What factors should a veteran consider when deciding whether to write a memoir?

A memoir is the story of a part of one’s life, and for veterans who want to write one, that story usually focuses on military service. There are a lot of aspects to think about before one launches into telling their story in a book. I’ve got this article well organized, just like a Navy vet (4/1966 to 12/1969) should.

A memoir is not just about sharing stories but also about the emotional, psychological, and practical impacts of the process of that memoir. For example:

Emotional readiness

Processing trauma: Veterans often have experiences that involve trauma, loss, or difficult transitions. Writing about these events can help with healing, but it may also reopen old wounds. It’s important to assess whether you’re in a place emotionally where you can handle revisiting these memories, especially in detail.

Desire for closure: Some veterans may feel the need to write a memoir as a way of achieving closure on their service or a particular chapter in their life. Consider whether you’re looking for resolution, or if the process might stir up more unresolved emotions.

Impact on relationships: Writing a memoir may involve exposing private or difficult moments, which could affect family members, friends, and comrades. It’s worth considering how your narrative will affect those around you.

Purpose and motivation

Legacy: Do you want to leave behind a record of your experiences for future generations? Many veterans write memoirs to preserve their stories and lessons learned, especially when they believe their experiences are unique or significant.

Teaching or advocacy: If you have a strong message you want to share — about the nature of war, the experience of service, or the challenges veterans face — writing a memoir could be a way to advocate for change or educate others.

Personal healing: Some veterans may see writing as a form of catharsis, a way to work through their emotions and make sense of their experiences.

Audience and impact

Who are you writing for? Think about your target audience. Are you writing for yourself, for family and friends, or for a wider audience? Understanding the potential reach of your memoir will help shape how much detail you include and the tone you adopt.

Potential for misinterpretation: Consider how your story might be received by different audiences. Are you prepared for potential misunderstanding, critique, or even praise? The more personal or controversial your story, the more you may need to be prepared for varied responses.

Ability to write and tell a story

Writing skill: Writing a memoir requires more than just telling your story — it involves crafting a narrative that is engaging, clear, and emotionally impactful. If you don’t feel confident in your writing ability, you might want to consider taking writing classes or working with a ghostwriter. You’ll find info on ghostwriters at the end of this article.

Structure and narrative: Reflect on whether you want to write a traditional linear memoir or take a thematic approach. The structure of your memoir can shape how your story is told and how readers will engage with it.

Legal and confidentiality considerations

Sensitive information: Veterans may be privy to classified or confidential information, whether it’s related to military operations, national security, or other sensitive areas. It’s important to be aware of legal restrictions regarding what can and cannot be disclosed.

Permission and privacy: If your story involves others — especially fellow service members — consider their privacy and whether you need permission to include them in your narrative. Names, locations, or specific events may need to be altered to protect individuals’ privacy.

Time and commitment

The writing process: Writing a memoir is a time-consuming process that requires dedication. Depending on the length and scope of the project, it could take years to finish. Consider if you’re ready to commit time and energy to this task and whether you have the support you need to stay motivated.

Balancing other priorities: Do you have the time to dedicate yourself to writing without sacrificing other personal or professional commitments? Writing a memoir requires focus, which may mean carving out significant blocks of time.

Research and accuracy

Memory and reflection: As a veteran, you may be recounting events from many years ago, and memory is usually imperfect, especially over the course of decades. It’s important to be aware of this and possibly corroborate your memories with journals, photos, or interviews with others who were present during key moments.

Fact checking: If you’re writing about specific events, battles, or military policies, you may want to conduct additional research to ensure accuracy and provide context for your story.

Cultural and social context

Impact on the veteran community: Consider how your memoir may resonate with other veterans or how it fits into the broader conversation about military service and veterans’ experiences. Writing a memoir can help create solidarity or understanding, but it’s also important to be aware of the diverse perspectives within the veteran community.

Public perception of veterans: The way veterans are portrayed in the media and public discourse can influence how your story is received. Some veterans may feel compelled to write a memoir to correct misconceptions or offer a more nuanced portrayal of military service.

Publishing options

Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing: If you’re considering getting your memoir published, think about whether you want to pursue traditional publishing or go the self-publishing route. Traditional publishing requires finding an agent and publisher, while self-publishing gives you full control but can be more work in terms of marketing and distribution. In terms of reach (copies sold), self publishing is generally far more limited.

Costs and resources: Publishing, even self-publishing, can incur costs — whether for professional editing, design, or marketing. Consider if you have the financial resources and support to navigate the publishing process.

Support system

Having a team or mentor: Writing a memoir can be a solitary process, but having a support system — whether it’s family, friends, or a mentor — can help you stay motivated and grounded. Some veterans may also find it helpful to work with a ghostwriter, professional writing coach or editor.

Therapeutic support: For veterans writing about traumatic experiences, it might be helpful to have access to a counselor, therapist, or support group to help you process emotions that arise during the writing process.

Ultimately, writing a memoir is a personal decision that depends on your motivations, emotional state, and readiness to engage with your past in a meaningful way. Taking time to reflect on these factors can help you determine whether it’s the right time and if you’re prepared for the challenges and rewards of such a project.

Ghostwriters

What is that? A ghostwriter is a professional writer who tells your story in your voice. The writer will need to have access to unclassified documents, articles, video and/or audio files, journals, or whatever else you might have that can serve as source material. Typically, also, the writer will need to interview you for as long as it takes to obtain the info needed to tell your story.

Credit: Unless you, the author, authorizes it in the writing contract, the ghostwriter takes no credit. You own the work and you are listed as the writer. A former associate of mine once said ghostwriters do the work then disappear. Like ghosts.

Where to find one: My company is Ghostwriters Central, Inc. We’ve been in business since 2002, and we’ve got an excellent reputation for providing quality ghostwriting services. In that time, we’ve written a lot of military memoirs. We have writers who have been in the service under contract, and one of them can surely help you write yours. Next step? Click the links. Thank you for reading.