A Story That Matters explores our ability to help, heal and connect to others through story, reminding us of the greater need for a broader array of authentic voices in the story-sharing universe.
Not everyone has a best-selling memoir in them. But we do all have a story that matters to someone—our children, our lovers, our colleagues, and most importantly, ourselves. Our stories also matter to others who we may not know, but whose stories are reflected in our own.
A Story that Matters offers an accessible and simplified way to get your stories written. As editor and beloved author, Anita Bunkley, says, A Story that Matters is “a unique book that is both a bit of a memoir and a writing guide– an inspirational message and a self-help workbook.” Each chapter is divided into three sections. The first section discusses memoir writing in the context of themes (one theme per chapter)— mother memoir, childhood, relationships, professional life and spiritual journey. The second section of the chapter provides basic writing and editing prescription, with a focus on common beginner mistakes and road blocks. The third section is a sample story related to the life theme discussed in the first section of the chapter. Because the book includes several stories and anecdotes from the author’s own life, it illustrates one of its central tenets– that individual stories can be effectively combined to offer a complete and holistic life picture.
A Story that Matters is chock full of writing and editing lessons that focus on how to get a first draft written and how to craft the draft into a compelling story. Chapter Seven provides a unique prompt system that guides writers through a process of mining their memories; developing themes and getting their stories started.
