Adding Color to Your Memoirs

As the leaves begin to change and autumn is in the air, I’m reminded of how important it is to tap into the senses, adding color, sounds, and feelings to our memoirs. Make your story come alive and jump off the page for your readers.

To add life to your writing, start by making lists of all the things that come to mind when you think about the event you’re writing about. At the top of a page write sight, sound, touch, and taste, then under each write down as many words as you can that relate to your story. You probably won’t use all the words in your final piece, but it will give you some ideas to choose from. Select the best, most descriptive words to tell your story. Nouns will be stronger than adjectives, so try to be specific—the “Cottonwoods,” rather than “the yellow trees.” Use adjectives sparingly but pointedly when needed. If you think your reader wouldn’t know that cottonwoods turn yellow in autumn, add the adjective and make it the best, most colorful it can be. “Golden” instead of “yellow” might more aptly describe your tree. “Cottonwoods the color of a sun-drenched hayfield” can give a richer experience for the reader. Try different descriptions on for size. Don’t stop at the first one you think of. Write and re-write until it sings.

Happy creating—
Anita C. Lee, Personal Life Coach, Speaker, Writer
Instructor for “Your Life, Your Story—writing memoirs that bring the past to life”
www.AnitaCLee.com – “Encouraging You to Be the Person You Were Created to Be”