Touring with the Virtual Book Tour Cafe', I am pleased to welcome Cindi Maciolek. Welcome Cindi, so glad you could stop in.
You Can Write that Memoir!
For some reason, all my life, people have asked me how they should go about writing a memoir. Some felt they’d led an interesting life. Others wanted to capture family memories. Still others wanted to leave a gift to their children and grandchildren. Sometimes it was as simple as a collection of stories; other times, it included recipes or mementos. Many wanted to take a traditional chronologic approach. No matter, it was all important to them.
Now, I’ve only just recently written my first memoir, so why I received so many inquiries through the years, I have no idea. However, I think I’ve learned a few things that might just help you accomplish your dream of writing your memoir.
- Gather the stories. Make a list of events and happenings you absolutely want to include in the book. Then, capture whatever memories you have and jot them down.
- Don’t think you won’t remember. As you begin to write, you’d be amazed at how much comes flowing back.
- Try the tape recorder method. Or, in today’s technology age, the digital mp3 method. Always keep something with you so you can record ideas as they pop up. Many cell phones have a memo feature. Use it.
- Tell the stories. Some people are just better at talking than writing. So, tell the stories to someone but record it as you’re doing so. Then, play it back and transcribe it from there.
- Everything doesn’t need to be included. Just like cleaning your closet, keep what’s important and toss the rest.
- Get different perspectives. This can be fun if you have a large family, because everyone will remember an event differently.
- Look through photos to spur your thoughts. At the same time, you can select which ones you want to include in the memoir.
- During the editing stage as others are reading it for comments, they’re sure to come up with missing details or stories you may have forgotten. Take the information then determine if you want to add it in.
- Write from the heart. This is more than just a collection of facts. Your very DNA is in the book. Say it with love.
- Publish it! Whether you want to keep it private among your family, or put it out into the world, your memoir will delight for years to come.
Cindi R. Maciolek is a writer and business consultant, whose published works include Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion; Java Jems: 5 Minute Inspirations for Busy People and The Basics of Buying Art. She’s also a contributing author to the books Life Choices: Pursuing Your Passion and Life Choices: It’s Never Too Late. Maciolek has written numerous articles for the luxury marketplace, including the Robb Report and Luxury Las Vegas. Maciolek lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. www.cindimaciolek.com.
Can four ounces of feathers and personality change a person’s life?
She can if she’s the Divatiel!
Cindi was looking for a roommate, and finally settled on a fine-feathered friend who was a gift from a co-worker. What she got was a loving, intelligent, fun, free-spirited, demanding – Jaké.
After recovering from illness that put her near death’s door, Jaké healed and was let out of the cage so she could spread her wings. She lived her life with gusto. Jaké took risks, used her intelligence to her advantage and loved unconditionally. She took charge, not only over her surroundings but over her owner as well. Luckily, she had a cooperative Mommy in Cindi.
Not only was she demanding, Jaké did things some humans have never done. She flew on an airplane several times, went on numerous road trips and ate fresh vegetables daily.
Jaké lived a very long life and had many adventures along the way, most of which are captured in this book.
Jaké was first a gift to William, then a gift to Cindi, and now a gift to the world.
Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion will tug at your heart strings and bring a smile to any animal lover.
She can if she’s the Divatiel!
Cindi was looking for a roommate, and finally settled on a fine-feathered friend who was a gift from a co-worker. What she got was a loving, intelligent, fun, free-spirited, demanding – Jaké.
After recovering from illness that put her near death’s door, Jaké healed and was let out of the cage so she could spread her wings. She lived her life with gusto. Jaké took risks, used her intelligence to her advantage and loved unconditionally. She took charge, not only over her surroundings but over her owner as well. Luckily, she had a cooperative Mommy in Cindi.
Not only was she demanding, Jaké did things some humans have never done. She flew on an airplane several times, went on numerous road trips and ate fresh vegetables daily.
Jaké lived a very long life and had many adventures along the way, most of which are captured in this book.
Jaké was first a gift to William, then a gift to Cindi, and now a gift to the world.
Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion will tug at your heart strings and bring a smile to any animal lover.
Her writing focus is on books, CDs and screenplays and sharing those lessons, experiences and ideas with others.
Her recently released book, Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion, is the true story of life with a diva-tastic cockatiel, a story any animal lover would enjoy.
Java Jems: 5 Minute Inspirations for Busy People, is both a book and CD, a unique combination of spoken word and original music. Her first book, The Basics of Buying Art, is sold out. There’s more to come. Stay tuned!
Cindi was also a contributing writer for The Robb Report and Luxury Las Vegas for many years and had articles published byDelta Sky Magazine.
Her travels have taken her to 23 countries in North America, Europe and Asia.
Contact Cindi through her website: www.cindimaciolek.com
Thank you for taking time with us today Cindi!
Websites
www.divatiel.com
www.cindimaciolek.com
www.grandarborpress.com
Purchase Links
www.divatiel.com/shop
www.divatiel.com/amazon-store
http://www.amazon.com/Divatiel-Reflections-birds-companion-ebook/dp/B006RDKJO6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326259724&sr=8-1
Follow Cindi's Tour:
February 7 - Meet & Greet at the VBT Cafe' Blog
February 9 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
February 11 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
February 13 - Guest Blogging BK Walker's Musing of the Mind
February 15 - Guest Blogging at Authors by Authors
February 17 - Interviewed at Writing Innovations
February 20 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
February 22 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services
February 24 - Guest Blogging with Cindy Vine
February 28 - Book Frenzy at VBT Cafe' Blog
March 1 - Twitter Party
March 5 - Interviewed at BK Media Entertainment
March 7 - Reviewed & Guest Blogging at MK McClintock Blog
March 9 - Interviewed with Louise James
March 12 - TBA
February 9 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
February 11 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
February 13 - Guest Blogging BK Walker's Musing of the Mind
February 15 - Guest Blogging at Authors by Authors
February 17 - Interviewed at Writing Innovations
February 20 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
February 22 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services
February 24 - Guest Blogging with Cindy Vine
February 28 - Book Frenzy at VBT Cafe' Blog
March 1 - Twitter Party
March 5 - Interviewed at BK Media Entertainment
March 7 - Reviewed & Guest Blogging at MK McClintock Blog
March 9 - Interviewed with Louise James
March 12 - TBA
