How I Write

Rob Henderson: How To Write A Memoir

Aug 14, 2024

In this discussion, Rob Henderson, a best-selling author known for his memoir 'Troubled,' shares his journey from foster care to Yale. He provides insights into choosing which stories to tell and techniques for pacing narratives. Rob candidly discusses emotional excavation, balancing highs and lows while recalling painful memories. He emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling, emotional nurturing over academic achievement, and the commitment required for creative persistence. This engaging dialogue offers a roadmap for anyone aspiring to write a compelling memoir.

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.

Vulnerability Breeds Authenticity

01:21

The Art of Brevity in Storytelling

01:39

Navigating the Complexity of Memoir Writing

01:27

Crafting Hope Through Emotional Variance

01:18

Intro

4min

Navigating Memoir Writing: Challenges and Insights

27min

Memoir Writing: Emotional Excavation

16min

Crafting Memories: The Art of Memoir Writing

15min

The Value of Emotional Nurturing Over Academic Ambition

3min

Crafting the Memoir Preface

11min

The Reality of Creative Persistence

2min

Crafting a Memoir: Honesty and Emotion

12min

The Power 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