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
Memoir & Autobiography Writing Articles

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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