I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, his memoir, Greenlights, is my favorite memoir of all time. Hands down. His book isn’t just a reflection on the life of a celebrity, it’s a masterclass in memoir writing.
Whether you’re an experienced writer or a newbie, Greenlights offers valuable insights on how to tell your story with authenticity, creativity, and meaning.
Here’s what McConaughey taught me about writing memoirs—and make sure to read all the way to the end to learn more about how you
can sharpen your memoir-writing skills.
Let's go!
Welcome to the Power Writers Report, our weekly update, packed full of powerful writing tips, productivity tools, platform-building strategies, author best practices, resources, and free stuff.
If you find this useful, forward it to a friend.
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Power Writers Report.
Click here to schedule an author strategy session with me.
Here’s What McConaughey Taught Me About Writing
Memoirs
1. Embrace Life’s “Greenlights”
McConaughey’s central metaphor in Greenlights is based on the concept of “greenlights”—moments of clarity and success when the road ahead
is wide open. Throughout his book, he identifies these pivotal moments when powers beyond his control seemed to align for him, opening doors, and offering chances for growth.
For memoir writers, this is an invaluable lesson. A compelling memoir isn’t a list of everything that’s ever happened to you; it’s a collection of key moments
that shaped you. It’s about recognizing your own “greenlights”—the events that marked turning points in your life.
These are the moments that move your story forward and offer readers a sense of progression and growth.
Think about the opportunities you seized or the moments that changed everything for you. These are the greenlights that will give your narrative direction and purpose. By focusing on these pivotal events, you give readers a clear arc to follow, making your story both meaningful and memorable.
2. Don’t Shy Away from the “Redlights”
For every greenlight McConaughey writes about, he also acknowledges the “redlights”—the moments of frustration, failure, and pain.
But here’s where McConaughey’s writing shines: he reframes those redlights as lessons in disguise. He views them as moments that eventually turned green, offering deeper insights and growth once the obstacle was overcome.
Memoirs are often most powerful when they include
vulnerability. Sharing only the good times creates a one-dimensional narrative, but including the challenges—the moments when you weren’t sure if things would work out—makes your story relatable and human.
That's gold right there, folks!
Readers want to see your struggles as much as your successes, because it’s in those difficult times that true character is revealed.
Don’t be afraid to dive into your own redlights. Whether it’s a career setback, a personal
failure, or a difficult period in your life, these moments create tension and depth in your story. They also provide an opportunity for reflection, where you can show how these challenges shaped you into who you are today.
I'll go so far as to say this: sharing your redlights gives you more credibility than
sharing your greenlights.
Read. That. Again!
3. Write in Your Own Voice
What struck me about reading Greenlights is that it sounds like McConaughey. His Texas charm, humor, and down-to-earth personality are infused into every sentence. He doesn’t try to be overly formal or polished; he simply writes like he talks, and that’s what makes the book so engaging.
Memoir writers
often fall into the trap of trying to write how they think they should sound instead of how they actually speak. But authenticity makes your memoir stand out. Your readers want to hear your story in your voice, not in some generic or overly polished version of yourself.
Lean into your natural voice. If you’re funny, be
funny. If you’re introspective, make space to reflect deeply. Authenticity resonates with readers because they feel like they’re getting to know the real you.
4. Be a Storyteller First
This is
crucial.
McConaughey doesn’t tell his life story in a strictly linear fashion. Instead, he structures his memoir around stories, lessons, and reflections. Each chapter reads like its own vignette, carefully chosen to reveal something important about his life and character. He doesn’t include every detail, but rather focuses on
the stories that matter.
There were elements I looked for in his book that he ignored. He doesn’t tell all of his celebrity stories—like his relationship with Sandra Bullock. Nevertheless, his storytelling skills kept me engaged. I actually read his 304 page book in two sittings.
When writing a memoir, it’s important to remember that you’re a storyteller, not a historian. Your job isn’t to recount every event in chronological order; it’s to choose the moments that are most compelling and meaningful to your narrative.
Think of your memoir as a collection of stories rather than a list of events. This approach keeps the reader engaged and allows you to focus on the most important themes in your life.
Only give your readers stories and details that your
reader will find interesting. Everything else needs to go!
5. Take Risks with Form
This is where the memoir really stands out.
In addition to prose, McConaughey includes journal entries, poetry, and even photographs. His experiments with form make the book feel dynamic and unique. This creative approach reflects his personality and gives readers multiple ways to engage with his story.
Memoir writing doesn’t need to follow a strict formula. You can play with structure, include different forms of writing, or even incorporate visual elements. This kind of experimentation can add depth and texture to your story, allowing you to communicate in ways that go beyond words alone.
Taking risks with
form can make your memoir stand out and give it a fresh, distinctive feel.
6. Find Meaning in Reflection
McConaughey doesn’t just recount events, he reflects on them. He distills life lessons and philosophies from his experiences, offering readers insights into how he thinks and grows. This reflective element elevates the memoir from a simple collection of stories to a book of wisdom.
As a result of the release of his book, Texans began calling for him to run for governor
of Texas.
The. Power. Of. Meaningful. Reflection.
What did each experience teach you? How did it change you? Reflection adds depth and allows you to offer readers
more than just your story—it gives them insights and wisdom to take away from it.
As you write your memoir, ask yourself not just “what happened?” but also “what did I learn?” and “why does this matter?” Reflection adds layers of meaning to your story and invites readers to engage with it on a deeper level.
Here’s How to Take it One Step Further
Register for the October 5 Illumify writers conference. That's only a month from today!
Karen Bouchard will be leading our memoir intensive.
Karen is a master storyteller and can help you determine the arc of your story. Then she’ll help you thread together your various experiences into a fluid narrative that creates engaged readers (that means your memoir will be interesting).
Mastering Your Genre
A
Deep Dive into Writing Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoirs, and Children's Picture Books
Illumify Writers Conference 2024
Saturday, October 5, 2024
8:30-5:00
p.m.
The Reel Factory Events Center
10488 W. Centennial Road
Littleton CO 80127
$89 Early-bird
registration
