My daily reflections during Memoir Revision Bootcamp:

Day 1.

Harnessing the revision process isn’t simple. It seemed overwhelming when I started the first exercise—a revision tracker. All I could do was keep it basic while analyzing my memoir draft by memory—making my life (I mean revision) easy. Dang. 

While looking for questions to ask myself and my work during a specific revision process, it becomes clear – I will kick-start with structure and theme, which are MACRO-level revisions. 

Tomorrow, we begin with the real deal. Today, I am still distracted by finalizing and scheduling the next Tuesday Museletter. 

Without a doubt, I am ready to focus on taking one step at a time and am dedicated to bringing myself back whenever I wander from the task. 

That’s it for now. My brain is about to explode.

Day 2.

My mind is exploding. It’s not a joke. Welcome to the bootcamp!

I feel sleepy today and am already overwhelmed with resources and the tremendous work that needs to be done in my memoir. Polishing the structure will be my first focus in July. I’m gathering resources, information, and insights to get me there. 

Again and again, I remind myself, one step at a time. It’s simple wisdom. I’ve got this!

Today, we talked about opening pages. I love the poem I wrote many years ago to open my memoir. I also wonder if I should start my first pages with the middle in mind, just like in The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. After all, my memoir is about coming of age, the search for belonging, and moving forward with resilience and perseverance. 

Before the bootcamp, I had already moved certain sections into designated chapters. That sh*t wasn’t easy. And now I am learning how much MORE work needs to be done. Some people say the first draft is the hardest part. I agree. It took me years of sweat, tears, isolation, contemplation, reviewing notes, transcribing, and translating to get to this point. 

I think the revision is a bitch. I aim to get into it with the help of other memoir writers, my writing coach, and hopefully a revision-focus group.

I am completely drained. I need a good rest… again.

Bootcamp, I’m not giving up.

Day 3.

Today was an easy day… grounded by being calm and holding a sense of purpose. I approached the class intending to get information about the “murky middle.” Receive. Receive. No stress. Just listening, taking notes, and absorbing as much as possible. 

An instructor shared an unlimited bucket of revision tools for the opening, middle, and ending pages. It seems I am all set, but I need to apply the information. I am evaluating and planning my next steps in writing my memoir. Slow and steady, with a specific focus in mind. 

Realism is what I held onto during the bootcamp. It all becomes clear that it’s humanly impossible to do all the complex exercises within 25 minutes on about 300 pages. So, I ease up and allow myself to be fully present and receive.

Day 4. 

It was another intensive day overloaded with useful information focused on the ending pages. The class dedicated the last 15 minutes to editing two pages of my memoir. It was my turn.

I received positive and constructive feedback. The suggestion was to expand and reinvent the description of locations, despite my limited recollection. Exploring the difference between writing from a child’s perspective or as a reflective narrator was another area to consider. 

Through the bootcamp, I’ve come to realize the abundance of materials that need to be processed and applied. 

Day 5.

I actively asked questions about today’s topic of pitching a book and building a platform. I learned the platform doesn’t have to be a website. It is about reaching the audience interested in buying my memoir and nurturing connections with them. 

So much to consider and so many steps to apply… but tools are invaluable. Precious, like diamonds.

Honestly, I am wiped out but grounded. I know for sure that processing will take time.

It’s A LOT to be in a rigorous program where it is humanly impossible to complete any assignments. And it wasn’t required. 

This bootcamp was exactly what I needed. I am so happy my inner calling diminished the voice of an inner saboteur, and I invested in this profound five-day experience.

Worth it!