In September 2019, Jane Bloom from Framlingham, Sussex, self-published her book Nannie, a memoir by Jane Bloom. Jane and I had been working together, editing her work since February 2017. Here, she shares her experience and feelings on the process. “In 1987 I joined a writing group. I have always enjoyed writing and the monthly […]
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The unexpected gifts of writing a memoir
Those of you that have read my memoir writing guide, will have read passages from Sally Woodmansee’s memoir The Simple Philosophy Of Heaven, a true story of the unbreakable bond between mother and son. The book tells the story of Sally’s son, Tony, from Kent, in the South-East of England. Tony was 20 when, on October […]
Remembrance Day 2019
This summer, my father told me about his mother’s brother, Michael Ryan, who served as a rifleman with B Company, 2nd Batallion, Royal Ulster Rifles.
Should I write my memoir as a novel?
An interview with Teri Case, author of the life-inspired, award-winning novel Tiger Drive. I am regularly contacted by potential memoirists who are wondering whether they should write their memoir as a novel. Sometimes they want to tell their story but not have it associated directly with them. Other times they want to write about people […]
You Got Me Memoiring!
I held my first Zuihitsu Saijiki Memoir Writing class in Whitstable last week. It was such a lovely evening. I loved meeting all the writers and hearing their different reasons for coming along. There was a very peaceful atmosphere and, as always, unexpected treasure was unearthed.
Zuihitsu – what’s it all about?
So! The snow is behind us, spring is in the air, and with the Spring Equinox on March 20th, the time has come for my new Zuihitsu Saijiki Memoir Writing classes to begin. I’ve allowed for 12 spots in the class, and eight have been taken, so let me know as soon as possible if […]
RedDoor Publishing’s Memoir Writing Weekend
I am just home from leading RedDoor Publishing’s memoir writing weekend at the West Rocks hotel in Eastbourne. And, oh my goodness, what an uplifting and inspiring weekend it was! Eleven writers came along, 10 women and one man. Four of them had booked the starter kit, which included a one-to-one session with me. The […]
Death Goes Digital Interview
Peter Billingham from Death Goes Digital helps the funeral industry and End Of Life Planning marketplace change and adapt to the technologies of the internet. He works with Funeral Directors, Hospice Care Charities, Universities and End Of Life Health Care Services. Peter also blogs and has a regular podcast with some amazing folks on a […]
Memoir Writing Workshop at Driftwood Beach House
A huge thank you to the writers who came to my memoir writing workshop at Driftwood Beach House, Whitstable this week. Thank you for leaving it all on the page. Here are a few snippets – thank you for sharing. Every story has immeasurable value and will be a gift to those who read it… […]
Dear Marnie
Marnie was exactly the person we needed. Eric had written his memoir but it needed a thoughtful, expert edit and a bit of tidying. She was meticulous and sensitive in her reading and suggestions; also her enthusiasm for his writing and her understanding were so encouraging. She then steered us to just the right people to see it through and…
Wake Up Little Suzy Marnie – a trusted friend. I chose Marnie to help me with my first memoir back in 2017. My book had some very sensitive content. Marnie ensured I was kept ‘safe’ from any potential legal fall out. I felt confident that I was in the hands of selfless wisdom. She knows her subject intimately. Seven years…
When the Window Closes: What I learned caring for my mom while she was alive and dying I don’t know what to say except that Marnie is THE BEST! I found her in the acknowledgments a friend wrote in his memoir, and I messaged him to ask about her. He could not say enough good things, so I reached out to…
Marnie helped me dive deep and made sure my readers could understand where my character and the other characters were coming from. Most importantly, she helped me deliver the best memoir I could. For that I am very grateful and would suggest and recommend her to anyone who is looking to build something that they want and to have her…
