How to Share Your Story

By Debra Moffitt, Copyright, DM 2018 

photo by Nathalie Kohfiel, unsplash. Thank you!

Many writers who come to me want to share a personal story as a way to help others. But often they feel torn between writing their story as fiction (with fictional characters) or writing a non-fiction book. What’s the best way to go?

Each writer will have to make the decision for him or herself. Here are some questions and clues to help you decide which approach will best serve your aims and reach your readers.

1. Think about your overall aims: Do you want to help others who are facing the same situation? If so, often telling your story in a clear, factual way will be the best way to share and support others through a similar challenging experience. Is this a book that you would have liked to had before you faced the situation? Then non-fiction may be your best approach. It’s more process oriented often, and can offer tools and tip to others to support them through a challenging time. Here are two examples:  Author, Rachel Jonat shared her methods for simplifying her life and paring down her spending at first through her blog and next in an essay in a nation-wide Canadian newspaper. The response led to her books, “The Minimalist Mom”, “Do Less”, and “The Joy of Doing Nothing.” Listen to her talk about her journey here. “Unbroken” by Madeline Black is another approach. In her book, she shares about  being gang raped at the age of 13 and how she gained the courage to write her book. This is personal story as narrative, a memoir style with a hopeful and inspiring ending.  Reflect on what works best for what you want to share — and for your audience.

‘If anyone had told me a few years ago that one day I would be giving radio and TV interviews, speaking publicly or writing a book; I would never have believed them.  But after sharing my story publicly for the first time in September 2014 I realised that my voice and words are now my strength and I will continue to speak out against sexual violence for all those who can’t find their voice yet…’– Madeleine Black

2. Consider how you will feel? Are you ready to share your story in a non-fiction book or project? You may want to test this by starting a blog or sharing some of your writing in articles or essays. If memoir style isn’t right for you, how would you feel about sharing in a self-help style book? If you’re not sure, then start writing and see how it feels.

3. Will your story be more inspirational and easier to communicate in fiction? Learning to write a fiction story that holds together takes time and practice. If some of your life situations seem inspiring and fun or funny, or may lend themselves to drama, but aren’t solid enough to stand alone as complete stories, then fiction allows you free reign to play with similiar situations, in a context where you can create new characters, set new boundaries and push the limits.

The best way to know and to find what’s right for what you want to share is to start writing. Discover your voice, experiment, and explore how it feels to write. You may want to share your work with supportive friends or a writing group for feedback.

Happy writing!

If you’d like support with your writing, I’d love to have you join me for “Achieve Your Writing Dreams” a 4 week live virtual workshop using Zoom, an easy to access link — from wherever you are in the world.