Diane O'Connell

When writing memoir, you want to think about starting with something that kicks off your primary theme or immediately shows the reader why you’re telling your story. You build up layers of complexity that lead up to helping the reader to identify with the protagonist—you!

Editors are looking for stories that have universal appeal even if the story itself is really out there. They’re looking for writers who know how to make an unusual or heartbreaking or tough situation be something everyone can relate to and understand.

#ProTip: For first-time authors, I recommend anywhere from three to six blurbs on your back cover. Readers are not going to be interested in wading through a bunch of blurbs by people they’ve never heard of. Be discerning and exhibit self-restraint.

Reading others’ work can help you find & perfect that balance of detail, emotion, & pacing. Read first for pleasure & later for what you might earn from the layers of description, dialogue, & detail. What books have you read lately whose craft or skill inspired or moved you?

Today’s publishing climate is in such an upside-down state that many of the best books are being rejected simply because they’re “too” fill in the blank. If you’re an aspiring literary author, don’t let rejections deter you. Your words are your own & they deserve to be heard!

One way to outline is to "scaffold your project," which means to build out your book scene-by-scene. Just like a builder who tries to build a skyscraper with no scaffolding, writing a novel or a memoir without scaffolding can cause problems along the way.

Too many authors are holding themselves back from their own success. They are waiting for someone to give them the green light, when in fact they're the only ones who can do that. Say YES and put yourself out there!

Balance is elusive in our culture—particularly for those who aspire to create. Here are 3 ways to invite balance into your life: 1. Schedule your writing time 2. Meditate or sit in silence for a minute or two before you write 3. Get curious about what motivates you.