The Power of a Unique Perspective
When Catherine, Princess of Wales, also known to many as Princess Kate announced her cancer diagnosis, I returned to the day in December 2019 when I was strongly urged to share my own cancer diagnosis publicly.
Because my husband, Rick, was a public figure, his professional calendar was open to the press. When a reporter insisted on knowing why my husband was out of the office on a Thursday, my first day of chemotherapy, we quickly realized the inquiries wouldn't cease.
This reporter wouldn’t give up. We were concerned that if he didn’t get an answer to his question of my husband’s absence from work, the story would write itself. Two days after my first treatment, Rick urged me to officially announce my diagnosis.
I resented the idea of sharing my new status as a cancer patient with strangers. I was still coming to terms with the idea myself and working to summon the mental toughness needed for treatment and recovery.
I also understood that the media can be relentless, as we saw on a much larger scale with the princess. I relented and decided to announce my diagnosis – on my terms. This 2020 blog post includes a LINK to the public announcement I about my cancer diagnosis.
At the time of my diagnosis, I’d written half of my memoir, Accidental First Lady. I was still getting used to sharing personal moments from my life. Thankfully, candor and vulnerability can be cultivated to eventually feel like muscle memory. Hard at first, then rote in its execution.
The reactions from strangers and acquaintances following my announcement solidified the idea that the strength of our stories lies in their ability to offer readers a perspective they haven't encountered before.
Millions of people have a personal connection to cancer, whether as a patient, caregiver, or family member. However, in sharing my unique experience with the disease, I discovered that the words from my heart and soul resonated with others.
The same is true for your story, and it need not be dramatic, tragic, or sad. The most vital component in crafting a story idea is to consider what sets your story apart from others. It could be your cultural background, life challenges you've overcome, or a distinctive passion or interest.
In my own memoir, I discovered that my perspective as a 22-year political spouse in a role I’d never envisioned brought a richness and depth to my storytelling that resonated with readers. By embracing vulnerability, and sharing my transformation from a politically naïve, yet supportive spouse, into a carefully crafted version of myself that exuded strength and resilience, I was able to offer readers a glimpse into a world they may not have otherwise explored.
Mining Your Life for Story Gold
Every life is filled with moments of significance waiting to be unearthed. By mining your experiences for storytelling gold, you can uncover the gems that will captivate your readers.
Where are these gems?
If you have the inclination to share part of your life with the world through memoir, these tactics can be beneficial:
· Take time to reflect on the pivotal moments, relationships, and emotions that have shaped your journey. These are the raw materials from which compelling memoirs are crafted.
· Consider keeping a journal or making notes of memories that stand out to you.
· Once you've gathered your story materials, distill them into a cohesive narrative that forms the heart of your memoir. This is where you'll define the central themes and messages that will resonate with your readers.
· Identify the central themes or messages you want to convey through your memoir. What is the overarching story you're trying to tell? This could be a journey of self-discovery, resilience in the face of adversity, or the pursuit of a lifelong dream.
In my own writing process, I found that delving into my past allowed me to uncover hidden treasures that I hadn't initially considered significant. From mundane moments to profound life events, each memory contributed to the tapestry of my memoir's narrative, adding depth and authenticity.
I recently had the pleasure of joining 10 women authors for The Women Behind the Words, presented by my publisher, St. Petersburg Press. Each of us shared the “why” behind our writing, our path to finding our own unique stories, and how we authentically created a narrative that became our books. This CLIP is a look into just part of my story and my “why” for writing Accidental First Lady.
What is your why?
Are you ready to uncover the unique angle of your memoir and craft a narrative that captivates readers? We all have stories to tell. Whether we decide to share our innermost thoughts and bare our souls in the form of a published book is an individual decision.
When it comes to aspiring authors finishing their memoirs, the numbers don't lie:
* Over 80% of aspiring authors fail to finish their manuscripts.
* 65% of successful authors credit goal setting as a crucial factor in their achievements.
* Writers who set deadlines are 90% more likely to complete their manuscripts.
A straightforward way to count yourself among the 90% who set - and keep - goals, is to implement a system that helps you create and track writing goals, as well as celebrate milestones.
My Goal Setting Guide: A Roadmap to Writing Your Memoir is available for a limited time for just $7. Click HERE to get the guide. Setting goals for your writing project provides you with the direction needed to maintain momentum and finish your project. Overcome procrastination, establish a writing schedule, stay focused and motivated. You and your writing project are worth cultivating the necessary tools and resources to help you achieve your goal of sharing your unique story with the world.
No matter the stage of writing you’re at, remember this: When you take the risk to embark on a writing journey, especially memoir, you learn to embrace vulnerability and celebrate your own authenticity. Your story is waiting to be told. Your readers are waiting to read it and even hear it. It’s a process, and each step in the journey moves you closer to the finish line.