I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to write a memoir. First of all, why did I decide to write a memoir in the first place?
It all started while I was attending Alvernia University in Pennsylvania. Students would often notice my accent and ask where I was from. These questions would lead to more, like “Where were you when the earthquake happened?” or “What about your family?” and “Did you see anyone die like we saw on the news?”
These conversations often led to me being surrounded by students, some captivated by my story and others in shock or even in tears, unable to grasp how I survived. My story began to take on a life of its own, with professors inviting me to speak in their classrooms, followed by local organizations, and soon I was traveling across various states to share it. By my junior year in 2013, I decided to write the book, though I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
As a Haitian who learned English using an old English-to-French dictionary, I didn’t realize until I attended an English program at Rutgers University that I only knew the basics. It felt like I was starting from scratch. Sometimes, it’s a blessing to pursue a dream without knowing the obstacles ahead. Had I known what I was signing up for, I might have laughed it off and never written a single line.
In the summer of 2013, I prepared to write, realizing I needed to understand what writing a book actually entailed. I had to figure out elements like…
- authentic voice,
- theme and message,
- character development,
- conflict and resolution,
- structure and pacing,
- dialogue and description,
- emotional depth,
- reflection and insight,
- symbolism and imagery,
- and developmental editing. The list went on and on.
When I finally put together what I considered a book, the initial editor I contacted rejected it, saying it wasn’t ready for professional editing. I worked on it more, improving the writing, deleting sentences and chapters, rewriting and editing week after week. The first version was a Christian book, suggested by the next editor, who conducted several hours of interviews with me to bring it to a “publishable standard.”
At that stage, one of my professors recommended a beta reader to review the book before publishing it. I didn’t know what a beta reader was, but my professor explained. The beta readers’ feedback pushed the book back further. They all agreed that while it had potential, it needed more work to truly do my story justice.
Being a perfectionist worked in my favor here because I couldn’t imagine publishing something that wasn’t my best. I pulled back and worked on the book more, on weekends, during breaks, whenever I could find time. Year after year, I made it a mission to make it the best it could be. Over time, it became more than just a book I wanted to write.
My encounters throughout life inspired me to create:
- A story that inspires people to never give up.
- A story parents could use to motivate their young adult children.
- A story for those who feel lost, forgotten, or demotivated, providing insights and guidance to keep fighting.
As someone who enjoys fast-paced, attention-grabbing books, it was essential that my memoir read like a novel, transporting readers to Haiti and letting them experience life there through a native’s perspective.
The title of my memoir changed several times—from “The Survivor” to “No Sacrifice No Victory” to “Where the Sun Shines,” and finally to “Persist, Persist, Persist.” capturing the essence of who I am and my journey.
Today, after seven years in the making, the book is finally here! Nothing feels better than knowing you gave a project your ultimate best. My dream is to see this book in the hands of a million readers. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, but what does one have to lose by striving for the best and having fun along the way?
Here are some lessons I learned that I can pass on to aspiring authors. If I had understood these strategies early on, I probably could have written the book in less than half the time.
- Read Widely for Inspiration: Dive into different genres and styles. Inspiration can strike from unexpected places.
- Identify Your Prime Writing Time: Figure out when you feel most inspired and productive. Protect that time and use it to write without distractions.
- Finish First, Edit Later: Aim to complete your first draft before diving into major edits. This approach helps maintain momentum and clarity in your storytelling.
- Build a Beta Reader Team: Gather feedback from diverse beta readers. They’ll give you valuable insights on how your memoir resonates.
- Craft Compelling Content: Attention spans are short. Make your memoir engaging from start to finish. Keep readers hooked with compelling stories and insights.
- Compete with Modern Media: Your memoir competes with TikTok, Netflix, and YouTube for attention. Make sure your storytelling is captivating enough to win over today’s audience.
- Stay True to Your Voice: Authenticity matters. Write in a voice that feels true to who you are. Readers connect with genuine storytelling.
- Seek Feedback and Revise: Don’t shy away from constructive criticism. Use feedback to refine your memoir and make it even stronger.
I know you might be wondering: if I had to do it all over again, would I still choose to write the book? The answer is a resounding YES! The feeling of completing that final line is unlike any other. It’s absolutely worth it.
If you know you have a book inside you, a message the world needs to hear, I urge you to start writing it now. The perfect time will never come. While there are many things one might regret in life, I don’t believe writing a book will ever be one of them. You can do it. I am rooting for you!
P.S. Did you know that my book, Persist, Persist, Persist., is coming out this October? It’s a memoir that delves deep into my life experiences—fighting my way out of poverty, running from bullets, and achieving my dreams. This book, which reads like a novel, will empower you and elevate your persistence to a whole new level.
Visit www.juniorpersist.com to learn more.
You can pre-order copies today by clicking here: https://juniorpersist.com/Buy
