I used to watch a TV show called Clean Sweep. It always started with a room in complete disarray with so much clutter that you couldn't see anything. It always ended with a beautiful room featuring a few prized possessions that had formerly been hidden in the clutter. In the middle, the expert organizer, Peter Walsh*, had to be ruthless to help ... 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.
April 22, 2021 Leave a Comment
March 9, 2021 Leave a Comment
Practice Letting Go
One of the hardest parts of writing about ourselves is sharing our inner thoughts and emotions. Sometimes we don't even allow ourselves to mentally examine parts of our lives or relationships because there are realities that make us uncomfortable. In other cases, it may just be that we prefer to present the best part of ourselves. If this rings ... Read More
September 2, 2020 Leave a Comment
Go Deep or Keep it Light?
My mom has been working on her life and family stories for a while now. I am eagerly anticipating getting to read some of those stories this summer. I don't know what to expect... Will I learn the details of those interesting, slightly scandalous family stories of which I've heard only bits? Will I gain insights into what has driven my mother ... Read More
June 15, 2020 Leave a Comment
Preserving Your Favorite Family Stories
When I think of my favorite family stories, they are almost always funny, and often the result of someone suffering significant embarrassment. Like the time my big sister wore a wrap-around dress that got stuck in the booth at the renowned Caesar’s Palace brunch. She didn’t notice it until she had nearly passed the entire booth next to ours and ... Read More
June 4, 2020 Leave a Comment
Make Your Memoir Worthwhile
If you are writing a memoir or autobiography for yourself or your family, you may have asked yourself if it will be worth your time. Here are a few tips on how to make your memoir worthwhile. Make sure you identify your objectives and your intended audience before you start. Click here to download our FREE Define Your Life Stories Project ... Read More
May 20, 2020 Leave a Comment
How to Start a Memoir
"How to start a memoir"... It's a popular topic with no singular solution. There are plenty of good ways to start and zero wrong ways. The important thing is that you get started. Although you can certainly start a memoir without any preparation or planning, doing a little on the front end can save you time and keep you moving in the right ... Read More
March 22, 2020 2 Comments
Writing About Your Coronavirus / COVID-19 Experience
If you haven't started already, it's a good time to start writing about your Coronavirus / COVID-19 experience. I put together a list of writing prompts that you can download here . I've been trying to write this post for a week now, but I kept getting distracted by the news, concerns about my family, and my preparation for spending a lot more ... Read More
November 21, 2019 Leave a Comment
What’s Stopping You From Writing 15 Minutes Today?
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
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
