Thread: Using 3rd Person Pronouns to write about Myself

I have written two short books about my early years until the demise of my dear wife.
When I continue to write a 3rd book about my life after this I have problem doing it. The book is mainly about my struggle surviving when hit by multiple whammies.
I kept deleting parts of sentences that I wrote. Why? It goes against my grain to grumble and complain about myself.
Then I started again writing in the 3rd person, using he and his instead of I and my. I felt much better and can continue. I have removed myself from the feeling of me grumbling about myself.
I have now finished this 3rd book and have to go back to edit very carefully exchanging the he and his to I and my. Interesting!

You know, it sounds like you hit on a good psychological strategy for memoir writing. Kudos. Have you thought about combining the three books into one?

Thanks Edward. It is an good idea that have not crossed my mind. I may consider it when the stocks of my 1st two books are running low.

I think that's fascinating. Did it change what you would have written or was it simply, as you suggest, supplementing third for first person?

Thanks qwertyman. In my case I found it good enough to just change the personal pronouns as what I wrote was sufficiently realistic.

Wow, that's a very interesting idea. I too wanted to write a memoir about my past extreme situations of my past. In fact, I have written the book, but decided to ignore it and forget all about it, because I felt that I was complaining and whining. But, your idea sounds very good and interesting. Though, I write fiction now and try to stay away from writing down my own personal stories. But, if I shall take another shot at a memoir someday, I will remember this post and take your idea under consideration! Thanks for sharing this, it's very helpful.
And, my deepest condolences and sympathies for your dear wife. I wish you lots of luck with your books.

Thanks RadicalDani.

If you have written your book, publish it. If not as a printed book, then as CD or e-book.

I publish my book for a good reason. I hope to share my experience with others who suffer from the same or similar benign brain tumor as me. It is a very rare tumor. Thus sharing of experience is very useful.

So it was just a block to the act of writing not, as I expected, a block to recall of experiences? Okay, it's clear now.

John, I never considered that. It is interesting. I enjoyed your first book and I had no problem with how you wrote it. I am excited to read the second and third ones. I know that you self published and when my book is finished, I will go to you for advice.