Finding Words for Your Story

I usually write non-fiction. In non-fiction, especially articles for web content, we need to write concisely. That means, we don't add in flowery description. While this blog is in first person, articles I sell are never written in first person. And, each writing project has its own rules.

Writing Your Story

Recently, I wanted to write my story. What I mean by that is a sort of memoir or creative non-fiction piece that describes a specific time of my life. This sort of writing demands flowery descriptions and can be written in first person. 

As often is the case, I want to write it to help others who might read it. But another benefit arose. While writing my story, I found healing and better understanding of myself and that era of my life. I thought most of the wounds of that part of my life had been healed, but it was remarkable how writing my story out in detail brought me even more clarity and healing. 

Adding Description

They say if you're going to write your story, you need to make it gripping. You do that by showing rather than telling much of it. And you do it by adding meaningful description. 

I'm not usually good at writing such details. The non-fiction writer in me finds it tedious. But I may want to self-publish my story on Kindle, so I need it to be all it can be. 

A tool I found which helped me put words to my feelings is a website called Descriptionari. This website is remarkable. You simply type in a word and it gives examples of compelling writing using your word or emotion. 

I used this site to teach me how to add touch, scent, emotion, and description. (I don't recommend copying the sentences into your story, but to use their examples as prompts. Then you can put it into your own words.) 

Other tools exist now in 2024. Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT and Grammarly will rewrite sections for you in remarkable ways. As long as the original thoughts were from you, there is no copyright violation to use the rewrite, though checking it for accuracy and rewriting it in your voice is advised. 

A remarkable thing happened for em while using the Descriptionari tool. The descriptions offered seemed to describe my pain in words I could not find myself. And in doing so, I found more healing. 

For example, during the era I wrote about, I cried out of confusion, disappointment, and sadness. Instead of simply saying "I cried" I put cry into the tool. Look at the sentence it came up with:

"It is my tears that keep my soul alive in the furnace of this pain. They cannot extinguish what has been, yet only carry me forward until a time comes when that searing pain is distant enough to forget more than remember, and maybe one day erase itself from my brain. So perhaps it may be an oddity to thank my tears and be proud to cry, yet if that's what saves me from becoming a monster, a person indifferent to suffering and sorrow, then crying is the smartest thing I can do."  

https://www.descriptionari.com/quotes/crying/ 

It was helpful to see the purpose in crying when put this way. The words above make me believe the writer had an experience similar to what I went through. In that interpretation, I found that perhaps in my suffering I was not weak, strange, pitiful, a victim, or odd for crying as much as I did. I was simply human. 

Writing a Memoir? Here's Some Advice

Someone in one of my Facebook writers groups posted a question about how to structure a book about her life experiences. I suppose she was writing a memoir. 

I gave her this response and thought it might be a good blog post:

"I know writing this will be therapeutic for you. 
To actually sell it, you'll need to consider who would read it and why. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

How will your experiences inspire or enhance a reader's life? 

Why would someone want to read it? 

Is there a hook? 

(The primary purpose of a hook is to capture the reader's attention and engage them right from the start. A well-crafted hook can make the reader curious, eager to read more, and set the tone for the entire piece.)

Why would someone pay money to read it? 

If you were going to buy such a book, what would you expect from it? 

Will there be a point to the book aside from you having fun telling your story?"

The Point of the Book

I write non-fiction and often weave life experiences into my writing but I try to only do that if it moves the reader further. Illustrations should have a point that is connected to the theme of the book. 

Sometimes my writing presents a problem and provides some solutions and, in the case of a memoir, I'd think the writer would have life examples pointing the way for the reader to find solutions for themselves. 

I went on: 

"If you can find an interesting hook or define a niche topic, you'll have more success. 

Would it appeal to someone the same age you were at the time? Is it geared toward others questioning their faith upbringing? Can you explain what made you have doubts about your faith while still holding onto it? Is that likely to happen with a reader too from what you write? Who are the people who might be in a similar situation?

Once you identify the person you want to share your story with, write it as though you are talking to them over coffee. Give your reader points to ponder. Ask them probing questions."

That's my 2 cents.