Those who are thinking about writing a story—and need some “getting started” help.
Those who’ve begun writing—and need developmental editing and collaborative writing support.
Those who’ve developed a manuscript—and need review and substantive editing assistance.

Getting started

If you’re thinking about writing a memoir, and wondering how to start, I suggest that you first write a 250 word purpose statement. Why do you wish to write the memoir? To whom is it addressed? Why is it needed? Who will benefit?

The purpose statement will help define the memoir's core mission and will lead to a more effective outline. An outline (a preliminary road map) forces some organization onto the memoir. The outline shows the ways in which the writer has “sliced” the story—has divided it into sections.

Unlike an autobiography, a memoir does not attempt to include all the facts. It is cinematic in nature. It strives to capture the important “scenes” in a life story—the significant moments, main turning points, noteworthy achievements.

Thus, you must first establish the divisions, the “slices”—then you can begin noting the key events and experiences within each division. You might divide by periods: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, the 20s, the 30s the 40s, and so on. You might divide by decades—or by pivotal events.

Begin with “I was born,” to get started, and then think of the next important turning point, and the next, and the next. Make a list of the stepping stones (ten to twenty items). Each item might constitute a chapter.

You might also wish to assemble a “desires list.” Begin each statement with the words “I wanted. . . .” (I wanted to become an actor. I wanted to become a physician. I wanted to become a wife and mother.) Then merge the desires list with the stepping stones list.

Note the relationship between your desires and your actions. Note also how your desires have changed over the years. See if the merged list tells a story.

Your divisions, your slices, serve as “ memory containers” into which you pour your jottings, memories, and reflections. Write first about the period, or experience, or event that most interests you—or the one you’re most prepared to address.

And then keep writing—each day. I can help you at any point in the writing stage. You may wish to enlist my editing and writing support from the beginning, or you may wish to go it alone for a while. It’s up to you.

Improving the manuscript

You may have started a manuscript and find that you’ve bogged down, that you need help getting “unstuck”—or in further developing the story. My developmental and substantive editing assistance can help you sharpen themes, identify conflicts, eliminate extraneous content, shape the overall structure, and keep you on course. My editing support can help you maintain momentum—and keep the project alive.

Manuscript review

You may have assembled a full manuscript and now feel the need for some feedback—for a review. I can provide a critique. I might suggest changes in organization, style, tone, point of view, and voice. I might suggest approaches to expanding or tightening your manuscript, or creating more effective transitions, or improving overall readability.

The process

As your editor, I can serve as your writing coach, creative consultant, technical advisor, and overall supporter. But how do we determine a good “fit?” A cost-free conversation will get us started. We can explore your project, assess your needs, and formulate a plan. If you’ve completed some writing, I can provide a sample edit.

But the first step is to initiate a conversation. I’m here to answer your questions. Drop me a note. I’ll respond promptly—and we’ll go from there.

Orlo J. Otteson
651-278-4824
otteson@aol.com