End 2024 on a High Note: How to Finish the Year with Your Memoir in Progress
As we approach the final stretch of 2024, it’s easy to feel like the year has slipped through our fingers. Maybe you set ambitious goals back in January to finally start writing your memoir, but life, as it tends to do, got in the way. Or maybe you’ve been stuck at the idea stage, wondering if your story is really worth telling. But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to end 2024 with your memoir project well underway and a clear path for finishing it in 2025. You still have time to make significant progress and build momentum that will carry you into the new year.
Let’s talk about how you can turn these final months into a productive, fulfilling chapter of your writing journey.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start or Reignite Your Memoir
Many aspiring memoirists tend to fall into one of two categories: either they’ve been dreaming of writing for years but haven’t started, or they’ve started but stalled somewhere along the way. Both scenarios are completely normal—and both are fixable. No matter where you are in your writing journey, now is the time to take action. Here's why:
1. Momentum Builds Over Time
Starting your memoir, or returning to it if you've drifted away, might seem daunting at first. But once you begin taking small steps, momentum starts to build. Even dedicating just 15 minutes a day to writing can spark the creativity and discipline needed to make real progress. Over the remaining weeks of the year, those small steps will add up, and you'll have a foundation in place to keep writing steadily in 2025.
2. now Is a Perfect Time for Reflection
December is traditionally a time for reflection, and what better way to reflect than by working on your memoir? Whether it’s recounting key events in your life or writing about lessons learned, this time of year lends itself to looking back. Instead of feeling weighed down by the “what-ifs” of 2024, use the remaining time to turn reflection into action by capturing those memories and insights on the page.
3. You Don’t Have to Finish in 2024, Just Start
One of the biggest misconceptions about writing a memoir is that you need to have a complete manuscript by a certain deadline. Writing a memoir is not a race. The key is to start now and make steady progress. By beginning (or reigniting) your project in these last months of 2024, you’re laying the groundwork for success in 2025. You'll enter the new year with momentum, having already built some consistency and commitment to your writing practice.
How to Get Started or Reboot Your Memoir Writing
Whether you’re just getting started or have already begun but lost steam, here are some practical steps to get back on track and make meaningful progress before the year ends.
1. Clarify Your Why
Before you dive into writing, spend some time clarifying your reason for wanting to write your memoir. What is it about your story that feels important? Who do you want to reach? How will sharing your story impact you and your readers? Understanding your "why" will keep you motivated through the challenging moments and help you stay focused on your ultimate goal.
2. Break It Down into Manageable Steps
Writing a memoir can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re thinking of your entire life story. To avoid feeling stuck, break the process into smaller, manageable chunks. Maybe this month, you focus on writing about one pivotal moment in your life. Or perhaps you commit to writing 500 words a day on specific memories or themes. By narrowing your focus, you make the process less daunting and more achievable.
3. Create a Simple Writing Routine
You don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress on your memoir. Even setting aside 15 to 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Find a time that works for you—whether it’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed—and stick to it. Consistency is more important than the amount of time you dedicate. By establishing a routine now, you’ll be more likely to carry it forward into the new year.
4. Silence Your Inner Critic
Every writer has an inner critic that questions the value of their story or the quality of their writing. It’s crucial to recognize that these doubts are normal and to push through them. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be written. Once you’ve captured your story on the page, you can always revise and refine it later. For now, focus on telling the story as authentically as possible.
5. Set a Realistic Goal for the Rest of the Year
With two months left in 2024, set a realistic goal for what you want to accomplish with your memoir. Maybe it’s writing the first chapter, outlining your key themes, or committing to a certain number of words each week. Setting specific, attainable goals will give you something concrete to work toward, and each small win will build your confidence and drive to continue.
Why Your Story Matters Now More Than Ever
If you’re hesitating because you’re unsure whether your story is worth telling, I want to remind you of something important: your story is unique, and it deserves to be told.
The world needs diverse stories that reflect the range of human experiences, emotions, and lessons. You never know who might be inspired, comforted, or transformed by reading your memoir. The stories we share help others feel less alone and more connected—and that is powerful.
Start Today and Make 2025 the Year You Finish Your Memoir
Imagine 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.
By the time 2025 rolls around, you won’t be starting from scratch—you’ll be continuing the important work you began in 2024. And by next December, who knows? You could be holding your finished manuscript, ready to share your story with the world.
Need Guidance? Let’s Talk About Your Memoir Project
Writing a memoir can feel like an overwhelming task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just starting or have been writing for a while, I’m here to help. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of where to begin, I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call with me.
During our call, we can:
Talk through your memoir ideas.
Identify any roadblocks you’re facing.
Answer any questions you have about the writing process.
Discuss how you can stay motivated and keep momentum into 2025.
Whether you want advice on how to get started or simply need someone to listen to your story, this call is a chance for us to connect and explore how you can move forward with your memoir.
Let’s end 2024 on a high note and set you up for success in 2025. Click here to schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call.
Together, we’ll take that first step toward turning your memoir dream into a reality.