It’s true that my own essay, “No More Secrets and Silence,” appears in the recently released The Magic of Memoir: Inspiration for the Writing Journey anthology, and that this essay won first prize in the Magic of Memoir contest. But if you write memoir or family history, I’d be urging you to get … [Read more...] about Another Must-Have Memoir Writing Aid
baby boomers writing
Write That Memoir, Life Story, or Family History. Now.
Know you should start or finish your memoir, stories from your life, or family history, but can't seem to get up enough steam for the task? Ease over to Bookcoaching.com to see the tips I offer in my guest post. They can get you going. - Lynette … [Read more...] about Write That Memoir, Life Story, or Family History. Now.
Talking Memoir with Writing Instructor, Coach, and Publisher Brooke Warner, Part 1
As a memoir writer, as well as a memoir coach myself, I’ve followed Brooke Warner’s work on behalf of memoir and memoir writers for years. It’s a pleasure to welcome her here so you can learn more about her varied work, including publishing. - Lynette You’re a writing instructor, coach, and … [Read more...] about Talking Memoir with Writing Instructor, Coach, and Publisher Brooke Warner, Part 1
Talking Memoir with Writing Instructor, Coach, and Publisher Brooke Warner, Part 2
In Part 2 of her interview (below), Brooke Warner discusses She Writes Press's approach to publishing and offers advice to those starting or continuing work on their manuscripts. - Lynette Why do you think She Writes Press is thriving? Does it publish a variety of genres? How does it differ from … [Read more...] about Talking Memoir with Writing Instructor, Coach, and Publisher Brooke Warner, Part 2
Examples of Boomers and Seniors Writing About Their Lives
As I’ve written in other posts here, I teach boomers and seniors (and others) to write stories from their lives. Our classes are moving, funny, exciting, suspenseful, and a whole lot of fun—and that describes the stories the students write. When people tell me they have a pressing urge to write … [Read more...] about Examples of Boomers and Seniors Writing About Their Lives
Free Memoir and Family History Writing Talk
Interested in writing memoir, stories from your life, or family history? I'll be presenting a free (and lively) talk on Tuesday 7/12 at Robbins Library, in Arlington, Mass. at 1:00. I hope you'll join us. This talk could help you get started or work your way to the finish line! … [Read more...] about Free Memoir and Family History Writing Talk
Rewriting: When it’s Time to Start Over
I've heard Mary Wasmuth's diary entries and essays in the journaling class I lead at the Weston (Massacusetts) Public Library. They've moved me, and made me laugh. And I'm pretty sure they've made me smarter. I'm thrilled that after several years of inviting Mary to contribute to this blog, she has … [Read more...] about Rewriting: When it’s Time to Start Over
Clichés Bugging You? Me, too.
I used to think of journalists as the leaders, rather than the lemmings, of our language. Well, maybe I was thinking of print journalists, New Yorker writers, who don’t go in for clichés as broadcast journalists too often do. They (and the self-aggrandizing pundits who appear on their shows) seem to … [Read more...] about Clichés Bugging You? Me, too.
Book Review: Women Writing on Family
Interest in genealogy, family history, and memoir* is so intense these days it’s about time a book to guide writers working in these genres became available. Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing, an anthology edited by Carol Smallwood and Suzann Holland, is that book. … [Read more...] about Book Review: Women Writing on Family