Self-doubt is a normal part of the writing process, especially when you’re sharing deeply personal stories. Every writer, at some point, asks themselves, "Is this good enough?" or "Will anyone care?" But here’s the truth: your life experiences, no matter how ordinary they may seem to you, are valuable.
Read MoreMarketing your book doesn’t have to be something you dread. In fact, it can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your author journey if you approach it with the right mindset.
Read MoreFor many first-time authors, book marketing feels like a distant worry—something to tackle once the final draft is ready, or after the book is published. But the reality is, the sooner you start thinking about marketing, the more successful your launch will be.
Read MoreMemoirs are about emotions as much as events. To find the right starting point, think about the emotional journey you want to take your readers on. What’s the core emotion or theme that runs through your memoir?
Read MoreWhen I started writing my memoir, I was terrified of judgment. I feared that people would dismiss my experiences, or worse, criticize my right to share them. But I also knew that staying silent wasn’t an option anymore. Every time I suppressed the urge to write, it only grew stronger. Finally, I had to ask myself, what’s the cost of not telling my story? And the answer was clear: I couldn’t afford to let fear stop me. I couldn’t let doubt silence my voice.
Read MoreWhile no publishing process is without its challenges, each step forward solidified her belief in the power of her story. The day her memoir was published was a victory, not only because her book was finally out in the world, but because she had conquered the doubts that once threatened to silence her voice.
Read MoreThe process of writing a memoir isn’t just about sitting down and remembering; it’s about digging into the layers of memory to uncover the truth of your story. Research helps you fill in gaps, and one often overlooked source is music.
Read MoreWriting prompts also have the added benefit of bypassing the inner perfectionist. Instead of obsessing over where to start or how to craft the ideal opening line, you’re focused on just getting words on the page. And that’s the goal: to start. Because once you start, you’ll find that writing leads to more writing, and before you know it, you’re uncovering more memories and insights.
Read MoreEven though writing doesn’t have to adhere to a strict schedule, learning how to manage your time is still crucial for aspiring authors. Why? Because writing a book is a long-term commitment. Without some form of time management, it’s easy to let weeks or even months pass without making progress, leaving your project stuck in the idea phase.
Read MoreAs a memoir instructor and author, I’ve seen many aspiring writers struggle with pinpointing the unique elements of their life story. It’s easy to get caught up in the belief that your experiences are too ordinary, but the truth is, the perspective and lens through which you share those experiences are what make your memoir special.
Read MoreMaybe it’s time. Maybe it’s confidence. Maybe it’s simply not knowing how to organize all your memories into a cohesive story. If you’re feeling stuck, know this—you’re not alone.
Read MoreMemories aren't static recordings but dynamic, reconstructive experiences. They're influenced by emotions, sensory triggers, and psychological states. Understanding this can transform how we approach memory exploration.
Read MoreIt’s important to allow yourself to fully experience the emotions that come up while writing. Avoiding or suppressing these feelings can lead to emotional bottling, which can stall your writing and even your healing process. Let yourself cry if you need to, laugh at the funny memories, and sit with the uncomfortable ones. This emotional honesty will come through in your writing and make your memoir more powerful.
Read MoreImagine how you’ll feel when you enter 2025, not with the weight of “what if I had started,” but with the confidence that you’ve already begun your memoir journey. You’ll have momentum behind you, a routine in place, and pages of your story already written.
Read MoreThe pull that a writer feels is sharing his or her words, fiction or not, is undeniable. Memoirists will tell you that they have a need from within to “get their stories out.” Writers must write, but crafting memoirs requires authors to harness vulnerability that is often uncomfortable or awkward.
Read MoreThere are many who for the first time in their lives have had to accept help. It’s not one of those “muscle memory” reflexes. It’s hard, awkward, and uncomfortable. While we all have the capacity to be helpers, we must remember that there are times in all our lives that we must accept help.
Read MoreWhether you’re just starting or have been writing for a while, creating habits that support your memoir-writing journey is essential. These habits are the building blocks that will transform your ideas into a finished manuscript.
Read MoreShowing up for yourself means embracing the courage to write, even when it feels difficult, and trusting that your story deserves to be told. Remember, your experiences are valuable, and only you can share them with the world.
Read MoreYour story is worth telling. We Love Memoirs Day is a reminder of the power of personal narratives and the importance of sharing our truths.
Read MoreIt's normal to question whether your story is worth telling, especially in a world where we're constantly comparing ourselves to others. We see extraordinary tales of triumph, adventure, or adversity and wonder, "Is my story really that important?"
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