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 […]
Supercharge Your Writing Productivity
What if I told you there’s a super-easy tool that can amp-up your writing productivity? And best of all, it’s free? I know it’s hard to believe, but that simple secret is making lists – and it can super-charge to your writing efforts. If you’ve been fighting flickering focus, wandering attention, or maybe a bad […]
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 […]
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 […]
How To Structure Your Memoir
Structuring a Memoir: Scratching your head over how to structure your memoir? It can seem like such an intimidating puzzle! How do you un-jumble a lifetime of experiences? What’s the best way to tell your unique story? Memoir experts will blithely assure you, of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But that’s not […]
Writing Magic: Transporting Your Reader
Ever read a passage so good it gave you goosebumps? What is that word-magic that can transport a reader to another time, another place? Two readers kindly shared favorites from their memoirs with us, as examples. Here’s one I loved, from Dana Quinney’s second memoir, Wildflower Woman (and I bet […]
Passages from a Memoir
Memoir author Candy Mitchell shares a story Candy Mitchell is working on her second family history. Her first book was about her great-grandfather, who traveled from Connecticut to Oklahoma during the land rush, and wound up as a newspaperman in Muskogee. Candy was able to use excerpts […]
Sharing a Story: from Margaret McCaffrey
This month I put out a call to fellow memoir writers, asking if anyone would like to share a short snippet they’re especially proud of from their memoir-in-progress. Such beautiful responses flowed in! Margaret McCaffrey of Melbourne, Australia shared not only a beautiful story about her dad, but also […]
Finding Your Writer’s Voice
MEMOIR TIP: You’ve probably heard about “writer’s voice”: that distinctive style that sets you apart from every other writer who’s come before. Part of it’s your tone. Maybe distinguished. Compelling. Funny. Or quirky. But it’s also the feeling your readers get as they read those words you strung together. It’s the way […]