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Understanding the “Lightning Strike” in a Memoir

Finding Self-Awareness, Clarity, and the Epiphany through the writing of a memoir

From the desk of Jeffrey A. Mangus-professional ghostwriter

In the film Sweet Home Alabama, the character Jake creates glass items using sand that is super-heated by lightning strikes. He strategically placed metal rods in the sand, triggering the strikes and letting nature and physics do the rest. The same happens with writing a memoir.  

In fact, just the other day, I was on Zoom with one of my authors, and he said, “Oh, my Gosh! Your question. It was dead on, and I can’t believe the answer was right under my nose, and all I had to do was see it.” No doubt, an epiphany of his life struck him like a lightning bolt to the head.

… It all started with my question and food for deep thought.

Without fail, after writing thirty books, it never ceases to amaze me how authors experience an awakening where everything makes sense. It is the “Lightning strike” moment, and as a ghostwriter, I get the privilege of having a front-row seat, an up-close view of when it happens, and it is always an amazing moment of clarity and transformation.

“A lightning strike can become a metaphor for a traumatic event that we’re all dealing with.” – Kym Crichton.

Writing a memoir sparks self-discovery and understanding oneself. The act of writing leads to self-awareness, and self-awareness is, serendipitously, the key ingredient for writing an honest memoir. It’s paradoxical, but then again, maybe there is more. The key to a successful memoir is that it must be honest, or it won’t work.  The paradox is writing fosters honesty, making it perfect harmony. You experience a revelation in those moments, learning something new about who you are. Without exception, every client I’ve collaborated with has had a lightning-strike moment.

Working with a professional ghostwriter gives you a unique perspective on the ‘Lightning strike’ moment. A skilled ghostwriter can guide you through the writing process, asking the right questions that provoke deep thought and introspection. They can help you find the missing piece in your narrative, where everything fits and falls into place. This is what makes the ‘Lightning strike’ moment so special for writers-it’s a moment of clarity and transformation that a ghostwriter can help you achieve.

…  It’s all about triggering the lightning strike.

Just like planting a metal lightning rod in the sand, our brains naturally seek patterns, and when a writing pattern triggers, it’s like hitting the jackpot. Boom! Lightning strikes as the writer finds the perfect balance of authenticity, honesty, and a deep cleansing of the invisible clutter that’s been carrying the story. It’s like a light bulb illuminating a pathway forward. The ‘AHA Moment’ is the key that unlocks the puzzle, cracking the code where the author makes sense of the most challenging situations in their narrative.

When writing a memoir with a ghostwriter, the lightning bolt moment happens when the author and ghostwriter come together with a clear understanding of the writer’s vision for the memoir. It is a moment of collaboration and creativity where the writer and ghostwriter create a synergy toward something special. 

In short, the lightning strike moment is a cornerstone of the creative process, vital for unlocking creativity and driving the book-writing journey forward. Whether it strikes out of the blue or after hours of hard work, it’s always a welcome twist in the book’s writing and narrative. 

When you have that epiphany moment, each chapter of your memoir becomes a steppingstone, bringing you closer to healing and letting go of buried emotions. Sharing your story is like breaking free from your limitations and society’s expectations as your voice strengthens with each sentence. It’s real and inspiring. Embrace who you are and give others the green light to do the same.

By working with me as your ghostwriter, I guarantee that as you finish your memoir, you’ll be amazed by how much you’ve grown. Discovering who you are may be a rollercoaster, but it’s also mind-opening and game-changing. Self-awareness is a lifelong journey, a dedication to living as your best self.

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I’m Jeffrey A Mangus. Ghostwriter of over thirty books specializing in business and leadership books. If you’re on the fence about writing your book, here are a few tidbits of what I offer:

1. Free Kick Start book meeting

2. Real-world book writing advice and help.

3. Top-tier high-level business book ghostwriting guaranteed voice capture (it is one of my highest skills)

4. Publication Consulting, book coaching, and a willing ear to listen to help you succeed.

If you have a burning book idea, you can talk to me at JEFFREYMANGUS.COM