How To! How To Write Your Memoir
11 snips
Mar 25, 2025 
Melissa Febos, a bestselling author and professor, dives into the intricacies of memoir writing. She discusses how confronting fears and vulnerabilities can lead to healing and self-discovery. Listeners learn about the delicate balance between sharing personal truths and respecting privacy. Febos emphasizes storytelling as a liberating act, especially for women and marginalized voices. She also explores the journey of finding purpose in creative writing while navigating the ethical dilemmas of depicting personal relationships.
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From Fiction to Memoir
- Melissa Febos started as a fiction writer but was encouraged to write a memoir at 26.
- Her professor recognized her talent after reading an essay and told her to pursue memoir writing.
The Urge to Write
- Many people feel their stories aren't interesting enough for a memoir.
- Febos emphasizes trusting the urge to write, as it signals a story's importance.
Nonfiction as Truth Serum
- Write nonfiction as a "truth serum" to confront difficult truths.
- Nonfiction writing offers a sacred space for honesty and self-discovery, unlike autofiction.
