Memoir Writing

Are you writing a memoir? Thinking about writing one? Is there a life story you’d like to tell?

Memoir writing is a process of discovery; the facts are just the beginning. In memoir, we use memory and imagination to re-view life experiences and render them into story.

Is my life interesting enough?

When writers ask if their lives are interesting enough to write about, I remind them that it’s less about the events and more about the awareness we bring to them. What themes emerge as we immerse ourselves in the textures of the past? Are we open to noticing details we missed the first time around? Memoir is writing what we know and finding out what we don’t know.

Memoir-based fiction

How do we arrive at the truth of our stories? For some, the path lies in writing memoir, for others, in writing fiction. We may start out writing memoir and find ourselves moving into fiction to effectively portray emotional truths. Sometimes we have to invent in order to write honestly.

Writing after 50

When we’re in our 20s, 30s and 40s, we’re focused on outer goals. We think about careers, about finding a partner and forging an identity in the world. After 50, a change begins to happen. We’ve accumulated life experience and we want to understand what it’s been about. The quest is more about meaning. Memoir is an ideal medium in which to explore this.

“Connie has been an invaluable writing guide: knowledgeable, sensitive, insightful, honest – with a keen eye to what works, and what doesn’t. Her expertise was instrumental in my ability to finish and publish my memoir.”

—David Pérez
Author, Wow! A South Bronx “Memoirito”

“Connie is respectful of both experienced writers and absolute beginners. She creates a safe place to share wonderful, terrible and unique life experiences. Her understanding of memoir has offered new insights and unexpected possibilities.”

—Enid Howarth
Poet, Author

“Connie gently encourages me to dig deep into memories, and with her positive guidance, I’ve learned to let those voices speak. She has taught me the fundamentals and has given me the tools necessary to write my memoir.”

—Charla Arnold Johansen
Writer, Mom