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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. MAR 11

    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 writers through the querying process, sharing practical tips and strategies that make it easier to navigate. We cover: How to find comparative titles (comp titles) for your memoir—even recent ones published in the last five yearsWhere to research agents who actually represent memoirTools and resources to streamline your querying processA gentle reality check on patience, rejection, and the memoir publishing journeyPlus, I give a peek inside Module 3 of my course, Make Memoir Magic, where I teach memoir writers how to position their stories in the marketplace and understand publishing paths. Whether you’re just finishing your manuscript or ready to send your first query, this episode is packed with insights to help you move from “I have a story” to “I have a story—and I know how to bring it into the world.” Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Make Memoir Magic course – Learn more here: https://kerrykriseman.myflodesk.com/mmm3QueryTracker – https://querytracker.net/ Manuscript Wish List – https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/ Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/ Bookshop.org – https://bookshop.org/ Listener Takeaways: Comparative titles don’t have to match your memoir exactly—they just need to share a lane.Agents actively share what they’re looking for on websites, wishlists, and social platforms.Querying requires patience, research, and strategy—but it’s a skill you can learn.Every memoir has a reader, and your story deserves to reach them.Share the Episode: Know a writer in the querying trenches? Share this episode and help make the publishing journey a little easier for them. Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes full of writing tips, publishing advice, and inspiration to help you write, publish, and promote your memoir. 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!

    16 min

  3. MAR 3

    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 why summary explains but scene immerses, and how slowing down your turning points can dramatically increase the emotional impact of your writing. Through concrete examples and a practical exercise, Kerry shows you how to transform flat narration into vivid, cinematic storytelling. Your story deserves to be experienced — not just reported. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between scene and summaryWhy summary often makes writing feel distant or flatHow scene invites readers to live the moment with youConcrete examples of summary rewritten as sceneA simple 4-question exercise to immediately strengthen your writingReady to Go Deeper? Join Kerry for her live three-week workshop with the Happy Women Dinners group: Stop Telling. Start Showing. Week 1 – April 2 What Makes a Scene? Moving from summary to story. Week 2 – April 9 Building Emotional Depth — sensory detail, dialogue, and interior life. Week 3 – April 16 Shaping and Polishing — structure, tension, and revision strategies. We’ll practice writing scenes in real time and build practical skills you can apply immediately. Early Bird Registration: $250 through March 5th After March 5th: $350 Register here: Stop Telling. Start Showing Join the Community Become part of Kerry’s free Facebook group: Join here: Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors Members are invited to weekly Memoir Magic Write-Ins every Wednesday from 10:30–11:00 a.m. (via Zoom): Brief greetingsA quick craft lesson and writing prompt20 minutes of focused writing togetherOptional sharing and encouragementIt’s a powerful way to build momentum and stay committed to your writing practice. Connect with Kerry Author of Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics Follow on Instagram Keep writing. Your story is valuable. It deserves to be told — and you are the best person to tell it. 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!

    10 min

  4. FEB 24

    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 anyway. Learn how to reclaim your voice, embrace courage, and share your story honestly without overthinking. What You’ll Learn: Why fear of judgment stops so many writersHow to identify when fear is controlling your storyTechniques to write honestly and courageouslyHow to start small, build trust in your voice, and grow confidenceCTAs: Join the Make Memoir Magic Facebook Group for community, feedback, and inspirationAttend a Memoir Magic Write-In to get live support while writingExplore free resources including writing prompts, exercises, and guides  “Fear of judgment is normal. But it doesn’t own your story. You do.” 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

  5. FEB 16

    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 justification, and connect with readers emotionally. With practical exercises and mindset shifts, this episode will help you show up boldly and write honestly—without overexplaining. What You’ll Learn: Why overexplaining hurts your memoirHow to write scenes that speak without footnotesExercises to trust your story and your voiceHow to use specificity instead of explanationHow to build confidence as a writer Join the Make Memoir Magic Facebook Group for community, feedback, and inspirationAttend a Memoir Magic Write-In to get live support while writingAccess free resources including prompts, exercises, and guides to keep your story movingKey Takeaway: “You don’t need to explain your story. You need to trust your voice.” 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

  6. FEB 4

    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, a chair, and a decision. You’ll learn how to create a writing retreat at home, DIY a retreat in one weekend, and build a consistent writing habit—without waiting for more time, money, or inspiration. Kerry also announces her new weekly Memoir Magic Write-Ins, starting February 11 at 10:30 a.m. live on Zoom—a supportive, low-pressure space to write alongside others. 👉 Want to join? These are free for members of her Facebook group.  Not a member yet? Click here to join the Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors FB Group. Your story doesn’t need a mountain view. It needs you. Episode Summary: In this episode, Kerry dismantles the fantasy that you need a big, expensive writing retreat to begin—or finish—your book. Instead, she shares how real momentum comes from small, consistent actions: twenty minutes a day, a dedicated writing space, and a decision to begin. You’ll learn how to create a writing retreat at home, DIY a retreat in one weekend, and finally build a sustainable writing habit—without waiting for perfect conditions. Kerry also introduces her new weekly Memoir Magic Write-Ins, starting February 11 at 10:30 a.m. live via Zoom—a supportive, pressure-free space to write alongside others. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why the “big writing retreat” myth keeps writers stuckHow to create a retreat environment at homeHow to DIY a writing retreat in one weekendHow to build a consistent writing habitHow to join the weekly Memoir Magic Write-Ins Join the free weekly Memoir Magic Write-Ins starting 2/11 at 10:30 a.m. live on Zoom.These are free for members of Kerry’s Facebook group. 👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the Memoir Magic for Aspiring Authors FB Group. 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

  7. JAN 28

    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 discusses her course, Make Memoir Magic, as a pathway for aspiring authors to reclaim their voices and share their narratives. She encourages individuals to embrace their experiences and recognize the power of their stories, regardless of external circumstances. Takeaways If your mind feels cluttered, you're not broken. You're human.Telling your story is not a luxury; it's a form of resistance.Silence benefits systems that thrive on it.Your stories disrupt and humanize.Your story matters if it changed you.Writing your story is not indulgent; it's insurgent.You just need one brave decision to start.Your voice and story matter in this world.You don't have to write alone; seek community.Your reasons for writing don't need justification.Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Troubling Times 09:41 Embracing Your Narrative: Courage in Memoir Writing 10:23 Introduction to Memoir Writing 10:47 Connecting with Your Audience 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. JAN 20

    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 fantasy schedule. You’ll meet three types of writers Kerry sees most often:  • The at-home entrepreneur with young kids  • The full-time worker with limited energy and time  • The start-stop writer who can’t seem to gain momentum And you’ll learn why:  • “Later” is the most dangerous word writers use  • Unwritten stories don’t disappear—they turn into regret  • You don’t need more time—you need a clear path and accountability This episode is honest, compassionate, and motivating—and it just might be the permission you’ve been waiting for. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to write when life is full and noisyWhy consistency beats motivation every timeHow to keep your story warm even when you can’t writeWhy memoir dreams quietly age out when they’re not honoredWhat it really takes to finally finish your storyResources Mentioned: Make Memoir Magic (course)Free Facebook Group: Memoir Magic for Aspiring AuthorsConnect with Kerry: Email: kerrykriseman@gmail.com Facebook Group: Memoir Magic for Aspiring AuthorsWebsite: www.kerrykriseman.com If this episode sparked something in you, email Kerry and tell her what you’re thinking. And don’t forget to join the free Facebook group. Your writing community is waiting. 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
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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
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Making Memoir Magic
  • Show Website
    Making Memoir Magic