For nearly a decade I have harbored the desire to write a memoir, and my computer is littered with documents that form a minor monument to my failure to deliver on this goal. This is the year of action, my memoir project began on January 1st and will be completed in early 2013 when I self-publish my stories. My original project plan included publishing each installment on this blog but during these early weeks the main milestones are to get the words flowing, and editing needs to be left until latter in the year. So what is my plan?
Project Goal
The Memoir Project goal is to self-publish a 50000+ word memoir by March 31st, 2013.
Project Start Date
The Memoir Project starts on January 1st, 2012.
Project Milestones
The project plan is relatively simple for the Memoir Project:
- Write at least 1000 words each week in 2012.
- Every three months revise and edit the copy produced during the preceding quarter.
- Publish a selected story on South Bank Projects every three months.
- Final revision and editing in January 2013.
- Design the book layout by 14 Feb 12.
- Select a publisher by 28 February 2013.
- Publish the book by 31 Mar 13.
Resources
My principle resource for writing are the books of William Zinsser, his classic On Writing Well taught me the basic literary skills that underpin my writing style.
Self-publishing companies like Lulu and Blurb provide resources for book layouts and design but this is an area that requires further research on my part.
In writing a memoir, family and friends are an invaluable resource to remember dates, gather alternate perspectives or confirm the facts as you know them.
My notes and writings that will form the basis for this memoir.