Making Meaning of Your Memories

When I was in college, my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Glen invited me for a fireside dinner in their living room every year at Christmastime. We’d eat by candlelight and listen to a recording of...

I never planned to write a memoir. Even though I had spent a good part of my career ghostwriting and editing other people’s stories, it never occurred to me that I might one day want to tell...

Every November I host a 30-day Memoir Writing Challenge (National Memoir Writing Month—NaMeWriMo) modeled after the longstanding National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). My challenge...

One mistake I consistently see memoir writers make is being guarded in their first draft. Likely, they're following the commonly accepted advice to "write from your scars, not your...

The first time I wrote a memoir, my editor suggested I add more elements of fiction to it. While I had done a good job capturing the facts, it lacked vivid descriptions to draw readers into each...

Writing a memoir is a deeply personal and often cathartic experience. It's an opportunity to share your unique story with the world, to explore your past, and to connect with readers on a profound...

Maya Angelou famously said, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Your untold story, your untapped potential, is a fire smoldering within you. If you've let your...

Writing a memoir is no easy feat, especially if you're struggling to remember some of the most pivotal moments in your life. But fear not, there are ways to unlock those memories and put them down...

Everybody who decides to write a memoir starts with a “why” in mind. (Or at least they should.) We long to tell the stories of traumas and trials we’ve triumphed over; to...

Writing a memoir can be a powerful and transformative experience. The process of writing about your life allows you to reflect on your past, share your life story with others, and leave a lasting...

As the second quarter of 2023 begins, it's a great time to reflect on your writing goals for the year. Have you made progress towards achieving them? Have you encountered any obstacles or...

You're ready to write your memoir. But how long will it take to finish your first draft? The answer to this question depends on a few factors. 

First, a couple of...