How to Write a Memoir: Going Public with Your Personal Story, with Laura Davis, Author and Writing Teacher Artwork

The Selfish Gift - Go public with your purpose

What does it take to "go public" with your life's work? The Selfish Gift podcast is a series of deep, personal conversations with authors and creators about how they made the leap from practitioner to public figure. Hosted by Wonderwell book publisher Maggie Langrick, the podcast also serves up the very best advice from publishing professionals, from editors and literary agents to publicists, brand strategists, and mindset coaches. We ask ALL the big questions, like: When and why did you decide to "go public" with your life's work? How did you deal with self-doubt? What steps did you take, and how hard was it, really? Each of us has a unique gift to offer humanity. When we boldly share it with the world, we expand into the grandest version of ourselves and come fully alive. Listen in to discover how to level up your life and make the world a better place through purposeful publishing.

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The Selfish Gift - Go public with your purpose

How to Write a Memoir: Going Public with Your Personal Story, with Laura Davis, Author and Writing Teacher

January 25, 2023 • Maggie Langrick • Season 2 • Episode 15

Maybe you've had a personal experience that affected you profoundly, and you want to write about it—both for your own benefit and to help readers with your insights—but you're worried about upsetting the other people in your story, especially family members. How do you tackle it? Do you need their permission? Should you change their names, or maybe change your own name and write under a pseudonym? What happens if they disown you or try to sue you?

Laura Davis has been grappling with this issue and using material from her own life in her books for more than forty years. And last year, she took it to a new level with the publication of The Burning Light of Two Stars, a deeply personal award-winning memoir about her fraught relationship with her mother. Laura is also the author of the international million-copy bestseller, The Courage to Heal, as well as four other groundbreaking books. In addition to writing, Laura is passionate about teaching others how to find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft, which she does through workshops, classes, and retreats. In this episode, you'll learn:

How to navigate the delicate balance between telling your truth and honoring the other people in your story.
How to dig deep into your memories to tell a story that is helpful and moving for the reader.
How to prioritize the practice of writing so that your book actually gets done.
Several clever writing prompts that are sure to help you break through writer's block.
Practical marketing advice from an established author.

For more, check out:
lauradavis.net
lauradavis.net/chapters
maggielangrick.com
wonderwell.press

And follow:
instagram.com/laurasaridavis
instagram.com/maggielangrick
instagram.com/wonderwellpress
instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

People on this episode

Maggie Langrick

Host