I’m deep in the middle of compiling our family stories. It’s struck me how much hidden history there is in these simple tales. Things we never learned about in school. Aspects of history that never drew the limelight. Telling details or images that add depth or perspective to a larger historical picture. […]
When Memoirs Bring Up Feelings
Watch out for the “Memoir Blues”! Working on a Memoir – your own tale, or the story of your family – can tap surprising, long-buried feelings. Memories and emotions you thought you’d worked out long ago. And definitely not just the happy ones. I know. Because it’s been happening […]
Can Old Magazines Help Inspire Your Memoir?
Looking for a little visual inspiration for your memoir? Old magazines can prompt a flood of memories to write about! Check out these images, for example (from Family Circle magazine of September, 1954 and Good Housekeeping of August 1959). How much things have changed in over 60 years – Family […]
Tips for Promoting Your Memoir
Some Tips for Promoting Your Memoir: So you’ve finished writing your memoir. Now, how the heck do you promote it? It’s one of the questions memoir writers struggle with the most! The awful, painful truth: book marketing is never easy. Worse yet, marketing a memoir can be especially difficult. That’s not […]
Preserving Your Family Photo Collection
Preserving Your Family Photo Collection Are you the keeper of your family photo collection? The one who inherited a giant, jumbled box of pictures, negatives and slides? Deciding what to do with all those family treasures can be a daunting prospect, indeed. But here are a few tips and resources to help! * * * * […]
Adding Visuals to Family History
Let’s face it; a family history packed with bare facts would be pretty boring. (Think page after page of names, dates and marriages.) But sprinkle in some visual details — graphics, or maybe even a picture – and that family history springs to life! So, what if you don’t have a photo from, say, 1835 to add […]
Feeling Stuck With Your Memoir Writing?
Tips To Break Memoir Writer’s Block: Somebody told me recently they’re feeling stuck with their memoir writing. Is that you, too? If so, don’t beat yourself up. It’s more common than any of us would like. But there are things you can do. Here are four quick tips to get your […]
Tips From An Editor
A Guide to Editing Ever wanted to ask a real editor for the inside scoop? You know. How to find the best editor for your book. What’s the difference between copy editing and developmental editing? What’s a synopsis and how’s that different from a blurb? How you can meet genre expectations without tumbling into the trope-trap? […]
A Successful Memoir Author Shares Her Tips
Q&A With Memoir Author Leslie Ferguson: It’s been quite a roller-coaster ride for memoir author Leslie Ferguson. Over 15 years in the making, her memoir “When I Was Her Daughter” was finally released in late 2021 — to great acclaim! Think multiple podcasts, signings, great reviews, and a personal appearance at the […]
Marketing Your Memoir Book
Marketing Your Memoir You’ve probably heard all the standard book marketing advice. There’s speaking, networking, newsletters, podcasts, and of course social media. But how else might you reach folks who would appreciate your memoir’s message? I reached out to ask a group of creative authors for some fresh ideas. One of the […]
Memoir Tips: Connecting With Your Reader
Memoir Tip: Don’t Forget To Connect! It’s easy to think your memoir is “all about me.” Which it is, in a way. It’s your story, your life, your memories, after all. But for most memoirists, getting their story down on paper is also about inviting someone else to join in the dance. […]
Why Your Memoir Matters
Yes, Finishing Your Memoir Really Is Important! It’s natural to question things. Sometimes we even question ourselves. Does it really matter if we finish writing our memoir? Well, here are three good reasons to keep going! First, of course, your memoir matters to you. After all, something stirred you to begin […]