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In this episode, Allison Lane sits down with editor and author Allison K Williams to discuss the four simple steps to writing a memoir that sells. Both Allisons dive into the nuances of memoir writing and offer actionable advice for authors who want to craft a memoir that resonates and connects with their audience.
Key Takeaways:
1. You Don’t Need a Massive Platform
Allison K Williams dispels the myth that you need 100K followers to sell a memoir. Instead, focus on who your story helps and how it will resonate with them.
2. Intersect with the Cultural Moment
Your memoir should connect with the current cultural conversation. Allison explains how stories that tie into broader issues or trends are more likely to attract readers.
3. Choose Your Story (and Keep it Focused)
A memoir isn’t your whole life story—it’s about narrowing down to the most impactful moments. Learn how to choose which part of your life to focus on and avoid getting bogged down by unnecessary backstory.
4. Draft, Draft, and Draft Again
Williams breaks down her "Seven Drafts" method for self-editing. From the "vomit draft" to character work and sentence polishing, this system helps writers avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Engage with Readers
Connecting with your audience is key. Whether through social media, newsletters, or events, find a way to engage with those who need your story.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Writing a Memoir That Sells
01:43 – Meet Allison K Williams: Acrobat, Author, and Memoir Coach
02:32 – Parallel Lives: Writing, Marketing, and Agility
03:10 – Step 1: You Don’t Need a Platform to Sell a Memoir
05:10 – Debunking the Platform Myth: Famous Memoirs Without Big Platforms
06:21 – Why Agents Focus on Follower Counts
08:07 – Step 2: Intersect Your Memoir with the Cultural Moment
09:20 – The Power of Cultural Conversations in Memoir
10:06 – Step 3: Find Your Story and Keep It Focused
12:32 – Avoiding Backstory Overload in Memoir
14:01 – Using Telling Details in Your Story
15:35 – The “Throat Clearing” of Early Drafts
19:07 – Step 4: The Seven Drafts Method for Self-Editing
21:19 – Compassionate Critique: Free Monthly Writing Workshops
24:22 – The Importance of Memoir Titles and Subtitles
25:53 – Download Allison’s Free Guide: Writing Memoir Without Fear
27:32 – Final Thoughts: Writing a Memoir That Resonates
📗Resources Mentioned:
- Download Allison K Williams’ Writing Memoir Without Fear https://rebirthyourwriting.myflodesk.com/no-fear-memoir This simple guide provides practical tips on getting started, choosing your story, and navigating tough interviews with people from your past.
- Allison K Williams’ Book: Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781949116458
- Allison K Williams: https://www.instagram.com/guerillamemoir/
- Allison Lane's free monthly Compassionate Critiques events, sign up https://lanelit.com/cc
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8 mins