Memoir Expert Cristen Iris on the Elements of a Well-Written Memoir

Imagine a tent with only one pole – it would collapse, right? The same principle applies to storytelling, where tentpole scenes provide the essential structure and support. This is true for fiction as well as memoirs and documentaries. In this episode, Cristen Iris discusses how tentpole scenes help you identify an intellectual and emotional arc for your story as well as the difference between creative nonfiction and memoirs.

Great Moments in the Episode

4:45 – 8:48  Disconnect between creativity and your environment, and the danger of time-blocking for some authors.

9:32 - 12:02  If you’re stuck in a project, here are questions that will help you determine whether you should move forward or pause.

12:22 – 17:10  Definition and examples of how to use tent pole scenes in memoirs.

17:11 – 21:18  How tentpole scenes help you organize supporting scenes in your memoir.

21:19 – 23:43  An explanation of the difference between an intellectual arc and an emotional arc.

23:44 – 26:05  How to think about a story arc in your memoir.

26:06 – 29:19  How to establish the status-quo of the protagonist at the beginning of your book so that readers can see themselves in the protagonist and emotionally connect to your character’s transformation.

29:21 – 33:42  How to impart wisdom through your memoir writing.

33:44 – 38:49  What it really takes to write a compelling and commercially viable memoir.

38:51 – 45:09  Difference between memoir and creative nonfiction, and how to determine what approach to take with your writing.

Words of the Episode 

Brown study (n): refers to a state of deep, melancholic absorption or meditation.

Titrate (v): to measure the volume or concentration of (a solution) by titration.

Connect with Cristen

Cristen's Website: https://cristeniris.com/