I love and appreciate the simplicity of adding a line, "I remember it this way, and my sister/brother/mother remembers it differently." Honest, clear, and directly allowing of each to have their memories that may differ. Thank you for another pearl of wisdom!
I released my book last December. I felt excited and accomplished, yet shameful (and still do at times) and a vit doubtful. It was hard to talk about my difficult upbringing without telling everyone else's business or without the thoughts of what my relatives would think, but I kept my story honest, yet respectful to the best of my ability. I didn't include real names in my book, but of course I knew that those who were familiar with me would know who I was referring to. You just have to step out there and do it b/c people will have opinions anyway.
I have written my truth, (Tell my carer's I'm a witch) and got a few close friends to read it before I submit it to competitions. They said it is very raw and could offend a few people. Also, my niece and daughter in law read it and it has raised certain issues in our family that need to change so it has been cathartic with a big dose of progress! I will wait for the lawyers to sort out the libelous stuff!
For the past year I've been wanting to write my story. As an artist, I wanted to write how God gave me my talent, how I thought art was my entire life and ultimately how I finally realized that God is my life. But there is a moment in my life that if I ever told people what happened I know the whole town will turn on me. It involves a famous local artist and teacher who came onto me when I was his student. I ended up dropping out of college and moving out of state and eventually moving back home 10 years later. So this is why I keep putting it off in writing it.
We'd love to hear from you and help you get your story told, Ginger. Our website is www.knliterary.com where you can book a call with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you so much for this video. I have been at war with myself ever since I fully realised the gravity of the need for me to write something that has the tendency to upset the people closest to me. I found myself in the middle of this battle as my story started to take shape in the outline that I've been carving meticulously for a really long time with the whole of me invested in it. The question in my head has always been whether I should set aside this work that has just begun to show promise after so much of heart and soul has been put into it to finish at a later time and take on something that does not bear any precarious implications on anybody. I've been completely desensitised, unsure and without any sort of drive as of recent and this video shows up with a tag, 'Recommended for you' under it. My faith has been restored. I'm full of gratitude. I got the push I needed but never sought. I should be able to get back on track. Thank you. I believe.
Thank-you for this! You give the best writing tips 😍 I’m currently writing a story about my journey on how I thought I was ugly to now knowing I am beautiful, I believe everyone is beautiful as they are. I’m writing my journey on how I used to wear a lot of makeup and hide myself and now I don’t anymore as I am becoming more self-confident.
I'm not afraid of what anyone will think; I am afraid my family will actually hurt me. They're violent and have threatened. But I let it scare me away from writing for years, and I won't any longer. Thanks for this.
Thank you for your video. You are so beautiful inside and out, felt your energy. if only I had stumble on your channel earlier before I started my book. I'm about to publish it :) Thanks for the good msg.
I've been in this position and learned a lot from my mistakes. f you are not yet old enough to have adult children who may teach you humility about your own attempts to be a good parent - and don't worry, no matter how hard you try they will blame you for what they think you did wrong - wait to write anything autobiographical until you have a larger range of personal experience. Or follow the wise advice in this video - write it, burn it, and set yourself free. If you must write about your childhood, fictionalize it. Do a great job of turning it into something barely recognizable to your family. Know that almost every first novel is an attempt to tell the world how much we think we have been hurt by others, and this is the reason most first novels are terrible and die a quick death. We all have visions of being the next great author, but truthfully, most of us will go on to live humble, ordinary lives. With our families. Is it more important to self-publish a tell-all story, or to take into consideration the love of your kin, who most likely did the best they could with the tools they had.
Thank you, this is wonderful information. I have always admired how brave some writers are. I understand their bravery is the reason I love their books so much. I feel this way about both, fiction and self-help books. I love journaling but I always just wrote the beautiful parts of any situation. I have asked myself if I would ever dare to be brave enough to put it all on paper! Some years ago, I became braver and I started to write some of those aspects that made me feel fearful. However, I knew I was still stopping myself from writing what I started to call “closed rooms” or “stones left unturned”. Today you have changed all that dear beautiful Kelly, thank you so much. I am still feeling great resistance, but I am also feeling the birth of a braver me, and, as you said, at the very least let me brave even if only ever for myself. Much to do now . Many blessings of love.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mom and grandma, Gertrude. But writing without the fear of upsetting a loved one can be freeing. We hope you get to heal through this process.
You're good! As if you respond directly to the thoughts in my head. Also to some that were so silent, I was barely aware of having them! 😂🙌🙌 Thank you!
Now the book is written. How do you advise handling "libel" concerns that the publisher may have? I mean no harm, I don't want to use a pen name, and I don't want to neutralize my memoir.
What are some tips you can share for someone who wants to publish their story (even though it includes relatives in a non-flattering light)? I know in the video, you mentioned that it's best to not think about that and just write. But...what if someone is led to publish their story? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this. Thanks for sharing this video for others to be encouraged.
Thanks for your comment! 1st: It can help to remember that you are sharing your personal story seen through your own unique lens. The other people in your story likely remember or view things differently because of their unique lens. 2nd: Your book will go through multiple rounds of edits before it is published, so just write it ALL out now. That doesn't mean that every single story or detail will end up in the finished book. You may choose to take some parts out. 3rd: Here's another video to watch that may help you think through this: th-cam.com/video/n3We5rwFa64/w-d-xo.html
Because of health issues, I started to write my memoir only for the purpose of giving my daughters an insight to my life in case I died early. As I began to write it became a teaching memoir because of so much I learned along the way. I think you have helped me lean towards a final title. Can I write a memoir under an alias?
How do you write about people that had an impact on you as a kid but they are deceased? So you didn’t really know them like you know a best friend-you were a kid but their actions affected you-and there is no one to ask
Kelly, I am expecting a call from one of your literary agents, however, my question is I was not born in the tech era, (Scrivener), so how do I understand this? I absolutely love seeing you on You Tube!
If you haven't checked it out already, please watch this video: th-cam.com/video/M49ejiqQ7R4/w-d-xo.html where I provide a short tutorial on Scrivener and how you can build an outline utilizing the program. There are also LOTS of tutorials online, you can do a Google search or search TH-cam. These tutorials are very simplified and helpful during the learning process. There is also great information at this link: Literatureandlatte.com. I hope this helps!
I am writing my story, no matter what. Could you please tell me what the attitudes are towards pseudonyms are these days? Is it acceptable to write under a variation of your own name? I’m not ashamed of my story, but my last name is awkward for people and I also prefer to keep my personal and public life separate. Are there any solutions to this? Autobiographical novels? Do people use pseudonyms now? Is it possible to get traditionally published under a different name?
I changed my name in the book and everyone else. Although I do say it's based on a true story it was easier to write with another name and I also didn't wanna use any real names for everyone else in order to protect them
There is immense value in writing your story even if no one reads it. You can write it just for yourself and then decide if you want to publish it later on.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. You might enjoy this interview Kelly did with author Kate Christensen. She speaks about not having arguments with people through your writing. th-cam.com/video/NnnoCa7CjBc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HNC9hSh369hdq5RY
This is EXACTLY what I was asking your lovely editorial matchmaker, Sara. Thank you sooooo much for existing and sharing your wealth of knowledge, and especially for offering your services. You truly are a godsend ✨🤍✨
I love and appreciate the simplicity of adding a line, "I remember it this way, and my sister/brother/mother remembers it differently." Honest, clear, and directly allowing of each to have their memories that may differ. Thank you for another pearl of wisdom!
You're so welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful and hope it sets you on a path to keep moving forward with telling your story.
I've allowed this very thing to prevent me from writing the book or even just 'putting it off' until they're no longer around. Thank you.
You're so welcome!
I released my book last December. I felt excited and accomplished, yet shameful (and still do at times) and a vit doubtful. It was hard to talk about my difficult upbringing without telling everyone else's business or without the thoughts of what my relatives would think, but I kept my story honest, yet respectful to the best of my ability. I didn't include real names in my book, but of course I knew that those who were familiar with me would know who I was referring to.
You just have to step out there and do it b/c people will have opinions anyway.
Exactly this. Telling your story is so important, and it sounds like you did what you could to protect people.
I have written my truth, (Tell my carer's I'm a witch) and got a few close friends to read it before I submit it to competitions. They said it is very raw and could offend a few people. Also, my niece and daughter in law read it and it has raised certain issues in our family that need to change so it has been cathartic with a big dose of progress! I will wait for the lawyers to sort out the libelous stuff!
It's important to tell your truth. Thanks for sharing, Tina.
For the past year I've been wanting to write my story. As an artist, I wanted to write how God gave me my talent, how I thought art was my entire life and ultimately how I finally realized that God is my life. But there is a moment in my life that if I ever told people what happened I know the whole town will turn on me. It involves a famous local artist and teacher who came onto me when I was his student. I ended up dropping out of college and moving out of state and eventually moving back home 10 years later. So this is why I keep putting it off in writing it.
We'd love to hear from you and help you get your story told, Ginger. Our website is www.knliterary.com where you can book a call with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Love the honesty and truth. Thank you for sharing everything you did Kelly. Love your book.
You are so welcome! And thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. I have been at war with myself ever since I fully realised the gravity of the need for me to write something that has the tendency to upset the people closest to me. I found myself in the middle of this battle as my story started to take shape in the outline that I've been carving meticulously for a really long time with the whole of me invested in it. The question in my head has always been whether I should set aside this work that has just begun to show promise after so much of heart and soul has been put into it to finish at a later time and take on something that does not bear any precarious implications on anybody. I've been completely desensitised, unsure and without any sort of drive as of recent and this video shows up with a tag, 'Recommended for you' under it. My faith has been restored. I'm full of gratitude. I got the push I needed but never sought. I should be able to get back on track. Thank you. I believe.
Thank you very much
Thank-you for this! You give the best writing tips 😍 I’m currently writing a story about my journey on how I thought I was ugly to now knowing I am beautiful, I believe everyone is beautiful as they are. I’m writing my journey on how I used to wear a lot of makeup and hide myself and now I don’t anymore as I am becoming more self-confident.
You are absolutely right. There is always a reason why we feel to write our story.
Yes, there is! I wish you all the best on your writing journey!
Agree. I'm writing my memoir without anticipation.
Wonderful!
Thank you for saying this. I needed to hear it.
You are so welcome. We're glad it helped.
I'm not afraid of what anyone will think; I am afraid my family will actually hurt me. They're violent and have threatened. But I let it scare me away from writing for years, and I won't any longer. Thanks for this.
thank you, you are amazing, you change alot on me.
Thank you! I needed this today.
So glad!💛
Thank you for your video. You are so beautiful inside and out, felt your energy. if only I had stumble on your channel earlier before I started my book. I'm about to publish it :) Thanks for the good msg.
How did you know?!! 🤣👍🏼
Love it! Thank you!
You are welcome! So glad it was helpful.
I wrote many such drafts that never saw the light of day! But I am going to write my own memoir and not care about anyone and anything.
You are such a light Kelly! Thank you for following the call to assist so many.
Thank you... I'm binging your vids❤
Glad you like them!
I'm so glad this is a video 😂 thank you
You're welcome! Happy writing✍️
Great video, thank u
Thank you for watching!
I've been in this position and learned a lot from my mistakes. f you are not yet old enough to have adult children who may teach you humility about your own attempts to be a good parent - and don't worry, no matter how hard you try they will blame you for what they think you did wrong - wait to write anything autobiographical until you have a larger range of personal experience. Or follow the wise advice in this video - write it, burn it, and set yourself free.
If you must write about your childhood, fictionalize it. Do a great job of turning it into something barely recognizable to your family. Know that almost every first novel is an attempt to tell the world how much we think we have been hurt by others, and this is the reason most first novels are terrible and die a quick death. We all have visions of being the next great author, but truthfully, most of us will go on to live humble, ordinary lives. With our families. Is it more important to self-publish a tell-all story, or to take into consideration the love of your kin, who most likely did the best they could with the tools they had.
Thank you for sharing your perspective!
💯 % agreed and so helpful as validation! Thank you
Omgoodness thank you for sharing your video cAUSE I REALLY love to write my life story but I don't know how to starts
That's why we create this videos! We want people to have tools to move forward with their writing.
Thank you, this is wonderful information. I have always admired how brave some writers are. I understand their bravery is the reason I love their books so much. I feel this way about both, fiction and self-help books.
I love journaling but I always just wrote the beautiful parts of any situation. I have asked myself if I would ever dare to be brave enough to put it all on paper! Some years ago, I became braver and I started to write some of those aspects that made me feel fearful. However, I knew I was still stopping myself from writing what I started to call “closed rooms” or “stones left unturned”.
Today you have changed all that dear beautiful Kelly, thank you so much. I am still feeling great resistance, but I am also feeling the birth of a braver me, and, as you said, at the very least let me brave even if only ever for myself. Much to do now . Many blessings of love.
This is so great to hear! Here's to a braver you. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!❤
So true, one page at a time :)
Thank you for this. Wonderful wisdom!
Thank you !🙏 Your advice is exceptionally helpful and inspiring !
Thank you for watching! 🤍
Thank you for your information and I love your contant 👌🏼♥️
so glad to hear it!
I can finally write my memoirs my mom has passed and grandma is gone too.im gonna do it
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mom and grandma, Gertrude. But writing without the fear of upsetting a loved one can be freeing. We hope you get to heal through this process.
You're good! As if you respond directly to the thoughts in my head. Also to some that were so silent, I was barely aware of having them! 😂🙌🙌 Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Just call me a mind reader! Thanks for watching.
Kelly, This is such great advice!
Thanks for a thoughtful, helpful video. It's my daily motivation. :)
You are welcome. Happy to provide some motivation. Thanks for watching!
Thank you! Excellent video.
Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
@@knliteraryarts Watched again tonight.
Now the book is written. How do you advise handling "libel" concerns that the publisher may have? I mean no harm, I don't want to use a pen name, and I don't want to neutralize my memoir.
What are some tips you can share for someone who wants to publish their story (even though it includes relatives in a non-flattering light)? I know in the video, you mentioned that it's best to not think about that and just write. But...what if someone is led to publish their story? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this. Thanks for sharing this video for others to be encouraged.
Thanks for your comment!
1st: It can help to remember that you are sharing your personal story seen through your own unique lens. The other people in your story likely remember or view things differently because of their unique lens.
2nd: Your book will go through multiple rounds of edits before it is published, so just write it ALL out now. That doesn't mean that every single story or detail will end up in the finished book. You may choose to take some parts out.
3rd: Here's another video to watch that may help you think through this: th-cam.com/video/n3We5rwFa64/w-d-xo.html
@@knliteraryarts Thank you for the response! Definitely useful information to keep in in mind.
Because of health issues, I started to write my memoir only for the purpose of giving my daughters an insight to my life in case I died early. As I began to write it became a teaching memoir because of so much I learned along the way. I think you have helped me lean towards a final title. Can I write a memoir under an alias?
Will it help legal matters?
There have been successful memoirs published under a pseudonym!
Or your dad .. lol. I’ve been contemplating these same thoughts, but have a deep desire to write my memoir
You can do it! Wishing you all the best!
How do you write about people that had an impact on you as a kid but they are deceased? So you didn’t really know them like you know a best friend-you were a kid but their actions affected you-and there is no one to ask
What about writing under a pen name?
Kelly, I am expecting a call from one of your literary agents, however, my question is I was not born in the tech era, (Scrivener), so how do I understand this? I absolutely love seeing you on You Tube!
If you haven't checked it out already, please watch this video: th-cam.com/video/M49ejiqQ7R4/w-d-xo.html where I provide a short tutorial on Scrivener and how you can build an outline utilizing the program.
There are also LOTS of tutorials online, you can do a Google search or search TH-cam. These tutorials are very simplified and helpful during the learning process. There is also great information at this link: Literatureandlatte.com. I hope this helps!
I am writing my story, no matter what. Could you please tell me what the attitudes are towards pseudonyms are these days? Is it acceptable to write under a variation of your own name? I’m not ashamed of my story, but my last name is awkward for people and I also prefer to keep my personal and public life separate. Are there any solutions to this? Autobiographical novels? Do people use pseudonyms now? Is it possible to get traditionally published under a different name?
We have a whole blog on the subject of pseudonyms. Check it out here! knliterary.com/using-a-pen-name/
I changed my name in the book and everyone else. Although I do say it's based on a true story it was easier to write with another name and I also didn't wanna use any real names for everyone else in order to protect them
@@AmandaTayteTait Great approach! It sounds like this is helping you feel better about getting the story out and that is the important part.
Algorithm brought me here but swear I need to wait til she passes. 🤦🏻♀️
There is immense value in writing your story even if no one reads it. You can write it just for yourself and then decide if you want to publish it later on.
imma write it and not care lol
That's a great way to get started!
Always the mom and dad at fault… too many memoirists don’t turn the spotlight where it belongs, on themselves.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. You might enjoy this interview Kelly did with author Kate Christensen. She speaks about not having arguments with people through your writing. th-cam.com/video/NnnoCa7CjBc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HNC9hSh369hdq5RY
This is EXACTLY what I was asking your lovely editorial matchmaker, Sara. Thank you sooooo much for existing and sharing your wealth of knowledge, and especially for offering your services. You truly are a godsend ✨🤍✨