This question & post are inspired by Marion Roach Smith’s book, THE MEMOIR PROJECT.

The Question: What is this about? 

You have an idea for a book. Perhaps it came to you from a writing prompt, a movie or an everyday conversation. But there is was, perched on your shoulder whispering in your ear about its potential to become a full fledged book. As you pick up your pen to begin brainstorming and fleshing it out, you must ask yourself, what is this about?

This simple question from Marion allowed me to create a filter of what should and should not be included in the fictionalized memoir I am writing: A Girl from the Sea.

A decision has to be made as you write: what will you include and what will you leave out of your story. No one wants to read a story about EVERYTHING, but if we know SPECIFICALLY and SIGNIFICANTLY what your book is about, we are more likely to pick it up.

Don’t worry if your first pass at this question results in a murky response. As you cradle the question in your hands and mind, clarity will begin to emerge.

I first realized that my story is about IDENTITY… days and pages later, I realized it was also about RESILIENCE. I began to toy with the idea of who this book was for, and I remembered that every THIRD CULTURE KID (children who have grown up in multiple countries or straddled between two cultures) are the ones who would most relate to my tale. Just today I realized ANYONE WHO HAS MOVED OUT OF THE COUNTRY (regardless of which country) will resonate with the themes in this story.

This story is about an adolescent girl cast into living on a ship that sails through constantly changing places and cultures. The driving questions are: How can I find myself when everything is changing? How to navigate change and chaos? What is my identity when all the previous markers of who I am have vanished? It is a book for anyone who has moved out of the country or had to navigate the complexity two or more different cultures at home or abroad.

All of the clarity came through spending the time thinking, journaling, praying and brainstorming.

Why spend the time doing this up front?

 

 

Because all though it takes time, having a clear vision will allow you to write faster and make decisions about the format.

Based on my clarity, I am no longer including the story about almost being molested on the ship. It would detract from the focus on identity and resilience. I may decide to weave it in later, but currently it does not serve the purpose of the book. Instead the content I do include will be focused on mini stories and images related to identity and resilience.  If I were to write a book about SAFETY & ABUSE within a faith community, I would center it around the story of near abuse.

One strategy I use when writing a book, is to either create a mock up cover like the one pictured, or a book specific Pinterest vision board. 

I want to stay inspired and know WHAT I am writing.

The second strategy I use when writing a book is to get extremely clear on WHY I am writing the book.  I use these questions to guide me.

  • What will readers walk away with once they have completed the book?

Service is important to me. I want my books to envelope the emotions, thoughts and senses of my readers. When they have finished my book, what will they have gained from the experience. With non-fiction this may include specific knowledge and skills. With fiction this includes feeling welcomed, being a part of the story…

  • Why is it important for me to write this book?

This is all about me. Why do I want to write this book? In the case of this memoir, it is time. I have been dabbling in the writing of it for years and it is time to focus in and finish it. I firmly believe that God gives us certain experiences for us to share and encourage others with. Growing up on a ship and navigating the loss and chaos of constantly moving is one such experience. I am not writing to be understood or to share my story because it is important. I am writing to normalize the feelings that arise when we move, grieve loss and discover incredible gifts on our journey in a new place.

Tell me in the comments,

  • What is your book about?

If you have time, go create that vision board or mock up cover and declare to yourself why you are writing the book.

If you are looking for a group of creative, inspired and incredibly authentic writers, join us in the Unstoppable Writers group HERE.

We are not unstoppable because we are strong, but because we never give up.