Effective memoir writing doesn’t rely exclusively on personal experience and history, or memory. All aspects of the genre can be enhanced by various types of research, tailored to the focus and theme of the project. Discover the purpose of research, ways to effectively and efficiently gather necessary and relevant information, and how best to incorporate it.
A sample of topics to be explored:
- Matching the research plan to memoir type and structure
- Fact-finding to reinforce or correct personal memory
- Research to lend authenticity and atmosphere
- Sources and methods for researching events and individuals
- Background research to formulate questions for interviewing other people
- Staying out of the rabbit hole—how not to over-research
- Organizing reference materials: notes, internet searches, audio/video recordings
Margaret Porter, recipient of the 2019 New Hampshire Literary Award for Outstanding Work of Fiction for Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, is author of fourteen additional historical novels for various publishers. Her published works include bestsellers, award-winners, many foreign language editions, and a forthcoming contemporary novel. According to Publishers Weekly, she is notable for presenting “vivid historical figures and events . . . rigorously researched and faithfully portrayed.” Margaret has edited memoir and other nonfiction and regularly presents workshops on research and writing techniques at national and regional writers’ conferences. More information is available at her website, www.margaretporter.com.
