How to write a memoir
Fairlady|July/August 2024
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
PNINA FENSTER
How to write a memoir

Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released,’ says writer Robin Moore. And, of all the stories we can tell, none is as emotional and familiar as our own – the story of childhood exploration, teenage discoveries, adulthood’s losses and loves, and finally, the wisdom, humour and insights that come with looking back on common threads and lessons learnt.

If you’ve been wondering whether you have a tale that’s truly yours to tell, the answer is absolutely yes. As writer and film producer Emily Gordon says, ‘Your life story is a gift, and it should be treated as such.’

The basics

Derived from the French word mémoire, meaning ‘reminiscence’, memoirs have as many motivations and insights as there are memoir writers. And you don’t have to be famous to write one.

For some, a memoir preserves memories. For others, it’s a way to honour precious people along the way. You may want to share a private narrative with close family and friends. Or you may dream of leaving a legacy for future generations or helping others. And, of course, your goal may be a published book, ideally with Julia Roberts or Reese Witherspoon starring as you in the movie version, as per two of the most popular memoirs of all: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love and Cheryl Strayed’s Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Begin at the beginning

Bu hikaye Fairlady dergisinin July/August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Fairlady dergisinin July/August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

FAIRLADY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Fairlady

'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'

Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.

time-read
9 dak  |
July/August 2024
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Fairlady

'We have to tell HARD STORIES'

Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.

time-read
6 dak  |
July/August 2024
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
Fairlady

THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe

We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.

time-read
10+ dak  |
July/August 2024
LIFT your GAME
Fairlady

LIFT your GAME

Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.

time-read
8 dak  |
July/August 2024
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Fairlady

TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS

Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.

time-read
8 dak  |
July/August 2024
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Fairlady

PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT

Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.

time-read
5 dak  |
July/August 2024
BIG SKY Country
Fairlady

BIG SKY Country

Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.

time-read
9 dak  |
July/August 2024
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Fairlady

IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?

Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.

time-read
7 dak  |
July/August 2024
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
Fairlady

HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE

The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.

time-read
9 dak  |
July/August 2024
How to write a memoir
Fairlady

How to write a memoir

Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.

time-read
7 dak  |
July/August 2024