Why Tom Selleck Handwrote His Entire Memoir

Tom Selleck’s Memoir: A Personal Journey of Reflection and Storytelling

In a recent interview with Town & Country, Tom Selleck shared insights into his decision to write his memoir, You Never Know, using a legal pad. He explained that the year 2020 felt like the right time to begin this project, despite years of publishers urging him to share his story.

“I’ve always written by hand; it’s the only way I know how to write,” Selleck explained. “When I’m at a keyboard, I can’t think properly. On Blue Bloods, I insist on getting scripts printed out because I need to see them on paper to truly engage.” He added, “I’d write in the afternoon and then read my work to my wife, Jillie, over dinner. Sometimes, I’d get emotional reading what I’d written, though it didn’t happen while I was writing it.”

Despite the challenges, including his lack of technological skills—he has never sent an email or text—Selleck persisted for four years to complete his memoir. He joked about his dependence on his wife to manage his communications, noting, “I have a certain luxury where I probably couldn’t survive otherwise.”

Selleck reflects on how he long hesitated to write his life story. “I didn’t have any sensational events or scandals, just a long career,” he noted. His aim was to create something entertaining that would resonate with readers. “I wanted to avoid the tell-all approach or any political commentary. My goal was simply to share my journey in a way that people would find interesting.”

While writing, Selleck recognized the importance of balancing his private life with the need for transparency. “I’m a pretty private person, but I knew I had to share certain aspects to make the memoir genuine,” he said. He carefully navigated how much to reveal, especially concerning his interactions with other celebrities, always mindful of their privacy.

Ultimately, Selleck hopes his memoir serves as both entertainment and a glimpse into his life. “I didn’t write this to unload my conscience or expose deep secrets,” he stated. “I aimed to entertain, to make people laugh or cry, and to offer insight into what it’s like to walk in my shoes.”

You Never Know is now available, promising readers an engaging look at Selleck’s remarkable career and life experiences.