Because we have a guest post from another fantastic author, AND another sensational giveaway!
So, guys and gals, here's Lisa Vaughn to answer the question,
WHO Would Write a Memoir Anyways?
I know what you're thinking...A narcissist? Well, maybe perhaps, but sometimes it's much more than that.
As a reader, I have always enjoyed biographies and memoirs over any other genre, I just think reality is always more interesting than fiction. But before I wrote my own memoir, I never really thought... "Why"? Why would someone, who is not known or in the public spotlight, want to expose their most private thoughts and intimate details about their lives? And really, who would care?
Well, now that I am added to that list of 'narcissist', I can tell you, sometimes it's not about 'you' so much as a person...it's about 'you and the healing process', at least in my case.
I never set out to write a book. In fact, that's the last thing I ever imagined. After my mother's death in 2005, I found myself dealing with a lot of 'unfinished business' I carried with me. In fact, I was shocked at just how much I still had! Through many long 'therapy walks' on the beach, with just me and my thoughts, I started to make sense of the scattered puzzle pieces, and I was surprised there were also 'others' in that puzzle as well. But not until one random afternoon, when oddly, I decided to confide my story to a friend, did she convince me through a tear-soaked face that I had a story the world needed to hear. Hum. Who...ME?
Yes, I knew my story was unique in many ways, but I never in 30+ years hinted a word of my experiences...where would I even start? Well, I started at the beginning, as they say. And once I jumped in, I swear the keyboard smoked! In less than two weeks I had my first (very rough) draft. Not only was it a chance to put it all in black and white, turns out it was a very cathartic, very necessary, part of my healing process. Not until I saw those words staring back at me did I realize the 'why' of it all.
And that's when I finally 'got it', allowing me to forgive and let it go...for good! Freeing my soul of resentment and anger, allowing me to see exactly why things happened and the reasons, but most importantly, making me realize ALL those supposedly 'negative' experiences made ME the person I see standing in the mirror today. And you know what? I truly like that person...now.
So here I sat with close to 300 pages of self-discovery...what next? Actually, it was a no-brainer...I knew it was my mission to get my message out there, and what better way than to publish a book? If I can help someone going through the same thing, or make a parent realize the damage they might be doing to their children unknowingly, then it's worth me having my face behind the message of acceptance. In fact, I'm very proud to be that messenger. Like they say, if I can help one person...it was more than worth the trip.
So, I believe THAT is why people write memoirs...or at least it's why I wrote mine.
Narcissist? Perhaps a tad, but hey, I'm a Leo, so I'm going with that...and the healing/helping thing too! lol
I know what you're thinking...A narcissist? Well, maybe perhaps, but sometimes it's much more than that.
As a reader, I have always enjoyed biographies and memoirs over any other genre, I just think reality is always more interesting than fiction. But before I wrote my own memoir, I never really thought... "Why"? Why would someone, who is not known or in the public spotlight, want to expose their most private thoughts and intimate details about their lives? And really, who would care?
Well, now that I am added to that list of 'narcissist', I can tell you, sometimes it's not about 'you' so much as a person...it's about 'you and the healing process', at least in my case.
I never set out to write a book. In fact, that's the last thing I ever imagined. After my mother's death in 2005, I found myself dealing with a lot of 'unfinished business' I carried with me. In fact, I was shocked at just how much I still had! Through many long 'therapy walks' on the beach, with just me and my thoughts, I started to make sense of the scattered puzzle pieces, and I was surprised there were also 'others' in that puzzle as well. But not until one random afternoon, when oddly, I decided to confide my story to a friend, did she convince me through a tear-soaked face that I had a story the world needed to hear. Hum. Who...ME?
Yes, I knew my story was unique in many ways, but I never in 30+ years hinted a word of my experiences...where would I even start? Well, I started at the beginning, as they say. And once I jumped in, I swear the keyboard smoked! In less than two weeks I had my first (very rough) draft. Not only was it a chance to put it all in black and white, turns out it was a very cathartic, very necessary, part of my healing process. Not until I saw those words staring back at me did I realize the 'why' of it all.
And that's when I finally 'got it', allowing me to forgive and let it go...for good! Freeing my soul of resentment and anger, allowing me to see exactly why things happened and the reasons, but most importantly, making me realize ALL those supposedly 'negative' experiences made ME the person I see standing in the mirror today. And you know what? I truly like that person...now.
So here I sat with close to 300 pages of self-discovery...what next? Actually, it was a no-brainer...I knew it was my mission to get my message out there, and what better way than to publish a book? If I can help someone going through the same thing, or make a parent realize the damage they might be doing to their children unknowingly, then it's worth me having my face behind the message of acceptance. In fact, I'm very proud to be that messenger. Like they say, if I can help one person...it was more than worth the trip.
So, I believe THAT is why people write memoirs...or at least it's why I wrote mine.
Narcissist? Perhaps a tad, but hey, I'm a Leo, so I'm going with that...and the healing/helping thing too! lol
Lisa Vaughn
'The Gifted Ones'
http://www.thegiftedonesmemoir.blogspot.com
Now on Amazon & Smashwords - Ebooks & Paperback
'The Gifted Ones'
http://www.thegiftedonesmemoir.blogspot.com
Now on Amazon & Smashwords - Ebooks & Paperback
Thank you, Lisa, for your insights and for sharing with us today!
Lisa is graciously offering a FREE ecopy of her book "The Gifted Ones" to a lucky commenter! Here's more about it:
Through an unlikely chance meeting of a fellow classmate, she's surprisingly mesmerized, almost consumed, to befriend a girl who is obviously from the other side of the tracks...the cool side. Lisa does whatever she has to just to be accepted into this small club of coolness. Little did she realize, she was signing up for a lot more than social status. The two best friends find themselves innocently taking their relationship to a foreign level neither had experienced or saw coming.
A rollercoaster ride littered with choices and challenges Lisa never fathomed facing, especially in no-where middle America. She will find out what she is made of as she faces the consequences and struggles that come along with going against the grain.
Throughout their six year relationship, you will witness a touching story of human nature at it's best...and at it's worst. Showing just how far the human spirit can be challenged and pushed to a point where your “fight or flight” instincts naturally kick in. Struggling just to survive in a world where you are not like everyone else, but at the same time you really are. The daily struggles- both internal and external- are exhausting, yet necessary in their quest for one simple human need....love.
Finally breaking through all constraints that hold them back, reaching levels of one-ness that few actually obtain in a lifetime with their partner...only to find once they've reached that special place, it's not quite the right fit...for one of them, at least.
This contemporary story will lead the reader through highs and lows, giving insight to the every day challenges of the socially unaccepted, which will no doubt leave them rooting for the underdog. A true story of human resilience and the power of love...plain and simple.
Just leave your comments on this post and Lisa will pick a commenter, at random, on or around August 21st to win a FREE ecopy of her book! Comments must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on August 20th. Don't be afraid to comment more than once, (if the mood strikes), but only one comment per person will be entered to win! Don't forget to leave an email address or way for us to contact you if you win! Go get 'em!!!
Lisa Vaughn's Bio:
I'm a self-proclaimed hippie chick that enjoys living easy with my husband and four cats, and a beach in my background. An artist practically from birth, I'm always looking for a creative outlet to express myself... 'The Gifted Ones' just happens to be my latest creation in self- expression.
"I'm just a chick with a story...everyone has one, this just happens to be mine."
yeah, this also looks interesting :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I really enjoyed reading this. I never set out to write a memoir either; I've always wanted to write fiction.
ReplyDeleteThey say everyone has a story is the name of my blog:)
Thanks guys! Glad you enjoyed :)
ReplyDelete