Making Memoir Magic
kerrykriseman.substack.com
Episodes
39 episodes
Why You Don't Need to be a "Writer" to Write Your Memoir
There’s a belief that keeps far too many stories locked away:“I’m not a writer.”In this episode, we gently unravel that idea—and replace it with something far more freeing.Because memoir was never meant to belong t...
3 Mistakes that Keep Your Story Stuck
If you’ve been thinking about writing your memoir—but haven’t started (or can’t seem to keep going)—this episode is for you.Your story isn’t stuck because you lack talent, time, or discipline. More often, it’s a handful of subtle but pow...
How to Start Your Memoir When You Don't Know How to Begin
If you’re standing in front of a blank page feeling both excited and completely overwhelmed, this episode is for you.Most aspiring memoir writers don’t struggle because they have nothing to say—they struggle because they have too muc...
The Secret to Writing Memoir Scenes that Keep Your Audience Reading
Writers often think their memoir feels flat because the story itself isn’t strong enough.But that’s rarely the problem.In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful lesson pulled straight from what I’m teaching live right now inside my ...
Can You Be Sued for Writing Your Memoir? Let’s Talk About It.
Can you get sued for writing your memoir?It’s one of the most common fears aspiring memoir writers face. In this episode, we’re breaking it down in a clear, thoughtful way.While this isn’t legal advice, you’ll learn how to approac...
So You Want to Query your Memoir? Start Here
Querying your memoir can feel intimidating. Not writing it. Not revising it. But sending that query letter to an agent and hoping they say yes? That’s the real challenge.In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, I walk memoir writ...
Why Your Memoir Feels Flat (And How to Fix It)
If your memoir feels flat, the problem may not be your story — it may be how you’re telling it.In this mini-lesson, Kerry breaks down one of the most important craft distinctions in memoir writing: scene vs. summary. You’ll learn ...
The Fear of Judgment: Writing Your Truth Anyway
Do you hesitate to write your memoir because of fear—of judgment, criticism, or misunderstanding? In this episode, Kerry explores why fear of judgment is natural, how it shows up in your writing, and practical strategies to write authentically ...
Stop Overexplaining: How to Trust Your Story and Your Voice
Stop Overexplaining: How to Trust Your Story and Your Voice Do you overexplain your life in your memoir? Stop! In this episode, Kerry teaches aspiring writers how to trust their story and their voice, strip away unnecessary...
The Myth of the Big Writing Retreat
What if the reason you haven’t started your book isn’t lack of talent—but waiting for perfect conditions?In this episode, Kerry busts the myth of the big writing retreat and reveals what actually gets books written: twenty minutes a day,...
Why Your Story Matters - Especially Now
In this conversation, Kerry Kriseman emphasizes the significance of storytelling, especially during challenging times. She reassures listeners that their stories are valuable and necessary, serving as acts of resistance and courage. Kriseman di...
Another Year Goes By. You Still Haven’t Written It. Let’s Talk About That
It’s already the third week of January, and if your memoir is still unwritten, you’re not alone. In this episode, Kerry Kriseman unpacks why so many memoir dreams get postponed and what it really takes to start writing in real life, not in a fa...
The Real Reason You’re Not Writing Your Memoir (It’s Not Time or Talent)
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll write your memoir when you have more time… more clarity… more confidence—this episode is for you.Today, we’re going one layer deeper than productivity tips and writing advice. We’re talking...
What If My Story Isn't Big Enough (Why that belief is keeping you stuck)
Episode Description: Many aspiring memoir writers believe their story isn’t “big enough” to matter. In this episode, Kerry explores why that belief is the real obstacle—and how meaningful memoirs are built from everyday experiences, ...
How to Write Faster Without Writing Garbage: The Power of Structure in Memoir
Writing faster doesn’t have to mean writing sloppier. In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, we’re talking about how memoir writers can write with more speed and more confidence—by putting a solid structure in place first.
5 Ways to Move Your Memoir Forward This Week (Even During the Holidays)
If the calendar is screaming “December!” and your writing brain is whispering “Maybe next year…” — take a breath. This episode is your soft landing and your gentle-but-firm nudge forward.In just 13 minutes, I’m sharing ...
Embrace the Mess: Why Imperfection Is Your Memoir Superpower
In today’s episode, Kerry pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest myths in memoir writing: the idea that great writers, great stories, and great authors are somehow… perfect. Spoiler alert—they’re not. And you don’t have to be either.&...
Make Book Marketing Fun: How to Share Your Book Without Feeling Salesy
In This Episode: Today we’re talking about a subject that makes most authors want to hide under their writing desks - book marketing. But here’s the truth: marketing is not selling. It’s sharing. And it becomes joyful the moment you ...
The Power of 20 Minutes
In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, Kerry Kriseman discusses the significance of establishing a consistent writing ritual, particularly a 20-minute writing routine that fits into busy lives. She emphasizes that writing doesn't need to domin...
5 Microhabits to Adopt Before 2026
If you’ve spent 2025 saying, “I’ll start writing my memoir when life slows down,” this episode is your invitation to stop waiting and start writing.In this inspiring and practical episode of Making Memoir Magic, Kerry K...
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How to Write the First Page of Your Memoir
When it comes to memoir, where you begin is everything, and it’s almost never the beginning.In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, Kerry Kriseman helps aspiring authors move past the overwhelm that stops so many stories before ...
How to Find the Starting Point for Your Memoir
Staring at a blank page and wondering, Where do I even begin my memoir? You’re not alone. Many aspiring authors feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the “right” opening for their story. Here’s the secret: memoirs don’t start at b...
Is My Story Worth Telling
Do you ever wonder if your story is “special enough” for a memoir? In this episode, Kerry breaks down the five unmistakable signs you already have a book-worthy life story inside you. She shares practical strategies to help you uncover themes, ...
Embracing Seasons of Change in Your Writing Life
Change is inevitable — in life and in writing. In this episode, I talk about the power of embracing new seasons and how you can use life’s natural transitions as fuel for your memoir. Whether you’re moving into retirement, stepping into a new r...
