A (somewhat) True Story

Good writing has the ability to pull you out of your own world and into the world of the author. Since memoirs need good writing to reach an audience, I can understand how one might edit their stories with the goal to make it interesting. However, I don't see the point in creating a complete fabrication and selling it as a memoir. At that point, you should just create a fiction book. With memoirs that are true but have embellishment, I think it's forgivable because oftentimes writers are trying to hone in on certain feelings or meaning. If you are being vulnerable and honest, I think it will show in your work. Also, your memories are colored by things like your intentions and feelings. If you thought you were doing the right thing, then when you are retelling that story you will paint yourself in a better light.

One of my favorite memoirs is Yes Please by Amy Poehler. She writes about her career and life struggles while battling insecurities. I really enjoyed reading about how someone as successful as Amy still struggled with her own demons. It was a good reminder that no matter how big or great you got, insecurity could still show up and make you feel like you weren't good enough. If Amy embellished some of her tales, I don't think it would've ruined the experience for me. The message of her book was her struggle making a career in a male dominated field and how you never feel like you're doing enough when it comes to your career. Her story rang true to my experiences with imposter syndrome and how you can never quite get rid of the voice in your head telling you're awful and ugly and that nobody likes you. You can only learn to ignore it or treat it as an unwelcome guest. 

“Hopefully as you get older, you start to learn how to live with your demon. It’s hard at first. Some people give their demon so much room that there is no space in their head or bed for love. They feed their demon and it gets really strong and then it makes them stay in abusive relationships or starve their beautiful bodies. But sometimes, you get a little older and get a little bored of the demon. Through good therapy and friends and self-love you can practice treating the demon like a hacky, annoying cousin. Maybe a day even comes when you are getting dressed for a fancy event and it whispers, “You aren’t pretty,” and you go, “I know, I know, now let me find my earrings.”
― Amy Poehler, Yes Please

“Because what else are we going to do? Say no? Say no to an opportunity that may be slightly out of our comfort zone? Quiet our voice because we are worried it is not perfect? I believe great people do things before they are ready.” ― Amy Poehler, Yes Please

“Your ability to navigate and tolerate change and its painful uncomfortableness directly correlates to your happiness and general well-being. See what I just did there? I saved you thousands of dollars on self-help books. If you can surf your life rather than plant your feet, you will be happier.” ― Amy Poehler, Yes Please


I think memoirs have an easy transition to blogs. There is a similar style of intimate self disclosure and storytelling. Amy's book would have an easy time transitioning to a blog because her writing style was personal and friendly. She also wrote her book in a sort of back and forth timeline that would've fit in really well with a blog.