Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours

Publisher's Summary

This is your roadmap for completing the memoir you've dreamed about writing.

"Rachael Herron resonates with our audience, and not just because she knows her stuff-she does-or because she's hilarious-she is-but because her honesty and earnestness come through in all her messaging." (Samantha Sanders, Writer's Digest)

Writing a memoir is daunting! You're the expert on your life, naturally, but narrating and organizing your own experiences in the best way can feel impossible. Many writers become frustrated in early drafting stages and quit after a couple of brief attempts. Learn from best-selling memoirist Rachael Herron (who teaches this class at Stanford Continuing Studies) how to fast-draft your memoir while keeping its structure compelling. Learn how to frame your life's story and give it a natural arc to keep your reader glued to the page. Figure out how to handle those family and friends you're writing about. Explore what truth means in memoir. Work quickly to quiet the inner critic.

Most of all, learn how to get out of your own way to get the words on the page. You can do this! Rachael will show you how.

©2018 Rachael Herron (P)2018 Rachael Herron

Helpful (Really) and Funny to Boot!

I found nothing but great advice here, and the author is anything but boring.

The narration is superb, the chapters are easily navigated, and this process will work for anyone ready to take on this otherwise daunting project.

I found my resource!

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Love this!

I read the book and had to get the audio version too. I'm a huge fan of both of Rachael's podcasts and was anxiously waiting for the audio. Also, as an indie author who is also thinking about recording my own audiobook narration, I'm very encouraged that this book was recorded in her bedroom using bed toppers as sound dampeners. Thanks Rachael!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Direct to the point, and full of flavor!

I've been writing a memoir for years, and have additional memoir ideas up my sleeve (well, burning a hole in a Scrivener project file). This book is the kick in the pants I needed. I like the idea of fast-drafting - but needed the grounding and foundational knowledge of what makes a good memoir and why. This book by Rachael Herron delivers that.

When I read non-fiction, I don't want all the fluff and furry stuff, I want a direct, tell me like it is, tell me what I need, tell me what I don't need to do, and let me focus on achieving my goals. Rachael does just that. There is warmth and approachability in her content delivery, but she also cuts to the chase about the best approach for getting the first, ugly, badly written, warts n' all draft of your memoir out on that page. That first draft is the foundation you'll work with to create a compelling memoir with all the required story arcs and elements that a reader in this genre expects.

I finished listening to it within a week, and am now on my second way through it. Yes, she did warn me that I needed to do the exercises she set during the first read through, but I decided to ignore that advice and committed to listening to this book a second time, so I can commit more of Rachael's advice to memory, and fully commit to the exercises.

She's reawakened my excitement for writing, completing, and publishing a memoir. Now my head is spinning with possible story themes and arcs. Thanks Rachael ....

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Delightfully informative & perfectly narrated!

I’m working on a book project that may have elements of memoir, so I thought I’d learn a bit about the craft. I’m so glad I did, and that I chose Herron’s wonderful book as my guide.

Her writing is clever and well-structured, as might expected from a writer, but her narration is - and this is odd praise for a how-to book - delicious! Surprisingly witty and heartfelt at every beat.

I look forward to returning to key parts of the book as I reach each milestone in the writing process. Thanks, Rachel!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Excellent

As an aspiring memoirist I now know exactly where to start and have the confidence it takes to know that it’s possible.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Favorite book from Rachel!

At first, I wasn't sure I would purchase the audible version vs the ebook but I knew it had to be the audible version the moment I heard the sample and that Rachel reads the book herself. The book has fantastic info, not just for memoirists, but for any author. The book is engaging in audible form because Rachel gives so much life to the words—she funny, encouraging, and just overall pleasing to listen to.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Absolutely loved it

I was searching for info online about how to start writing my memoir. I came across a video with Rachael in it, and subsequently grabbed her book on Audible. It was exactly what I needed, and I finished it in the past 2 days. I know I’ll be referring to it more as I dive into the writing process. Thank you!!

Writer Instructions and Motivations

I loved listening to this book. Clear, challenging, and encouraging. I highly recommend this purchase.