set in motion, and detail any repercussions or fallout. Sometimes these events can be good (winning or inheriting money; birth of children; landing a major client) and sometimes they can be traumatic (being sent to prison; being in an accident; losing a family member).
When selecting journal entries to use in a memoir, locate the pages that talk about these turning points, and flag them for later use.
3. Tap Into the Emotions Behind Diary Entries
Just reading about events from the past can trigger the same emotions all over again: joy, anger, sorrow, frustration. Think about the reactions not only of the person keeping the journal, but of others connected to the event. Flag these entries, too, and also jot down any further recollections of people's reactions, body language, facial expressions or comments.
4. Decide How Much of Each Journal Entry to Use
Sometimes almost all of a journal entry can be used 'as is'; sometimes the writer will want to use only a line or two. Often, the writer will look back and decide that his or her reaction at the time was extreme, and decide to simply use the entry as background. Revisiting an event after many years have passed tends to lend objectivity.
The role of the memoir writer is to sift through years of journal entries and to select those that best tell the story; rewriting as necessary. It is normal for journal entries to be long-winded as writers explore their actions and emotions during different phases of life – and that is fine: that's what keeping a journal is all about. A conscientious biographer, however, will ensure that the memoir is well-paced and interesting, and this means editing the memories found in journals. For more advice on planning and editing a memoir, see How to Write Memoirs Without Waffling.
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