I started rewriting the 3rd draft of my memoir. My goal was to have my memoir ready to start trying to publish by 2026, but it is taking more editing than I expected. I originally wrote my memoir as chapters of freeform thought, not in any specific order. During my 2nd draft feedback, my main feedback was that there was a lack of crescendo across the memoir. Each chapter was too self contained. My memoir was reading more like an essay collection.
I have been exceptionally blessed with an amazing group of writing friends for critiques. While the feedback was difficult to hear, I realized upon a reread that they were spot on.
I spent today decimating my writing. It was both a freeing process and made me feel like crying. I felt free because I felt in control. I could make changes and make different decisions. I have control of my story. At the same time, I was tearing apart writing that I have been working on for 1.5 years. I deleted everything that was not distinctly part of a story and attempted to chunk the stories chronologically. I was planning on creating a mega amount of index cards in order to physically lay out my outline. I quickly realized that it was too many index cards and not enough continuity checking.
Instead, I started a grid. Across the top I listed the main themes I wanted to show up across my entire memoir. Down the first column, I listed the main chunks or arcs within my life such as middle school or when my dad had his stroke.
Goals
- Next Goal: Fill out the grid within the next week!
- New Long Term Goal: Finish 3rd draft by 2026
Lessons
- Accept that goals change
- Be willing to pivot if a strategy isn’t working
– SAJB