Our narratives possess the ability to resonate with others, offering solace, inspiration, and solidarity amidst the intricacies of human experience. By sharing our stories, we bridge the chasms of distance and difference, weaving a tapestry of collective wisdom.
Read MoreAn author mission statement is a concise declaration that encapsulates the core purpose, values, and objectives driving your writing. It prompts reflection on the essence of your book and its central message, themes, and intended audience.
Read MoreThe process of sharing our thoughts, and with memoir, our lives, with others is an introspective act. One type of tool that can aid aspiring writers in gaining valuable insight into their process and readiness is a quiz.
Read MoreYour writing style is not just a set of techniques; it's the fingerprint of your narrative identity. Embracing what comes naturally to you is not only liberating but also instrumental in shaping a memoir that resonates.
Read MoreSetting realistic and achievable goals is not just a formality; it's the rudder that steers your writing ship through the vast expanse of your memoir.
Read MoreNo amount of experience is enough when you decide to share your innermost thoughts with others through memoir. Deciding to embark on this journey was an act of vulnerability – not once with the decision to write my book, but many times throughout the process.
Read MoreThe bond between authors and readers extends far beyond the pages of a book. It's a dynamic relationship that thrives on mutual understanding, empathy, and shared enthusiasm for the written word.
Read MoreEmbarking on the journey of writing your memoir is a significant undertaking—one that promises self-discovery, reflection, and the creation of a lasting legacy.
Read MoreThroughout eight political campaigns, eight years as St. Petersburg's first lady, raising kids, navigating a fire that claimed our home and our beloved labradors, being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, supporting my son after an antisemitic attack, I realized that I was a survivor.
Read MoreI was a political spouse for 22 years. For me, that meant supporting my husband while he climbed the political ladder. For most of those years, I figured if one of us in this partnership were deemed “leader,” it would be him.
Read MoreThe best way to start your memoir is to write just for yourself without the pressure of perfection. Your writing skills will improve with practice, and you can always seek help from editors or writing coaches to refine your work.
Read MoreThe gift of the connectedness and community that is created when sharing our stories is worth making peace with the idea of being vulnerable.
Read MoreSince its inception in 2015, the SHINE Mural Festival has lured local, national and international artists who have transformed warehouses, coffee shops, bus stations, law offices, and other urban canvases into an outdoor and free art gallery that’s open 24/7.
Read MoreWe all find wonder in different spaces. Surprises like the arrival of the elusive roseate spoonbill summoned me to pause. I think about how we choose to see the world, and how that impacts how we live.
Read MoreWe suffer through long sweaty summers, with a different type of seasonal affective disorder that keeps neighbors inside during the hottest months, just as winter halts life in many areas. I’ve never had to shovel my way out of my front door, or scrape ice off the car windshield. I own one wardrobe, and I rarely wear socks.
Read MoreThe morning after our return, Rick took Jake and Christie out back. When he came inside, he declared, “We’ve got lemons!”
Read MoreSurvival of anything means that we have kept on. If not for the benefit of ourselves, we choose to persevere and join others to fight for equality, equity, or safety.
Read MoreFor some authors, sharing themselves through their words is grueling and exhausting. By the time their book hits shelves, they’re often tired or perplexed as to how to shift gears into marketing.
Read MoreI’d already written the articles in my head, anticipating how the media might frame my book as a “tell-all from the mayor’s wife.”
Read MoreToday’s parents might scoff at the idea of their children spending summers on their feet, punching a timeclock, and sweating in a warehouse with people they hardly know. These experiences didn’t improve our SAT scores, but Steve and I learned incomparable life lessons. Humility and hard work are rarely learned inside a classroom. This doesn’t underscore the importance of education, but reinforces the value of diverse life experiences, hard work, and the true meaning of sweat equity.
Read More
