Making Memoir Magic

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 examp...

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 stop...

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 me...

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...

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...

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...

Episode notes: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 about the fears that hide behind “I’m just busy” and “maybe someday.” The ones that sound reasonable. The ones that keep you stuck. In this episode, we exp...

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, quiet transformations, and personal truth. If you’ve ever questioned whether your life is worth writing about, this conversation will help you reframe memoir, understa...

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. If you feel stuck, slow, or caught in endless rewrites, the problem may not be discipline or motivation. It may be that you’re trying to write without a roadmap. In this episo...

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 five simple, doable actions you can take this week to move your memoir forward — even in the swirl of holidays, obligations, and glitter-covered chaos. These aren’t big, dramatic,...

We live in a world that quietly demands perfection. From perfect timing, perfect choices, perfect progress, perfect everything. Yet, most of our lives are lived in the in-between. The messy middle. The unfinished chapters. The still-figuring-it-out seasons. In this episode, Kerry Kriseman explores why imperfection isn’t something to fix, but instead by flipping the script, explains why it’s someth...

If you’ve ever promised yourself, “This week, I’m finally going to start writing,” only to watch seven days slip by in a blur of life, laundry, and lost time… this one’s for you. Let’s be honest: it’s not that you don’t want to write. It’s that life refuses to give you those mythical uninterrupted hours we imagine “real writers” have. But what if you didn’t need them? What if 20 minutes a day coul...

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 they start. You’ll learn why writing your life story in chronological order kills creativity, how to uncover your defining moment (the scene that changed everything), and...

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 birth. They start where something shifts. In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, Kerry Kriseman, memoir coach and author, shares practical strategies and simple prom...

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, capture lessons, and move past fear so you can start writing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why your story doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be pow...

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 role, or simply turning the page on a personal chapter, change gives you fresh perspective. I’ll share simple steps you can take to harness these shifts and...

Food is never just food—it’s memory, culture, and story. In this episode, Kerry shares how lemons, a community garden, and family recipes all become powerful starting points for memoir writing. You’ll discover: * Why food is one of the best doorways into memory. * How sensory details invite readers directly into your story. * A personal reflection on lemons, limoncello, and the richness of shared...

Taylor Swift may be celebrating an engagement, but what she really deserves applause for is her storytelling superpower. Every album is a chapter, every lyric a scene—and she always defines her own narrative before anyone else can. In this episode of Making Memoir Magic , I’ll show you how Taylor’s approach to songwriting offers powerful lessons for memoir writers: * How to own your narrative befo...

What if the secret to unlocking your life stories isn’t hiding in a dusty journal—but in your kitchen? In this episode, I take you into my grandmother’s kitchen for Nana Muffins, then into my own for a Thanksgiving turkey that’s been part of my family for 30 years. Along the way, I’ll show you how food can be one of the most powerful tools in memoir writing. Food isn’t just sustenance—it’s memory,...

Episode Summary: This week, I stepped into a recording studio to narrate the audiobook version of my memoir, and I didn’t expect it to be so emotional. As I read each chapter, memories from my 22 years as a political spouse came rushing back, along with a profound realization: writing a memoir isn’t just an act of self-expression. It’s an act of generosity. In this heartfelt episode, I share: * Th...

🎧 Episode Summary: Feel like your life is too full to write your memoir? You're not alone, and you're not out of luck. In this episode, I’m sharing how to create a writing habit that fits into your real life using a simple, 5-day approach that’s pressure-free and surprisingly powerful. You’ll hear why we often don’t start writing (spoiler: it has to do with only imagining the finish line), and ho...

✍️ Episode Summary: In this episode of Make Memoir Magic , Kerry Kriseman pulls back the curtain on the part of memoir writing no one wants to talk about—but everyone needs: editing . You’ve written your truth. You’ve poured it all out on the page. Now what? Now, you edit , and in this 15-minute solo episode, Kerry shares why editing isn’t something to fear. It’s where the real story begins to shi...

Episode Summary: When we write memoir, we start with our own intention, but we never truly know how our story will land in someone else's heart. In this episode, Kerry shares 7 powerful, surprising lessons readers have taken from her memoir Accidental First Lady . These takeaways prove that your story - yes, yours - has the power to inspire, educate, and connect with others in ways you never expec...

Episode Summary: You keep saying you’ll write your memoir someday… but someday keeps moving. In this episode, I’m getting real about what’s actually stopping you—and sharing a powerful 3-part framework to help you finally start writing your story. Whether you’re overwhelmed with too many stories, paralyzed by self-doubt, or convinced no one would care, this episode will give you the tools (and the...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kerry Kriseman—memoir mentor, author, and storytelling coach—pulls back the curtain on her own memoir journey and shares why writing alone can be one of the biggest roadblocks for aspiring authors. From navigating self-doubt to finding the courage to dig deeper, Kerry explains how working with a coach and writing alongside others can completely change the memoir-w...