Overcoming Quitters Day: Strategies for Memoir-Writing Success

Finding Joy in Your Writing

It's the final episode of season 2! We're reflecting on 19 previous shows dedicated to the craft of writing, plus discussing the pleasures and rewards of writing for joy. Thank you for a great season and we'll see you in season 3!

Should You Use a Pseudonym for Your Memoir?

Mark Twain. George Sand. Stephen King. George Orwell. Dr. Seuss. J.K. Rowling. Anne Rice. All these authors have at least one thing in common--they all go by (or have gone by) pseudonyms on their bylines. Perhaps you're considering whether to adopt a pen name for your memoir, so should you? Barbara tends to feel that pseudonyms work better for fiction than memoir, but feel free to disagree--listen to this week's episode for her rationale. Links mentioned in this episode: * Study: On Twitter, false news travels faster than true stories | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology [https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308] https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308 [https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308] * A potted history of pen names – National Library of Scotland Blog [https://blog.nls.uk/a-potted-history-of-pen-names/] https://blog.nls.uk/a-potted-history-of-pen-names/ [https://blog.nls.uk/a-potted-history-of-pen-names/] Chapters 00:00 The Dilemma of Memoir Writing 00:49 The Impact of Anonymity in Writing 01:45 Historical Context of Pseudonyms 04:26 The Pros and Cons of Using a Pen Name 06:37 Navigating the Challenges of Non-Fiction 09:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Memoir 12:10 Upcoming Conversations and Reflections

Vulnerability As The Heartbeat of Inspiration

Why do memoir writers need to get vulnerable? And how do you actually do it without oversharing? In this episode, we explore why vulnerability is the key to powerful memoir writing. Drawing wisdom from Brené Brown, Mary Karr, Joan Didion, and examples from Selma Blair's powerful memoir Mean Baby, we break down how to transform your challenging experiences into compelling narrative. You'll learn: • Why vulnerability creates instant connection with readers • The difference between raw and crafted vulnerability • Practical techniques to write difficult scenes • How to balance emotional truth with personal boundaries Perfect for memoir writers, personal essayists, or anyone looking to add emotional depth to their writing. 🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday. Selma Blair, Mean Baby: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Mean-Baby-Memoir-Growing-Up-ebook/dp/B09JRSVSVV⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Mean-Baby-Memoir-Growing-Up-ebook/dp/B09JRSVSVV] Brené Brown: "Vulnerability is the absolute heartbeat of innovation and creativity. There can be zero innovation without vulnerability." ⁠⁠2012 TED Talk "Listening to Shame."⁠⁠ [https://blog.ted.com/vulnerability-is-the-birthplace-of-innovation-creativity-and-change-brene-brown-at-ted2012/] https://blog.ted.com/vulnerability-is-the-birthplace-of-innovation-creativity-and-change-brene-brown-at-ted2012/ [https://blog.ted.com/vulnerability-is-the-birthplace-of-innovation-creativity-and-change-brene-brown-at-ted2012/] Mary Karr: "The more you're willing to examine your own stuff, the more you're willing to let other people see it." (From "⁠The Art of Memoir⁠ [https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/ART-MEMOIR-Karr-Mary-Harper-New/17951252138/bd?ref_=ps_ms_267691761&cm_mmc=msn-_-comus_dsa-_-naa-_-naa&msclkid=263004638b9d1a30ac9d63faccf98994]," 2015) https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/ART-MEMOIR-Karr-Mary-Harper-New/17951252138/bd?ref_=ps_ms_267691761&cm_mmc=msn-_-comus_dsa-_-naa-_-naa&msclkid=263004638b9d1a30ac9d63faccf98994 [https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/ART-MEMOIR-Karr-Mary-Harper-New/17951252138/bd?ref_=ps_ms_267691761&cm_mmc=msn-_-comus_dsa-_-naa-_-naa&msclkid=263004638b9d1a30ac9d63faccf98994] Anne Lamott: "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories." (From "⁠Bird by Bird⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=book+bird+by+bird+by+anne+lamott&adgrpid=1335908157631733&hvadid=83494492075702&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=98633&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83495218917021%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22593_13494535&msclkid=7bf28ca371a61220d477eb3a36238659&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_15aemxxo1c_p]," 1994) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=book+bird+by+bird+by+anne+lamott&adgrpid=1335908157631733&hvadid=83494492075702&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=98633&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83495218917021%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22593_13494535&msclkid=7bf28ca371a61220d477eb3a36238659&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_15aemxxo1c_p [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=book+bird+by+bird+by+anne+lamott&adgrpid=1335908157631733&hvadid=83494492075702&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=98633&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83495218917021%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22593_13494535&msclkid=7bf28ca371a61220d477eb3a36238659&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_15aemxxo1c_p] Joan Didion: "I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking." (From "⁠Why I Write⁠ [https://www.nytimes.com/1976/12/05/archives/why-i-write-why-i-write.html]," 1976) https://www.nytimes.com/1976/12/05/archives/why-i-write-why-i-write.html [https://www.nytimes.com/1976/12/05/archives/why-i-write-why-i-write.html]

Write When? The Surprising Science of Creative Timing

Should you write at dawn (and standing) like Hemingway or burn the midnight oil like Kafka? Science has some unexpected answers. In this episode, we explore the fascinating research behind creative timing and why your "off-peak" hours might be your creative sweet spot. From brain science to practical routines, discover why the best time to write isn't what you might think - and how to find a schedule that actually works for your life. Episode highlights: • The truth about willpower and creative thinking • Why being tired might boost your creativity • How modern life affects writing schedules • Finding your sustainable writing rhythm Drawing from neuroscience, creativity research, and the daily practices of writers across centuries, this episode offers both scientific insight and practical wisdom for your writing life. Research: Time of day effects on problem solving: When the non-optimal is optimal: Thinking & Reasoning: Vol 17, No 4⁠ [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13546783.2011.625663] * https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13546783.2011.625663 [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13546783.2011.625663] A night and day difference: Circadian clock may protect aging eyes * https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2022/Q1/a-night-and-day-difference-circadian-clock-may-protect-aging-eyes/ [https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2022/Q1/a-night-and-day-difference-circadian-clock-may-protect-aging-eyes/] The Great Willpower Debate: The Missing Piece | Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/changepower/201112/the-great-willpower-debate-the-missing-piece] * https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/changepower/201112/the-great-willpower-debate-the-missing-piece [https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/changepower/201112/the-great-willpower-debate-the-missing-piece] Duration: 22 minutes Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Body Clock and Writing 02:57 The Science of Morning vs. Night Writing 04:54 The Role of Light and Environment 10:10 Adapting to Modern Life and Schedules 14:20 Finding Your Consistent Writing Time

Overcoming Quitters Day: Strategies for Memoir-Writing Success

Getting Your Memoir Writing Resolution Back on Track Why do so many people abandon their New Year's resolution to write their life story? In this episode, Barbara explores the science behind habit formation and how to apply it specifically to memoir writing. Drawing from behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's research on habit formation, we break down the key barriers that stop aspiring memoirists—and provide concrete solutions to overcome them. Episode Highlights: * Why the second Friday of January is known as "Quitter's Day" * The "What the Hell Effect" and how it derails memoir writers * Why rigid writing schedules often backfire * How to use "temptation bundling" to make writing irresistible * The right (and wrong) ways to use fresh starts in your writing practice Key Concepts: * Present bias in memoir writing * Flexible vs. rigid routines * Commitment devices for writers * The mentorship effect * Progress tracking systems Resources: How To Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be by Katy Milkman https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Science-Getting-Where/dp/059308375X [https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Science-Getting-Where/dp/059308375X] Memoir doctor Wendy Dale's interview on Writing for Immortality https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/writingforimmortality/episodes/Why-Your-Memoir-Isnt-Working-and-How-to-Fix-It-with-Wendy-Dale-e2t84u4 [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/writingforimmortality/episodes/Why-Your-Memoir-Isnt-Working-and-How-to-Fix-It-with-Wendy-Dale-e2t84u4] Chapters 00:00 New Year, New Goals: The Quitters Day Reality 02:30 Understanding Barriers to Memoir Writing 04:37 The 'What the Hell' Effect: Overcoming Setbacks 17:12 Flexibility in Writing Routines 20:49 Present Bias: Finding Immediate Rewards 25:30 Fresh Starts: Embracing New Beginnings 28:44 Maintaining Long-Term Motivation Join the conversation: Share your memoir writing challenges and successes with us on social media using #Writing4Immortality #MemoirWriting #WritingHabits