As writers, we love to tell stories. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, stories are a critical part of how we share information and help others engage in the human experience.
Maybe you’ve thought about doing the ultimate deep-dive into storytelling, which is writing your OWN story by creating a memoir. My guest today is here to give us guidance on writing a compelling memoir.
Her name is Alice Sullivan, and she is a ghostwriter, collaborator, and 11-time New York Times bestselling editor. A natural-born storyteller, she’s written 54 books and edited over 1,300 titles. She specializes in nonfiction, specifically memoir, self-help, and personal growth.
Alice helps clients identify their goals and messages while creating engaging content to connect with their target markets. Her favorite projects are those that challenge her point of view and expand her knowledge.
A couple of months ago, I mentioned here on the podcast that I was working on my father’s Vietnam memoir. This was my opportunity to ask Alice everything I wanted to know about memoirs, and she did not disappoint!
In this interview, we discuss topics like how to find the narrative thread or theme in a story, how to figure out the structure of a memoir, where to begin and end a memoir, how to structure a chapter and the transitions between chapters, and some of Alice’s favorite authors.
You can check out the books Alice has ghostwritten and connect with her using the links below:
Missileman: The Secret Life of Cold War Engineer Wallace Clauson by John Clauson
The Rise: An Unforgettable Journey of Self-Love, Forgiveness, and Transformation by Danette May
The Leader Within Us: Mindset, Principles, and Tools for a Life By Design by Warren Rustand
7 Days of Christmas: A Season of Generosity by Jen Hatmaker