Making Memoir Magic

In today’s episode, Kerry pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest myths in memoir writing: the idea that great writers, great stories, and great authors are somehow… perfect. Spoiler alert—they’re not. And you don’t have to be either.  Kerry shares her own early writing fears, the pressures of living a public life, and the liberating truth that imperfection is actually where memoir magic begi...

In This Episode: Today we’re talking about a subject that makes most authors want to hide under their writing desks - book marketing. But here’s the truth: marketing is not selling. It’s sharing. And it becomes joyful the moment you realize your story is a lantern readers are already searching for. You’ll learn: Why book marketing matters (and why it’s not sleazy) How to shift from writer → author...

In this episode of Making Memoir Magic, Kerry Kriseman discusses the significance of establishing a consistent writing ritual, particularly a 20-minute writing routine that fits into busy lives. She emphasizes that writing doesn't need to dominate one's day but can be integrated into daily life in manageable increments. The episode explores the psychological and cognitive benefits of wri...

If you’ve spent 2025 saying, “I’ll start writing my memoir when life slows down,” this episode is your invitation to stop waiting and start writing. In this inspiring and practical episode of Making Memoir Magic , Kerry Kriseman dives into the power of micro habits - the small, consistent actions that build confidence, momentum, and a sustainable writing life. You’ll learn why you don’t need perfe...

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 lin...

✍️ 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...

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...

📄 Episode Summary: We’re halfway through 2025 — so let me ask: Have you started your memoir yet? In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my own journey from hesitant political spouse to published memoirist and memoir mentor. If you've been sitting on your story, unsure whether to start, worried about what others will think, or just plain stuck — this is your invitation to be...

What do barre classes and memoir writing have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, I share a personal story about showing up for a hard, humbling workout — and how that experience mirrors the writing journey. If you’ve ever struggled with starting (or sticking with) your memoir, this one’s for you. We’ll talk about why honoring your creative dreams isn’t just noble — it’s necessary....

📝 Episode Summary: If you've ever asked yourself, "Who would want to read my story?" or felt frozen by the pressure to write a perfect first draft, this episode is for you. In less than 15 minutes, Kerry peels back the layers of fear, perfectionism, and overthinking that keep aspiring memoirists stuck—and offers a simple, empowering way forward. ✨ Whether you're scribbling in...

In this soul-nourishing, eye-opening episode, we explore the surprising (and often hilarious) connection between the shows we love—and the emotional hurdles that keep us from writing our life stories. If you've ever deep-cleaned your baseboards instead of writing, questioned if you're "too much," or felt like you're dodging self-doubt like zombies—this episode is for you....

Welcome to Making Memoir Magic! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest struggles memoirists face: getting stuck before they ever reach “The End.” If you’ve ever sat down to write only to feel paralyzed by doubt, overwhelm, or time constraints, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into:✔️ The most common roadblocks that stop memoirists in their tracks✔️ How to identify your personal wr...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Make Memoir Magic , we tackle one of the biggest challenges memoir writers face— self-doubt . Host Kerry Kriseman shares their personal experience of battling imposter syndrome while writing their memoir Accidental First Lady , and offers practical advice to help listeners overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and believe in the power of their own story. W...