How I Write

Rob Henderson: How To Write A Memoir

Aug 14, 2024

Rob Henderson, author of the best-selling memoir "Troubled," shares his journey from foster care to Yale and the intricacies of memoir writing. He discusses the importance of honesty, emotional resonance, and how to balance personal truths with empathy. Henderson delves into navigating childhood trauma, overcoming coping mechanisms, and the emotional toll of revisiting painful memories. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining authenticity, simplicity in storytelling, and the hard work that fuels creativity in memoir writing.

01:34:48

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Episode guests

Rob Henderson

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Quick takeaways

Authentically sharing difficult experiences, such as childhood trauma and instability, enriches memoir storytelling by fostering deeper connections with readers.

Balancing the emotional highs and lows throughout the narrative keeps readers engaged and reflects the complexities of real-life experiences.

Identifying and maintaining focus on central themes like family dynamics and socio-economic class creates a cohesive and compelling memoir structure.

Deep dives

Navigating Personal Narrative in Memoir Writing

When writing a memoir, the central question revolves around the author's role in their story, prompting a deep exploration of one’s past. Writers often face the temptation to portray themselves in a favorable light, leading to self-aggrandizing narratives that may lack authenticity. Emphasizing the notion that the most challenging experiences are the ones that should be highlighted can lead to richer storytelling. The author realized that revisiting painful memories from their tumultuous childhood in a slum apartment, including experiences of foster care, divorce, and financial distress, provided the raw material needed for an engaging memoir.

The Art of Authentic Memoir Writing

02:50

Embrace Loss for Growth

01:57

Navigating Personal Narratives in Memoir Writing

03:46

Navigating the Complexity of Memoir Writing

01:27

Intro

4min

The Art of Memoir Writing

27min

The Intersection of Childhood Trauma and Substance Abuse

3min

Navigating the Memoir Maze

13min

Exploring Dynamics in Therapeutic Communication

2min

Navigating Memoir Writing

27min

The Grind of Creativity: Hard Work Over Inspiration

2min

Crafting Engaging Memoirs

12min

The Art of Simplicity in Memoir and Food Writing

5min

Ever thought to yourself, “I would love to write a memoir someday”?

Then you’re in the right place. Rob has an exceptional story — from foster care to Yale, from a troubled childhood to a best-selling memoir called Troubled — and in this episode, he demystifies the memoir-writing process just for you.

We cover questions like: Which stories are worthy of sharing? How do you pace the narrative? How do you excavate difficult memories? How do you balance the emotional highs with the lows? Buckle up, and get ready to learn how to write a gripping memoir.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Newsletter: https://www.robkhenderson.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/robkhenderson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robkhenderson/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Troubled-Memoir-Foster-Family-Social/dp/1982168536

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PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470