Podcasts about memoir writers

In this episode of the Moral Imagination Podcast I speak with Fr. J. Augustine Wetta about his book Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem. The world teaches us to assert ourselves, to follow our passions, to speak up, talk back, “get yours,” don't let anyone stand in your way. But it doesn't really work. As Tyler Durden proclaims in Fight Club: “We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact.”In contrast to the world's and Fight Club's response (which we won't talk about), Fr. Augustine looks at the Rule of St. Benedict and his ladder of humility as a guide for real happiness and true self-esteem, which comes not from self-assertion, but from self-denial, selflessness, serving others, and not being a slave to one's own will and desires. We discuss Fr. Augustine journey from a lifeguard, surfer, and rugby player to a Benedictine monk, and some of his stories teaching high school students, and throwing himself into a rosebush. In his Rule for monks, St. Benedict explains that any progress toward holiness, happiness, and relationship with God and others must be grounded in humility. He describes humility as a ladder – with one side as the soul and the other as the body. …if we want to reach the highest summit of humility, if we desire to attain speedily that exaltation in heaven to which we climb by the humility of this present life, then by our ascending actions we must set up that ladder on which Jacob in a dream saw angels descending and ascending (Gen 28:12). Without doubt, this descent and ascent can signify only that we descend by exaltation and ascend by humility. Now the ladder erected is our life on earth, and if we humble our hearts the Lord will raise it to heaven. We may call our body and soul the sides of this ladder, into which our divine vocation has fitted the various steps of humility and discipline as we ascend. (St. John's Abbey) Fr. Augustine goes through each of the steps on the ladder of humility * Fear of God * Self-Denial * Obedience * Perseverance * Repentance * Serenity * Self-Abasement* Prudence * Silence * Dignity * Discration* Reverence The book is excellent. It is morally and spiritually serious and entertaining. I laughed out loud several times.Fr. Augustine offers apparently outlandish advice to to people struggling with anxiety, worry, and broken relationships* Don't speak up* Be someone's doormat* Don't follow your dreams* Put your worst foot forward And gives “homework” to practice each of the steps including:* Make no excuses next time you are reprimanded * Clean a toilet * Say thank you next time someone tells you something you already know * The next time you see something not done your way - leave it be if it worksIn addition to Humility Rules we discuss a number of topics including:· His book on decision making called , Pray, Think, Act: Make Better Decisions with the Desert Father· Joy cannot be grasped, but is the fruit of love and self-denial.· St. John Cassian and his writings on the eight vices – including the vice of self-esteem, and why focusing on ourselves prevents us from building good relationships and finding happiness.· Challenges of modern life, particularly the impact of digital distractions on mental health and spiritual well-being· The difference between contemporary meditation practices with traditional Catholic contemplative prayer.· The importance of cultivating an attitude of reverence and gratitude· The role of obedience in spiritual growth – and why it's probably not a good idea to throw oneself into a rosebush.· How chastity requires us to see others as persons and subjects, not objects for use· St. Benedict's rule on Silence, how silence increases mental clarity and attention to others, and the magnificent quote from Dom Paul Delatte OSB Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict“The fundamental purpose of silence is to free the soul, to give it strength and leisure to adhere to God.It delivers us from the low tendencies of our nature and of fixing us in the good.“Biography Augustine Wetta is a monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis Missouri. He has two degrees in Theology from Oxford University, a BA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, and an MA in English from Middlebury College. For twenty years, he has taught English, Classics, and Theology at the Priory School, in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he also coached rugby and served as Director of Chaplaincy.  In 2019, he was named a Portsmouth Institute Senior Fellow.  He writes for Our Sunday Visitor, and hosts a blog entitled "Disagreement" with Islamic social activist Umar Lee, and frequently appears on EWTN and Saint Joseph Radio.In 2014, he was awarded the Judson Jerome Poetry Award and the Bill Baker Award for Fiction at the Antioch Writers Workshop (the first author in the history of the conference to win both). In 2015, he was awarded the Taliaferro Award for Memoir Writers at the San Francisco Writers Conference, where he was also a finalist for the Emerging Writer Award.He is the author of several books: * Pray, Think, Act a book on decision-making based on the sayings of the Desert Fathers* The Eighth Arrow, a fantasy prison-break set in Dante's Inferno * Saving Grace, an illustrated children's book about a three-legged turtle.* Humility Rules: A 12 Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem which has sold over 100,000 copies and has been translated into five languagesThe son of an artist (Jean Carruthers Wetta) and a historian (Frank Wetta), Father Augustine was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1971, but grew up in Galveston, Texas. There he learned to surf and developed an enormous ego as a lifeguard on the Galveston Sheriff Department Beach Patrol. During this time, he also worked as a professional juggler (“The Flying Fettuccinne Brothers”) and as an archaeologist (at the Agora in Athens). He remains an avid surfer. In fact, if you Google “surfing monk” his is the first name that comes up—along with a news report about how he was nearly eaten by a shark. Themes/Chapters of the Interview* 00:00 Introduction to Father Augustin Weta* 03:07 Exploring Humility and Self-Esteem* 05:55 St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility* 09:13 Fr. Wetta's Journey to Monastic Life* 12:03 The Role of Self-Denial* 14:52 The Importance of Silence* 18:11 Art, Beauty, and Truth* 21:04 Fear of God and Genuine Self-Esteem* 30:06 The Struggle with Digital Distractions* 34:12 The Importance of Silence in Modern Life* 37:29 Meditation vs. Contemplation: A Spiritual Perspective* 41:39 Understanding Lust and Chastity* 49:00 The Role of Reverence in Spiritual LifeResources J Augustine Wetta: Humility Rules: St. Benedict's 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem J Augustine Wetta: Pray, Think, Act: Make Better Decisions with the Desert FathersPhilokalia Volume 1 - This is an amazing collection and it includes St. John Cassian on the Eight Vices Other Books related to the rule of St. Benedict Dom Paul Delatte, OSB —his Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict is long and detailed but incredibly impressive and deep. Honestly it is probably not worth it unless you Here is the quote on silence from Dom Delatte that I refer to in the episode and I use a lot - especially in thinking about cultivating silence, but also in our age of over-information. I also recommend a visit to a Benedictine Abbey if you can. I have not visited St. Louis Abbey, but I have visited Clear Creek Abbey in Oklahoma several times. You can learn more about them here and get CDs of their chanting if you are interested. Photo Credit: Courtesy Augustine Wetta OSB Get full access to The Moral Imagination - Michael Matheson Miller at www.themoralimagination.com/subscribe

This episode is for the writer ready to write smarter, not harder. She's Googled all the things, watched all the YouTube videos, and knows that she's missing something. What she doesn't realize yet is that she has all the information she needs—she just needs a new way of looking at it. I'm really excited for this episode, so let's go!Book a free call here to talk about private editorial work.Grab the Memoir Map Expansion Pack (my one Black Friday 2024 deal!)If you're listening after Black Friday 2024, head here to grab the Memoir Map Workshop.You can find me on Instagram @bookish.editor, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Join my email list to stay up to date on the podcast and everything else going on in Bookish Edits.

In this brand new inspiring episode of Cara Says It All (formerly Style Your Mind), we're diving headfirst into your Writer Girlie Era! You already know you're the main character in your life—but now it's time to step up, own your story, and share it with the world.   I'll walk you through how to turn your personal experiences into powerful, relatable writing that connects deeply with your audience. You'll hear my own journey of serializing my latest book, writing about my post-divorce life, and building a thriving Substack community with 220 paid subscribers—most of whom didn't even know me before!   This episode is perfect for entrepreneurial women who've built a business and now feel the pull to share their story—not just as a side hustle, but as a meaningful extension of their brand. If you've been dreaming about starting a blog, writing essays, or eventually publishing a book, this is your sign to start NOW.   Ready to take your writing to the next level? Join my signature program, Literary Queens. It's designed for bold women like you who are ready to own their voice, craft their story, and build a writing empire on their terms. Spots are limited—don't wait! Grab your spot here: https://www.carasaysitall.com/literary-queens   Subscribe to My Substack: Read my serialized book, essays, and more at https://caraalwill.substack.com/  

Today I interview Linda Joy Myers, who had a difficult childhood marked by abandonment and an unstable home life. Her mother left when Linda was just four, leaving her to be raised by a grandmother who, while providing a stable home, also struggled with mental health issues that led to critical behavior. Linda had to focus on survival with little permission to have her own voice.One bright spot was music. Linda's grandmother had her take piano and cello lessons from a young age. Playing music became a way for Linda to express herself, feel something positive, and be transported to another world. It provided freedom and camaraderie with other young musicians.As an adult, Linda initially repeated some relationship patterns modeled by her mother and grandmother. Determined to break the cycle, she sought therapy, including an impactful 3-month group experience. Her therapist helped Linda see she was more than her brokenness. He recognized her artistic essence and held a vision of her wholeness.Linda's path led her to combine her skills as a therapist with her love of writing. She began teaching memoir writing groups and discovered the transformative power of writing one's stories. This grew into Linda authoring books on memoir writing, founding the National Association of Memoir Writers, and teaching memoir courses.Through this work, Linda helps others find their voice, write their stories, and experience the healing of being witnessed. Her own journey informs her message that even painful stories can be alchemized into something beautiful.__________________Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers, is the author of award winning memoirs, Don't Call Me Mother and Song of the Plains, and two books, The Power of Memoir, and Journey of Memoir. She co-authored Breaking Ground on Your Memoir and Magic of Memoir & co-teaches, Write Your Memoir in Six Months with Brooke Warner. A memoir coach for 30 years, she helps memoir writers find their voice and get their story into the world. Linda has just ventured into novel writing land, and her first novel, The Forger of Marseille, a WWII historical fiction novel won four awards in historical fiction and is published by She Writes Press.__________________Find Linda here:https://www.facebook.com/LindaJoyMyersAuthorhttps://www.instagram.com/lindajoymyersauthor/https://www.facebook.com/linda.j.myers Support the Show.I'm Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers and memoir coach joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about helping memoirists become their own good editors, keeping both the vertical and linear in mind when writing our stories, the importance of breaks when working on traumatic material, how writing puts our experience in perspective, finding a writing cohort, leaving bad writing groups, what we remember vs. what really happened, why truth is complicated, and the evolution of memoir.   Also in this episode: -her latest class offerings -fending off the inner critic -the promise we make to the reader   Books mentioned in this episode:  -Bluets by Maggie Nelson -In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado -You Could Make this Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith -Wild by Cheryl Strayed -Books by Abigail Thomas   Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers, is the author of award-winning memoirs Don't Call Me Mother and Song of the Plains, and two books on craft The Power of Memoir, & Journey of Memoir. She co-authored Breaking Ground on Your Memoir and Magic of Memoir & co-teaches Write Your Memoir in Six Months with Brooke Warner. A memoir coach for 30 years, she helps writers find their voice and get their story into the world. Linda Joy's prize-winning first novel, The Forger of Marseille was released in 2023.   Connect with Linda: https://www.namw.org/ http://lindajoymyersauthor.com https://www.facebook.com/linda.j.myers https://www.instagram.com/lindajoymyersauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindajoy/ Get Linda's Book   — Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories. She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and lives in Seattle with her family where she teaches memoir workshops and is working on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com   Sign up for monthly podcast and writing updates: https://bit.ly/33nyTKd Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Newsletter sign-up: https://ronitplank.com/#signup   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://twitter.com/RonitPlank https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

Brooke Warner joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about nontraditional publishing, the massive sea change we're seeing in memoir, how for authors visibility and marketing work is never done, protecting our memoir worlds, accountability groups, what all memoirs require, the genesis of She Writes Press, balancing her multiple roles, the project she is working on now and the many resources she offers memoirists.   Also in this episode: -when creativity merges with our working life -carving out time to write -Substack and content-creation   Books mentioned in this episode: Heavy by Kiese Laymon Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith   Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. Brooke is a TEDx speaker and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press. She's the current Board Chair of the Bay Area Book Festival, and sits on the Board of the National Association of Memoir Writers. She writes a weekly Substack newsletter @brookewarner, and a regular column for Publishers Weekly.   Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookewarner.com She Writes Press: www.shewritespress.com SparkPress: https://gosparkpress.com   Brooke's memoir courses: www.writeyourmemoirinsixmonths.com www.magicofmemoir.com   — Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories. She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and lives in Seattle with her family where she teaches memoir workshops and is working on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Sign up for monthly podcast and writing updates: https://bit.ly/33nyTKd   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://twitter.com/RonitPlank https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank   Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

National Novel Writing Month presents a creative and energetic container for fiction writers, and I want to extend that experience to memoir and creative nonfiction writers. In today's episode I quickly run through some of the pillars of NaNoWriMo and then get to tell you about how my newest program, the Speedway, can extend that NaNoWriMo experience into memoir writing. I treat you to a couple of minutes of our very first daily training to give you an idea of what you have waiting for you inside the Speedway. Enrollment for the Speedway closes *tonight,* October 31, and I don't want you to miss it. If you're listening to this episode after enrollment has closed, you can head to BookishEdits.com/speedway-waitlist to hop on the waitlist and be the first to know when doors open for another round.You can find me on Instagram @bookish.editor, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Join my email list to stay up to date on the podcast and everything else going on in Bookish Edits.

Writing a memoir is so much more than writing down memories–it's shedding layers of stories we've told ourselves for years, seeing ourselves in unflattering lights, opening up to compassion, and exposing our underbelly. And it's powerful medicine. In this episode, we talk with Laura Davis about the story behind her memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story. In her blunt, brave way, Davis tells the complicated story of how deep wounds exposed an even deeper love–and what it took to get to that place.Laura Davis is also the author of The Courage to Heal, and four other groundbreaking books. In addition to writing books that inspire, the work of Laura's heart is to teach. For more than twenty years, she's helped people find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft. Laura has been published in Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, CrimeReads, Brevity, and The New York Times, featured in Los Angeles Review of Books, and on QWERTY, Write-Minded, The Only One in the Room, and dozens of other podcasts. She's a featured speaker for The National Association of Memoir Writers and a popular craft teacher at The San Miguel Writer's Conference. Laura is teaching a special series of online summer pop-up classes this summer and will be leading her signature Writing as a Pathway Through Grief retreat in August. Next spring, she'll be taking a group to Bali for an in-depth dive into Balinese spirituality and healing practices. You can learn about Laura's retreats, workshops, and classes, and read the first five chapters of her memoir at www.lauradavis.net.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

Laura has profoundly changed how I see myself and my relationship with my Mother. Her insight into relationships, love, and storytelling is groundbreaking. She gives people the language to help them process pain and move forward. I'm so pleased to have such a trailblazer and impactful person within hope and healing. I hope her insights guide you on where and how you want to share your story. Laura Davis is the author of The Burning Light of Two Stars, The Courage to Heal, and four other groundbreaking books. In addition to writing books that inspire, the work of Laura's heart is to teach. For over twenty years, she's helped people find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft. Laura has been published in Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, CrimeReads, Brevity, and The New York Times, featured in Los Angeles Review of Books, and on QWERTY, Write-Minded, The Only One in the Room, and dozens of other podcasts. She's a featured speaker for The National Association of Memoir Writers and a popular craft teacher at The San Miguel Writer's Conference. She leads an annual retreat on Writing as a Pathway Through Grief this August and will take a lucky group of writers to Tuscany in May, and you can join her. Learn about her workshops and read the first five chapters of her memoir at https://lauradavis.net/Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTERRead my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com

Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. Brooke is a TEDx speaker and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press. She currently sits on the boards of the Book Industry Study Group, the Bay Area Book Festival, and the National Association of Memoir Writers. She writes a monthly column for Publishers Weekly. The Storytellers hosted by Grace Sammon, focuses on individuals who choose to leave their mark on the world through the art of story. Each episode engages guests and listeners in the story behind the story of authors, artists, reporters and others who leave a legacy of storytelling. Applying her years of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, author, and storyteller herself, Grace brings to listeners an intimate one-on-one experience with her guests. Visit Grace at her website www.gracesammon.net. Contact Grace about being a guest on the show, email her at grace@gracesammon.net Follow Grace: On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GraceSammonWrites/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/GraceSammonWrites/ On Twitter https://www.twitter.com/GSammonWrites On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-sammon-84389153/ #TheStorytellers #Storyteller #Storytellers # Storytelling #AuhtorInterview #LetsTalkBooks #LeaveYourMark #AuthorLife #StorytellerLife #ArtofStory #AuthorTalkNetwork #BookishRoadTrip #AuthorTalkNetwork #AuthorsOnTheAirGlobalRadioNetwork #publisher #shewritespress #publisher #publishing #memoir #author #greenlight #publish #write The Storytellers is a copyrighted work © of Grace Sammon and Authors on The Air Global Radio Network.

Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. Brooke is a TEDx speaker and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press. She currently sits on the boards of the Book Industry Study Group, the Bay Area Book Festival, and the National Association of Memoir Writers. She writes a monthly column for Publishers Weekly. The Storytellers hosted by Grace Sammon, focuses on individuals who choose to leave their mark on the world through the art of story. Each episode engages guests and listeners in the story behind the story of authors, artists, reporters and others who leave a legacy of storytelling. Applying her years of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, author, and storyteller herself, Grace brings to listeners an intimate one-on-one experience with her guests. Visit Grace at her website www.gracesammon.net. Contact Grace about being a guest on the show, email her at grace@gracesammon.net Follow Grace: On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GraceSammonWrites/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/GraceSammonWrites/ On Twitter https://www.twitter.com/GSammonWrites On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-sammon-84389153/ #TheStorytellers #Storyteller #Storytellers # Storytelling #AuhtorInterview #LetsTalkBooks #LeaveYourMark #AuthorLife #StorytellerLife #ArtofStory #AuthorTalkNetwork #BookishRoadTrip #AuthorTalkNetwork #AuthorsOnTheAirGlobalRadioNetwork #publisher #shewritespress #publisher #publishing #memoir #author #greenlight #publish #write The Storytellers is a copyrighted work © of Grace Sammon and Authors on The Air Global Radio Network.

I'll bet you can relate to this post that my guest shared this week My name is Jelaine Lombardi and I am a writer. There, I said it. For years I have kept these words silent, as I feverishly wrote on. I minimized the importance of my story. I could not even speak of my book without embarrassment clinging to my words. Imposter syndrome. Who am I to think I can write? But I did it. I completed my memoir. 117,000 words of it! I am not saying that I am a great writer. I may not have proper command of grammar or the lovely twist of a metaphor. I am just saying this. I am a writer! This week I interviewed Jelaine Lombardi. She is self-publishing a memoir entitled "Running Around Naked". During our time together, we get into ALL. THE. THINGS! We talk about the process of completing a memoir, self-publishing, writers supporting other writers, and about life growing up in a nudist park! I can't wait to share this episode with you so we can all give Jelaine some love and support when her book drops (she'll keep us updated). Jelaine's favorite places to hang out and connect are the following Facebook groups: Aspiring Memoir Writers, Memoir Mentors, Memoir Writers, and Happy Writers (which is not necessarily memoir but has been great for resources).

Brooke Warner is an author, editor, and publisher with over two decades in the industry. She is the publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, President of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. She is a TEDx speaker and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press. She currently sits on the boards of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Bay Area Book Festival, and the National Association of Memoir Writers. She writes a monthly column for Publishers Weekly and co-hosts the podcast Write-Minded with Grant Faulkner of NaNoWriMo. You can find her at www.BrookeWarner.com and www.SheWritesPress.com, and find her TedX talk at https://youtu.be/5a0w4KgWyP8. Sign up for the Literary Aviatrix newsletter, and find links to everything else here: https://linktr.ee/literaryaviatrix

To write a memoir, you must be deeply aware of YOU. This episode of Story U covers the first essential 40 days of producing your story.

To write a memoir, you must be deeply aware of YOU. This episode of Story U covers the first essential 40 days of producing your story.

In the last of our New Zealand Society of Authors Summer Encore episodes, novelist Gigi Fenster introduces you to her favourite episode: the workshop 'Writing Process for Essay and Memoir Writers' with Lynn Jenner given at the 2018 National Writers Forum. Learn more about Gigi's books at: https://gigi-fenster.com/About More about Lynn Jenner at: https://pinklight.nz/about/ More about NZSA at: authors.org.nz/

For our 100th episode(!), Marissa chats with Nancy Balbirer about her new memoir - ALMOST ROMANCE - as well as deciding what stories from your life might connect with readers on an emotional level, therefore making them good fodder for your own memoir; how to translate real-life into an actual book that includes all the necessary elements of a good story; the importance of establishing trust with your reader and why highlighting what you don't remember can be just as powerful as highlighting what you do; understanding the gray area between truth and memory and using primary sources (i.e., friends and emails) to help you nail the details; embracing a life-long love of vocabulary and the rhythm of words; and some thoughts on dealing with criticism, even if you happen to have really thin skin.Books discussed in this episode can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or buy them online from the Happy Writer bookshop.org store (that benefits indie bookstores) at  https://bookshop.org/shop/marissameyer

Tracy Jones, Founding Board Member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association (SDMWA) and Co-Producer of the 7th Annual Memoir Showcase, is joined by Showcase Co-Producer Anastasia Zadeik and author Lindsey Salatka, to chat about the Association's Showcase event on December 7 and Volume 3 of SDMWA's anthology, Shaking the Tree.

* Linda Joy Myers is president and founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers. Her memoir Don't Call Me Mother—A Daughter's Journey from Abandonment to Forgiveness was a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award finalist and winner of the BAIPA Gold Medal award. She's also the author of five books about memoir writing, including two she co-authored with Brooke Warner. * Linda Joy shared how an early interest in memory and her family history eventually led to her interest in memoir. * Linda discussed the history of memoir as a genre and talked about current trends. * Linda Joy talked about the healing that can come from writing memoir, as well as how to ensure that a memoir also resonates with the reader. * Linda Joy offered specific advice for authors undertaking their own memoirs, including how to get started; she also touched on pitfalls to avoid. * In their teaching and writing, Linda Joy and Brooke don't focus only a memoir but, more specifically, memoir for women. Host Matthew Félix asked Linda Joy how writing memoir differed for women versus men. * In response to a recent "kerfuffle" in the New York Times, Linda Joy discussed the conference she and Brooke have organized, designed to address some of the key issues facing women memoirists, including what topics women can write about and expressing anger. * The Women Writing Memoir conference begins 10/4 and takes place weekly for six weeks.   Listen here or on: iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Google | TuneIn | Amazon | Player FM | Deezer Watch on YouTube   Links https://lindajoymyersauthor.com/ https://www.namw.org/ https://magicofmemoir.com/

Marcie J. Keithley is a national speaker, author and Life Story coach. Co-Founder of Indiana Adoptee Network, she is also a member of the National Association of Memoir Writers and The Non-Fiction Writers Association.Keithley retired from the world of high finance after 32 years to write her story after rediscovering a 30 year old shoebox in her closet. In The ShoeBox Effect, Marcie offers a transparent look at a life filled with family secrets and shame, released by the power of truth and forgiveness. Her story has been covered globally, including a guest appearance on the Daily Mail TV in New York.Keithley, a native born Hoosier and “Lady of Dunans,” resides on the sunny side of Louisville, along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana with her Golden Doodle Murfee.www.marciejkeithley.com

Tracy Jones, editor, writing coach, and founding member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association (SDMWA), is joined by Chili Cilch, SDMWA memoirist, to discuss how their organization helps writers hone their memoir writing skills. Jones highlights the December 5 Memoir Showcase, which will feature a host of memoirs from local writers. Cilch chats about her journey to becoming a writer and speaks to how valuable her involvement with SDMWA has been for her work.

Marcie J. Keithley is a national speaker, author and Life Story coach. Co-Founder of Indiana Adoptee Network, she is also a member of the National Association of Memoir Writers and The Non-Fiction Writers Association.Keithley retired from the world of high finance after 32 years to write her story after rediscovering a 30 year old shoebox in her closet. In The ShoeBox Effect, Marcie offers a transparent look at a life filled with family secrets and shame, released by the power of truth and forgiveness. Her story has been covered globally, including a guest appearance on the Daily Mail TV in New York.Keithley, a native born Hoosier and “Lady of Dunans,” resides on the sunny side of Louisville, along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana with her Golden Doodle Murfee.www.marciejkeithley.com

Finding Venerable Mother follows Cindy Rasicot's captivating journey to Thailand with her husband and son, where she found herself immersed in a foreign culture. Unexpectedly, Thai Buddhist nun Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkhuni enters Cindy's life and changes it forever. Along her newfound spiritual journey, she discovers a beautiful life filled with faith, forgiveness, and love. Cindy's mentor, Dhammanada Bhikkhuni, was named one of BBC's 100 Influential Women of 2019. She was the first Thai buddhist nun. Cindy reveals her courageous adventure to find compassion and forgiveness in her memoir Finding Venerable Mother. " —Linda Joy Myers, President National Association of Memoir Writers, author of Journey of Memoir, Don’t Call Me Mother, and Song of the Plains.

Finding Venerable Mother follows Cindy Rasicot's captivating journey to Thailand with her husband and son, where she found herself immersed in a foreign culture. Unexpectedly, Thai Buddhist nun Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkhuni enters Cindy's life and changes it forever. Along her newfound spiritual journey, she discovers a beautiful life filled with faith, forgiveness, and love. Cindy's mentor, Dhammanada Bhikkhuni, was named one of BBC's 100 Influential Women of 2019. She was the first Thai buddhist nun. Cindy reveals her courageous adventure to find compassion and forgiveness in her memoir Finding Venerable Mother. " —Linda Joy Myers, President National Association of Memoir Writers, author of Journey of Memoir, Don’t Call Me Mother, and Song of the Plains.

Finding Venerable Mother follows Cindy Rasicot's captivating journey to Thailand with her husband and son, where she found herself immersed in a foreign culture. Unexpectedly, Thai Buddhist nun Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkhuni enters Cindy's life and changes it forever. Along her newfound spiritual journey, she discovers a beautiful life filled with faith, forgiveness, and love. Cindy's mentor, Dhammanada Bhikkhuni, was named one of BBC's 100 Influential Women of 2019. She was the first Thai buddhist nun. Cindy reveals her courageous adventure to find compassion and forgiveness in her memoir Finding Venerable Mother. " —Linda Joy Myers, President National Association of Memoir Writers, author of Journey of Memoir, Don’t Call Me Mother, and Song of the Plains.

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a workshop on Writing Process for Essay and Memoir Writers with Lynn Jenner. Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird: https://justinbird.bandcamp.com/track/bourree-fantasque-emmanual-chabrier

I’m so grateful that I was able to interview California native and leading independent book publisher, Brooke Warner, for the Brave Girl podcast. Before she launched her own ventures, Brooke was the executive editor of Seal Press, one of the most enduring feminist publishing houses. She currently sits on the boards of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Bay Area Book Festival, and the National Association of Memoir Writers. We both share a love of books, writing and the life of a creative and we talk about all of this on today’s episode. In addition to Brooke’s publishing role at She Writes Press and SparkPress, she writes a monthly column for Publishers Weekly and is the president of Warner Coaching where she mentors and coaches authors. You’ll want to check out her website to see how her publishing model works and merges the best of the traditional publishing model with new and innovative strategies for first time writers and emerging creatives. With more than 32,000 members and more than 350 groups, She Writes is the world’s largest online social community for women writers at every stage of their writing lives, working in every genre and representing every generation.  In addition to her publishing work, Brooke has also written several books and her most recent book, Write On, Sister is now available on Amazon and I highly recommend it. I also recommend Brooke’s weekly podcast Write-Minded that she co-hosts with Grant Faulkner of NaNoWriMo, a community for writers. Each episode features a pep talk, a green-light moment and a writing action. You will also want to watch her TEDx video, Green Light Revolution: Your Creative Life on Your Terms that she talks about on the show.  I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did creating it!

In episode 42, Chris and Jill talk to Nita Sweeney, the author of Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink. Nita Sweeney is a writer and runner who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Her memoir was published this year and an audio version was recently released. In it, Nita describes her transition into a runner and how she overcame both physical and emotional obstacles. Nita earned a journalism degree from The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, a law degree from The Ohio State University, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Goddard College.  A product of best-selling author Natalie Goldberg’s “writing practice” method, Nita has taught writing for nearly 20 years and is a member of the National Association of Memoir Writers and the Ohio Writers Guild.  Nita started out running for 30 seconds at a time using a kitchen timer. Through training and having supportive family, friends, and running communities, she has become a true runner. She has run three marathons, 27 half marathons and over 80 other races. Her memoir describes how she became a runner and able to participate in all of these races. Chris and Jill’s conversation with Nita included:  How Nita took up running How it improved her mental health Dealing with pain and injury Being a slow runner Meditation The value of communities for running What kind of shoes she likes Nita’s memoir is available at the various online book stores and your local bookstore. Nita says she loves seeing the waiting list for her book at her library system. Links Nita Sweeney Chi Running Twitter: https://twitter.com/nitasweeney/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/nitasweeneyauthor/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nitasweeney/ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/nitasweeney/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/nitasweeney/

Previously working in traditional publishing, Brooke noticed the injustice, specifically that many talented writers do not get their due and that publishing decisions did not appear to be about the content or quality of the work. As champion for the underdogs, Brooke set out to do something about it. She established safe and trusted communities of writers and warriors that have shared values and support one another. Through her tireless efforts, Brooke has brought legitimacy to non-traditional publishing. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - sometimes, we get in our own way and turn against ourselves - we need to be mindful not to internalize negative messages - rejection of our work is not rejection of ourselves Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. Brooke is a TEDx speaker, weekly podcaster (Write-minded with co-host Grant Faulkner of NaNoWriMo), and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press. She currently sits on the boards of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Bay Area Book Festival, and the National Association of Memoir Writers.  She writes a monthly column for Publishers Weekly.  http://brookewarner.com/ https://www.facebook.com/warnercoaching/ https://twitter.com/brooke_warner https://shewritespress.com/ https://gosparkpress.com/ tags:  Brooke, Warner, She, Writes, Press, SparkPress, Warner, Coaching, author, writer, coach, TEDx, speaker, Write, On, Sisters, Green, Light, Your, Book, What's, memoir, podcast, Write-minded, Independent, Book, Publishers, Association, storiesthatempower.com, stories that empower, empowering stories, empowerment stories, stories of empowerment, stories of empowering others, self empowerment stories, stories empower, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, uplift, uplifting, upliftment, hope, light, Sean

Join Grant and Brooke for today’s episode, a celebration of memoir and an exploration of what makes this genre so magical. This week’s guest is Linda Joy Myers, President of the National Association of Memoir Writers, who shares about the genre she loves, what draws people to memoir, why it’s important, and why people should write their stories. And, Brooke and Linda Joy are teaching some memoir classes this fall that we invite listeners to check out at: www.magicofmemoir.com.

Today's episode is specifically for those of you writing your memoir. I give you 4 key questions you can ask to decide which life stories and scenes include in your memoir to provide the most value for your readers.

Memoirist Linda Joy Myers is the President and Founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers. She answers three questions about memoir writing from host Carla King. Listen in and learn all about how to write a memorable memoir!

Episode 11: Peter Gibb, Memoir Author In This Episode, You’ll Hear:   (Podcast run time 54 minutes)   :59 - Introduction to Peter Gibb, Memoir Author 3:32  - Peter shares what is unique about his writing & memoir writing 5:09 - Peter shares about his journey of becoming an author & Vikki and Peter discuss the stages of authorship 9:07 - Peter explains the differences between memoir authorship & autobiographical writing 13:45 - Vikki & Peter discuss hybrid publication 20:38 - Peter & Vikki discuss Peter’s insights about mindfulness & memoir writing 27:54 - Vikki & Peter talk about author support groups 34:24 - Peter shares what keeps him going as an author & the idea of writing “what you don’t know about.”  36:37 - Peter reads from King of Doubt     Connect with Peter Gibbs:   Websites: https://www.petergibb.org   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petergibbauthor     Links And Resources Mentioned In This Episode:   Wheatmark Publishing: https://www.wheatmark.com   National Association of Memoir Writers: http://namw.org   Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA:) https://www.pnwa.org   Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI:) https://www.scbwi.org   Writer’s Digest: http://www.writersdigest.com       Podcast Music Credits:   Artist: Kevin MacLead Title: Backbay Lounge Album: Teh Jazzes, 2017 Website: https://incompetech.com/music/     Thanks For Listening   Thanks for listening!. If you have something you’d like to share with me, please connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or our website. Write a review on iTunes.

My guest is Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D who is a Therapist, President and Founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers. We're discussing: "Song of the Plains: A Memoir of family, Secrets, and Silence," on themes of neglect, abuse, and mental illness transformed into love, forgiveness, and hope. Find her at: lindajoymyersauthor.com

Brooke Warner, Publisher, is the founder and president of Warner Coaching Inc., where she specializes in helping writers get published. In her fourteen years in the publishing industry, including eight years as Executive Editor at Seal Press, Brooke has shepherded hundreds of books through the publication process. Brooke’s expertise is in traditional and new publishing, and she is a champion of all writers committed to making their dream of publishing a book a reality. Brooke mentors memoirists in her biannual course, Write Your Memoir in Six Months, and sits on the boards of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) as an executive board member; the National Association of Memoir Writers, and She Writes.Her newest book is titled,Green-Light Your Book: How Writers Can Succeed in the New Era of Publishing. She's also the author of What’s Your Book? A Step-by-Step Guide to Get You from Inspiration to Published Author (She Writes Press, 2012) and How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal (She Writes Press, 2013).

Maggie C. Romero, M.A., taught English as a Second Language in northern Virginia for seventeen years. She and her partner retired from full-time teaching and moved to New Mexico where they have lived since 2009. Maggie is a member of SouthWest Writers, Story Circle Network, based in Austin, Texas, and National Association of Memoir Writers.   Maggie knows the pain of addiction and in this interview will bring awareness to a subject many don't want to discuss.  Yet, it is around us wherever we look. It can affect any one of us.  Rich or poor, educated or not, it can strike anywhere.   Maggie shares her daughter's story. Before addiction, Angie was a world-class gymnast, a gifted artist and graduated from university with a B.A. in Journalism. But at 21, it all fell apart.   Maggie's purpose in writing her story was to heal from losing her daughter, Angie, to the Living Death of Heroin Addiction. She was determined to save her child from addiction and bankrupted herself in the effort to do so, had a breakdown and was forced into early retirement.   In the words of Jenny Jerome (Churchill)...   "Life is not always what one wants it to be.   But to make the best of it as it is, is the only way of being happy"   A Mother’s Story   A Mother’s Story is a searing and intimate portrait of addiction and how it has been passed down in Maggie Romero’s family from generation to generation. Maggie is herself an addict, and when Angie’s drug addiction, at age twenty-two, became apparent to her, she jumped into a recovery program to cope with her daughter’s illness. The subsequent thirteen years have proven to be a powerful and poignant redemption journey, as she has gradually come to claim recovery for herself even as she’s watched her beautiful daughter continue to struggle.    This award-winning memoir is a story of hope and recovery that will resonate with many people as epidemic as addiction is in our society.    The book is brutally honest and leaves very little to the imagination