Making Memoir Magic

Kerry Kriseman

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. 6d ago

    Why You Remember Certain Moments Forever — And Why They Matter in Memoir

    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 Matters A 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 FOR THE WORKSHOP Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    12 min

  2. May 19

    Can a Writer Change Their 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 SedarisJoan DidionThe Year of Magical ThinkingAnne LamottMemorable 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.” Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    17 min

  3. 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: https://www.kerrykriseman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerry.kriseman If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another aspiring author and leave a review—it helps more memoir writers find the show. Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    18 min

  4. Apr 28

    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 to “writers.”  It belongs to people who have lived, felt, questioned, and grown. If you’ve been waiting to feel more confident, more qualified, or more “ready” before you begin writing your story, this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting. You don’t need perfect grammar.  You don’t need a polished voice.  You don’t need to know how it all ends. You just need a willingness to begin. Inside this episode, we explore:  Why the label “writer” might be the very thing holding you back  What memoir is actually about (hint: it’s not perfection)  The mindset shift that makes writing feel possible again  What you truly need to start—and it’s simpler than you think This is an invitation to come back to your story—not as a writer, but as a witness to your own life. ✨ Takeaway You don’t become a writer and then start your memoir. You start your memoir… and somewhere along the way, you realize you’ve been a writer all along. 💡 Ready to Begin? Join me for my free workshop:  The Memoir Blueprint: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Writing This is where you’ll take that first step—with guidance, structure, and the permission you’ve been waiting for. SAVE YOUR SEAT FOR THE WORKSHOP! 💬 Let’s Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who has a story inside them. And if you’re ready for support, encouragement, and a community of writers just like you, come join us inside my free Facebook group: Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors.. Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    11 min

  5. Apr 21

    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. Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    11 min

  6. Apr 16

    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 much. A lifetime of memories, emotions, turning points, and questions can feel like a storm with no clear way in. In this episode, we explore how to move from overwhelm to clarity by finding the true beginning of your memoir—not the start of your life story, but the moment everything changed. You’ll learn:  Why most writers get stuck before they even begin  The emotional trap of trying to include “everything”  How to find the defining moment that anchors your memoir  A simple 3-step method to uncover your story’s starting point  Why your memoir begins with a scene, not a summary  How to write forward even when you don’t have it all figured out This is your reminder that clarity doesn’t come before writing. It comes through writing. And your story doesn’t need perfection to begin—it just needs permission. If this episode spoke to you, stay connected 💬 Join the my free Facebook group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, which offers support, encouragement, and ongoing inspiration as you begin or continue your memoir journey. JOIN HERE ✍️ Take the Next Step: The Memoir Blueprint Workshop If you’re ready to go deeper and finally get unstuck, I invite you to join my workshop: The Memoir Blueprint: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Writing This workshop will help you:  Identify the core story beneath your life experiences  Stop overthinking and start writing with direction  Find your natural entry point into your memoir  Turn overwhelm into a clear, simple writing path Because your memoir doesn’t begin when you feel ready. It begins when you decide to begin. Your story is not too much. It’s waiting for shape. And shape begins with a single brave page. Register to attend the May 7. workshop. I’ll see you inside. Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    15 min

  7. Apr 6

    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 Zoom workshop for memoir writers—and it was simply too good not to bring to the podcast. You’ll learn why memoir scenes are the key to transforming meaningful memories into immersive experiences readers can feel. We’ll talk about the difference between summary and scene, how to use sensory detail, dialogue, action, and interiority, and the most common mistakes writers make when they rush through the very moments that matter most.  If you’ve ever written a deeply important life moment only to think, why does this feel flat?—this episode will show you exactly how to fix it. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why memoir scenes matter more than chronology  The difference between telling emotion and creating experience  How to use show-don’t-tell in memoir  The anatomy of a powerful memoir scene  Common scene-writing mistakes memoirists make  A simple revision exercise to strengthen flat pages Want support bringing your memories to life on the page? Join my free Facebook community, Make Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we gather every Wednesday for Memoir Magic Write-Ins, plus writing tips, live Q&A, opportunities to share your work, and the encouragement every memoirist needs. Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    11 min

  8. Mar 23

    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 approach writing about real people with greater awareness and confidence. Drawing from real conversations with other writers, we explore the difference between perceived risk and reality—and how to tell the truth without creating unnecessary exposure. If fear has been holding you back from writing your story, this episode will help you move forward with intention. In this episode I'll cover:  Can you be sued for writing a memoir?  Common legal fears writers have  Writing about real people safely  Why truth alone isn’t the full picture  The power of perspective in memoir writing  How to tell your story with confidence Key Takeaway: You can tell the truth, and still be thoughtful about how you tell it. Next Steps: ✨ Learn how to write, publish, and promote a memoir that inspires, educates, and entertains. Learn all about my course, Make Memoir Magic ✨ Connect in the my free Facebook group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors Thank you for listening to this episode of Making Memoir Magic. To learn more about my course, Make Memoir Magic, click here.  Join my free Facebook Group, Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors, where we honor your story, provide tips, create community, and help you write the story you were meant to tell. Join here!

    13 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
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Making Memoir Magic
  • Show Website
    Making Memoir Magic