This is not a judgment. It is not a question designed to make you feel guilty, so please don't. The reason I'm asking what is stopping you from writing 15 minutes today, is to get you to think about and answer it honestly. Most of you will say you were too busy. That's a legitimate reason. However, when was the last time you weren't busy? I ... Read More
Memoir & Autobiography Writing Articles
If you are not a professional writer, but are thinking about writing your memoir or autobiography, you're in the right place! We will do our best to provide answers to the questions you may encounter on your journey.
November 21, 2019 Leave a Comment
October 26, 2019 Leave a Comment
Write a Letter Instead of a Memoir
Are you one of those people who thinks it's just "too much" to write a memoir? Or maybe you just don't see yourself as a memoirist. How about writing a letter? Does that seem overwhelming or like something that's not you? I doubt it. A letter is a manageable project. Recently in the Critic's Notebook in the New York Times, Parul Sehgal wrote ... Read More
October 19, 2019 Leave a Comment
Thinking About Writing a Memoir or an Autobiography?
Whether you're thinking of writing your own memoir or autobiography, or just looking for ideas on ways to share your stories, your advice, or the history of your family, MemoirHelper.com is a great place to start. Our goal is to provide you with tips, tools, and resources to help you find the best way to accomplish your goals. The resources on ... Read More
November 25, 2018 Leave a Comment
Everyone Should Write a Thanksgiving Memoir
Really? A Thanksgiving memoir? Yes, really... In fact, I think it's the perfect starter memoir. So, here is my recipe for a Thanksgiving Memoir. Ingredients: A bunch of Thanksgiving memories - This can include traditions, as well as other stories. Several ladlefuls of gratitude - for people, events, and things that have made your life ... Read More
October 12, 2018 Leave a Comment
Writing About Family and Friends
In any life stories project, writing about family and friends can be one of the most challenging issues. Of course, you want the stories to be truthful and complete, but there are all sorts of worries and concerns that may arise when you start writing about your own family and friends. Here are some common concerns... Fear of making someone ... Read More
January 24, 2018 Leave a Comment
Life Stories in a Three-Ring Binder
One of the themes you may have noticed around here is that we want to encourage you to not only start your life stories project, but also to FINISH it. If you have made the effort to write it all down, don't let obstacles near the finish line set you back. If nothing else, print or copy your work on 3-hole punch paper and put it in a three-ring ... Read More
February 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
What Qualities Make a Good Memoir?
There is a wide range of topics and styles in memoir writing. So to answer the question "What qualities make a good memoir?", I decided to read customer reviews on a bunch of memoirs on Amazon. I noted adjectives that were commonly used throughout the reviews. It was actually surprising to find the same words and phrases used to describe wildly ... Read More
January 20, 2017 Leave a Comment
How to Write a Cookbook Memoir
Recently a friend shared with me cookbook memoir written by a friend of hers. As I looked through the pages of recipes, stories, and family photos, I knew this type of memoir would be a great fit for some of my readers, even some of us who don't consider ourselves "cooks". Many of us have memories that are either centered on or connected to the ... Read More
November 17, 2016 Leave a Comment
Do You Have What it Takes to Write a Memoir?
Have you been thinking about preserving your life stories, but wondering if you have what it takes to write a memoir or autobiography? Most of MemoirHelper.com is geared for people who don't write professionally and are only hoping to share their stories with family, friends, and future generations. This simple exercise was designed to help ... Read More
June 30, 2016 Leave a Comment
Writing About Negative Experiences
Many memoir writers struggle with writing about negative experiences, even though they are vital to explaining the writer's point of view. Some people just don't like to "dwell on the negative" while others are uncomfortable sharing their worst moments or traits, or those of someone they love. There are at least a couple of reasons that you ... Read More
