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

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

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