"He who smiles last, probably found another meaning"
Can it be proper to format my book of memoires as a series of short stories instead of having Chapters? My book/books will, when compleatly finished, carry the reader along with me on each of the calls as if they were right there with me, and the reader should be able to picture for themselves what it was like. Because these stories occured in Las Vegas NV. from the 1970's to when I retired in 2001. They will have their own idea of what it looked like, but everyone sees things in a different light from a different angle. My book, my memoires is intended to open the eyes of who real firefighters are and what they are made of. Chapters depict a different time or place sometimes years apart and in different areas of the country or world. My book will move from call to call as a Firefighter, a Paramidic, and an Arson Investigator, not all at once you understand but as my career advanced over the years on the department. Basicly do I have to use CHAPTER'S as a divider, or can I use the next call as the next story and leave out CHAPTERS all to gether? Serious writers only who may want to discuss or get more of an explaination as to what I'm looking for in greater detail, please contact me.
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It's your memoir - format it any way you choose.
There is nothing that states you must write a book in such-and-such a manner. As long as it appeals to you, that's what counts.
Once you complete your memoir, you can either self-publish or seek an agent and a publisher. If there is any interest in your book by a mainstream publisher, then your agent or editor will have further suggestions as to any necessary changes.
Until then, write it your way and enjoy the process.
I agree. Chapters are meant to separate a story into logical segments and the sequence it is meant to be read. I don't know of any requirement as to it only being proper if they are included. Segment the book the way you want and let your publisher worry about it later.
jkgrandma, and Grandree have both given me exactly wkat I was looking for. Shortly after I send in my question I had occasion to talk to a publishing company who informed me that they were both exactly right. With memiors it can be written as I see fit to write it. Thanks to both of the great people who answered my question.
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