Memoir Writing Tips Inspired by The Bear, Bridgerton, The Last of Us, and White Lotus
Are you stuck in your memoir writing journey, tangled in self-doubt, and unsure how to push through creative blocks? You’re not alone—and believe it or not, your favorite binge-worthy TV shows might hold the key to unlocking your story.
Welcome to the memoir-writing crossroads where streaming obsessions meet storytelling breakthroughs. In this post, I’m diving into how popular shows like The Bear, Bridgerton, The Last of Us, and White Lotus mirror the emotional roadblocks many memoirists face—and how to overcome them.
Whether you’re navigating writer’s block, imposter syndrome, or the fear of being “too much,” these relatable TV metaphors offer powerful lessons to help you write your truth and move your memoir forward.
1. Feeling Memoir Pressure Cooker Vibes? You Might Be Living Inside The Bear
If your writing process feels like an episode of The Bear—chaotic, high-pressure, and always on the brink of boiling over, you’re not alone.
This is what I call creative chaos: when your brain is packed with ideas, fears, and distractions, and all you want to do is cook up your story already.
🔥 Memoir Writing Tip:
Start small. Focus on one scene, one moment, one memory. You don’t have to serve a full-course literary feast all at once. Writing a memoir is about simmering your story—not flash-frying it under pressure.
2. Writing Like You’re in a Bridgerton Corset? Let Go of Being “Proper”
Bridgerton might serve up romance and royalty, but underneath those laced-up gowns are characters aching to be heard. Many memoirists fall into the same trap—writing with restraint, too worried about how the truth will land.
If you’ve ever thought, “What will people think?” or “Maybe I shouldn’t write that,” you’re probably corseting your story.
💖 Memoir Writing Tip:
Try a no-holds-barred freewrite. Let it all out without editing or censoring yourself. Your raw, real emotions are what readers connect with—not the polished mask.
3. Battling Memoir Imposter Syndrome? You’re Not Alone—Just Ask The Last of Us
Okay, no zombies here—but The Last of Us captures that gut-deep, survivalist fear that mirrors the dreaded imposter syndrome. You might be thinking: “Who am I to write this story?” or “I’m not a real writer.”
Welcome to the club. Every memoirist—yes, even the published ones—feels this.
💪 Memoir Writing Tip:
Permission to write badly, granted. The first draft is just that: a first draft. Show up anyway. Keep writing. You can’t edit a blank page.
4. Stuck in a White Lotus Spiral of Overthinking and Perfectionism?
Ah yes, White Lotus—a beautiful, unsettling descent into the human psyche. And let’s be honest, memoir writing can feel just as messy. If you’re rewriting the same chapter for the fiftieth time, you’re probably in a perfectionism loop.
🌀 Memoir Writing Tip:
Set a timer. Write for 20 minutes straight—no editing, no backspacing, no questioning. Get the words out. You can clean it up later. Progress beats perfection every time.
Take the Quiz: What’s Your Memoir Writing Roadblock?
Still not sure what’s holding you back? I’ve created a free, fun quiz to help you identify your memoir-writing roadblock—TV-show style. Whether you’re The Bear, Bridgerton, The Last of Us, or White Lotus, this quiz offers insights and next steps for getting unstuck.
Your Memoir Deserves to Be Written
Writing a memoir isn’t always glamorous. It’s vulnerable, messy, and deeply personal. But here’s the good news: every challenge you face—every plot twist—is shaping you into the writer you’re meant to be.
So the next time you find yourself watching your favorite show and thinking, “That’s so me,” remember: your story is just as compelling. And it deserves a place on the page.
You've got this.