Making Memoir Magic

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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoirmagicforaspiringauthors] 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 [https://kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

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. [https://kerrykriseman.myflodesk.com/mmm3]✨ Kerry’s memoir: Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=accidental+first+lady+kerry+kriseman&crid=3CNQ22JXO9327&sprefix=%2Caps%2C151&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_2_0_recent]✨ Join the Make Memoir Magic Facebook Group: CLICK HERE [https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoirmagicforaspiringauthors/] Connect with Kerry: Website: www.kerrykriseman.com [https://www.kerrykriseman.com/]Instagram: Follow here [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. 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 [https://kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

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. [https://kerrykriseman.myflodesk.com/webinar] 💬 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. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoirmagicforaspiringauthors] 💭 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 [https://kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

How to Start Your Memoir When You Don't Know Where 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoirmagicforaspiringauthors] ✍️ 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 [https://kerrykriseman.squarespace.com/memoirblueprint]. 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. [https://kerrykriseman.myflodesk.com/mmm3] 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! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoirmagicforaspiringauthors] 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 [https://kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Memoir Scene Secret

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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoirmagicforaspiringauthors], 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. [https://kerrykriseman.myflodesk.com/mmm3] 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 [https://kerrykriseman.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]