Messing with Memoir: When the Goal is in Sight!
Memoir Writing
When the Goal is in Sight!
I’ve been buried in photos, but here’s a quick update. We are on target to publish Memoir of an Unimagined Career: The Inside Story of 43 years at Mennonite Media sometime this summer. Masthoff Press have agreed to publish it and I’m excited for their reach and contacts. Elizabeth Petersheim there has been beautiful and agreeable to work with and she handles many aspects of a book moving through their system.
I have never included photos in one of my books before. But for this project, I have felt it essential to use photos (about 25 or so) in order to help readers visualize the scope and mission and people involved in a ministry that reached around the world. Not to mention the passage of time during a huge chunk of my life so far.
So, choosing and organizing and writing captions—and keeping them in the right order for the right pages—has caused me a headache or two, but I’m getting there.
And that’s why I’m writing today: whatever your goals, whatever your project, just keep plugging away (at least if it is doable) and you’ll get there. Don’t feel like you have to set aside a week or a month to arrive at a goal—ten minutes here and there are catchable if we grab them. When setbacks sneak into your schedule, swallow, take care of the project or people who need your attention, and then go back to the goal when you can. That’s easy for a retiree to say and much harder for a young or middle aged parent or hard working and paid employee to do.
Here’s a photo that may pique your interest, I hope! And keep you hoping and hopping to complete whatever you’re working on along these lines!
findingharmonyblog 
Congratulations, Melodie! So proud of you for persisting–and producing so many fine books. I like the idea of including photos in your new book.
I remember the feeling of “turtle pace” with my memoir. And now I’m feeling it again with new projects. This line especially resonated: “whatever your goals, whatever your project, just keep plugging away (at least if it is doable) and you’ll get there.”
As Aunt Ruthie says often in her diary: “SWELL!” 😀
Thank you, Marian. Book Ten feels like a stopping point for me. 🙂 Maybe.
I do want to get around to organizing more photos, digitizing some, clearing out clutter etc.
And I remember when people said “Swell” like that!
I’m so excited to see it getting closer. I’m ready! Standing in line with my hand raised already! When it’s here I’m grabbing one and will help share the news too.
You are so loyal and a good enthusiasm builder!! I see that hand!! Blessings to you.