Making Memoir Magic

Kerry Kriseman
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The podcast where we unlock the power of your story and guide you through the magical process of turning life experiences into memoirs that inspire and impact. kerrykriseman.substack.com

  1. It's Never Too Late to Write Your Story

    6d ago

    It's Never Too Late to Write Your Story

    Have you ever told yourself: “I’m too old to start.” “I should have done this years ago.” “Someone else is already doing it better.” If so, this episode is for you. As I approach my 58th birthday, I’m reflecting on the decade that changed me most. In my 50s, I published my first book, survived ovarian and uterine cancer, left a career that no longer fulfilled me, and stepped into a new identity as a memoir teacher and coach. None of those things happened because I finally felt ready. They happened because I stopped waiting for permission. In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, I’m sharing the personal experiences that taught me our stories do not expire with age. In fact, some of our most meaningful chapters are often waiting to be written. You’ll learn: * Why waiting for confidence often keeps us stuck * How life experiences become the foundation of powerful memoirs * Why it’s never too late to call yourself a writer * The surprising truth about becoming visible later in life Whether you’re 45, 65, or 85, your voice matters. Your stories matter. And the time to begin is now. Journal Prompt:What story, dream, or part of yourself have you been hiding because you think it’s too late? Write about the moment you first started believing that. A final thought for anyone carrying a story they’ve always wanted to tell: You don’t have to have a perfect outline, a dramatic life story, or years of writing experience to begin a memoir. You simply need curiosity about the moments that shaped you. If you’re exploring your own story, I invite you to join my free Facebook group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where I share memoir writing insights, prompts, and encouragement for writers at every stage of the journey. Your life has chapters worth preserving. The only question is whether you’re ready to start turning the pages. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min
  2. The Gift of a Simple Hello

    Jun 18

    The Gift of a Simple Hello

    In this heartfelt episode of Making Memoir Magic, Kerry reflects on a simple ritual: walking her dog Christie through her neighborhood each morning and pausing to say hello. Those two words—a greeting, a moment of recognition, a brief conversation—become a reminder of something many of us are missing in a world of distractions and screens: the gift of truly seeing one another. Through stories about neighborhood dogs, a retired teacher who remembers the details of her life, and a powerful lesson about fear and perception, Kerry explores how connection is built not only through extraordinary events, but through ordinary moments of attention. And for memoir writers, that may be the greatest lesson of all. Our stories are not only found in the dramatic turning points. They are found in the morning walks. The familiar faces. The conversations we almost didn’t have. The moments we almost overlooked. In this episode, you’ll discover: * Why a simple hello can be an act of connection * How fear can shape the way we see the world * Why the smallest memories often hold the greatest meaning * The concept of “threshold moments” and how they can become powerful memoir scenes * A writing prompt to uncover the ordinary moments worth preserving Writing Prompt: Take ten minutes today and write about a small interaction you still remember. Who was there? What was said? Why do you think that moment stayed with you? You may discover that what seemed insignificant was actually shaping your story all along. 🌿 Looking for a supportive writing community? Join Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, my free Facebook group for aspiring memoir authors. Come for the writing tips, encouragement, and inspiration—and stay for the connection with others who believe every life holds a story worth telling. Join us: Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min
  3. The Biggest Make Aspiring Memoirists Make

    Jun 9

    The Biggest Make Aspiring Memoirists Make

    Have you ever wondered how you’ll fit your entire life into a single book? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re exploring one of the most common mistakes aspiring memoir writers make: trying to tell everything. You’ll learn: • Why memoir is different from autobiography • Why readers connect to transformation, not timelines • How defining moments create structure • Why the goal of memoir is meaning, not documentation • How to identify the stories that actually belong in your book One of the most important takeaways: Your memoir is not about everything that happened to you. It’s about what changed you. Ready to Find Your Story? Join me on June 24 for my live workshop: Find the Story that Matters In this workshop, you’ll learn how to identify the defining moments that belong in your memoir, uncover the organizing thread in your story, and gain clarity about what book you’re truly meant to write. 👉 Register here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  4. From Manuscript to Microphone

    Jun 2

    From Manuscript to Microphone

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a book into an audiobook? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my journey of recording and publishing the audiobook version of my memoir, Accidental First Lady. From choosing a professional recording studio over a DIY closet setup to navigating ACX, Audible’s audiobook platform, I share the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, and the surprises along the way. You’ll hear: • Why audiobooks continue to grow in popularity• The different paths authors can take when creating an audiobook• What recording in a professional sound studio was really like• Why narrating a book is very different from writing one• How audiobook files are organized and uploaded to ACX• The unexpected challenge of audiobook cover design• Why Fiverr saved me time, money, and frustration• The emotional experience of hearing my own story come to life If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing your own words in your own voice, this episode is for you. Listen now and discover why audiobook publishing may be the next step in your author journey. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  5. Why You Remember Certain Moments Forever

    May 26

    Why You Remember Certain Moments Forever

    Why do some moments stay with us for decades while entire seasons of life fade into blur? In this episode, memoir mentor and author Kerry Kriseman explores the fascinating connection between memory, emotion, and storytelling — and why the moments you remember most vividly are often the key to uncovering your memoir. You’ll learn: * why emotional memories stay etched in our minds * how defining moments shape compelling memoir * why memoir is not about documenting your entire life * how transformation creates powerful storytelling * and why your strongest memories may hold the deeper thread of your story If you’ve ever wondered whether your life experiences matter enough to become memoir, this episode is your reminder that meaningful stories are often hiding inside the moments you can’t forget. ✨ Mentioned in this episode:Find the Story That MattersA live memoir workshop designed to help you uncover the defining moments, emotional themes, and hidden story inside your life experiences. 📅 Wednesday, June 24⏰ 2 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min
  6. The Myth of Finding Your “One True” Voice

    May 18

    The Myth of Finding Your “One True” Voice

    Can writers change their voice over time? Or does evolving creatively mean losing what made their writing unique in the first place? In this episode, we explore one of the most common — and emotionally loaded — questions writers ask themselves, especially after publishing a first book:“Can my writing voice change?” The answer is yes. But the deeper conversation is about authenticity, growth, emotional honesty, and the difference between voice, style, and tone. This episode dives into: * why writers evolve creatively * how life experience shapes the page * the danger of chasing trends instead of truth * why memoir writers especially struggle with this question * and how to stop censoring your real voice as a writer If you’ve ever worried that your writing sounds different than it used to, this conversation will remind you that evolution is not failure — it’s evidence that you’re alive, growing, and paying attention. In This Episode: * The difference between voice, style, and tone * Why writers naturally evolve over time * The hidden reason many writers obsess over voice * How memoir writing deepens authenticity * The pros and cons of changing your voice * Why readers sometimes resist creative evolution * Authors who evolved their voice successfully * The real danger writers should avoid Mentioned in This Episode: * David Sedaris * Joan Didion * Anne Lamott Memorable Quote: “Maybe the goal isn’t to find one permanent voice and freeze it forever. Maybe the goal is becoming more fully yourself on the page over time.” Connect With Me If this episode resonated with you, share it with another writer or memoirist who may need permission to trust their evolving voice. You can also join my free Facebook community, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors where writers and aspiring authors receive support, encouragement, and inspiration on their writing journey. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min
  7. 5 Questions Every Aspiring Memoirist Asks Before They Begin

    May 12

    5 Questions Every Aspiring Memoirist Asks Before They Begin

    Have you ever wondered:– Am I really a writer?– Is my story worth telling?– What if I start and never finish?– Is it too late for me to write a memoir? In this episode, Kerry shares the five biggest questions aspiring memoirists ask before they begin writing—and the deeper fears often hiding beneath those questions. This heartfelt conversation explores:✨ why memoir writing feels so vulnerable✨ the myth that only “real writers” can write books✨ why information overload keeps aspiring authors stuck✨ the emotional side of memoir writing✨ perfectionism, procrastination, and unfinished drafts✨ why ordinary stories matter deeply✨ and why it’s never too late to begin telling your story If you’ve been quietly carrying the dream of writing a memoir, this episode is your reminder that your experiences matter—and your voice deserves a place on the page. Resources Mentioned: ✨ Make Memoir Magic Course: Learn more here.✨ Kerry’s memoir: Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics✨ Join the Make Memoir Magic Facebook Group: CLICK HERE Connect with Kerry: Website: www.kerrykriseman.comInstagram: Follow here If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another aspiring author and leave a review—it helps more memoir writers find the show. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    18 min
  8. 3 Mistakes that Keep Your Story Stuck

    Apr 23

    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 powerful habits that quietly keep you circling instead of creating. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the three most common mistakes that keep aspiring memoirists stuck—and how to move past them so you can finally begin. Because your story doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be written. 🔑 What You’ll Learn * Why waiting for clarity is keeping you from starting * How overthinking sabotages your writing momentum * The role structure plays in bringing your story to life * A simple mindset shift to help you move from stuck to started * How to begin writing—even if you don’t feel ready 🖊️ Key Takeaway You don’t find your story by thinking about it. You find it by writing it. 🎯 Ready to Take the Next Step? 📚 Free Workshop The Memoir Blueprint: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Writing🗓 May 7 If you’re ready to move from idea to action, this free workshop will give you a simple, powerful framework to finally start your memoir—with clarity and confidence. 👉 Save your seat here. 💬 Join the Community Come join us inside my free Facebook group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors — a supportive space for writers and aspiring authors who are ready to turn their life experiences into meaningful stories. 👉 Join here. 💭 Loved This Episode? If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who has a story to tell. And remember— Your story isn’t too small.It’s not too late.And it’s not too much. It’s waiting for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe

    11 min
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About

The podcast where we unlock the power of your story and guide you through the magical process of turning life experiences into memoirs that inspire and impact. kerrykriseman.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Kerry Kriseman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kerry Kriseman
  • Show Website
    Making Memoir Magic