From Meandering to Magnetic: 5 Memoir Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (Ep. 6)

You’ve found the courage to write your memoir, and you’re pouring your heart onto the page. But it’s not landing the way you hoped. Something feels . . . off. Flat. And each page of progress feels like pulling teeth.It’s not because your life isn’t interesting. And it’s not a lack of talent.You’ve got the soul for a great memoir. Now you just need the science.In this episode, I break down the five most common mistakes aspiring memoirists make that sabotage both the writing process and the reading experience—and how to avoid them so your story feels cohesive, compelling, and deeply meaningful.You’ll learn:Why including too much of your life makes your story weakerThe subtle shift that turns you from victim into hero on the pageThe simple 3-part structure that creates momentum (for you and for the reader)How both too much telling and too much showing can derail your memoirAnd how to identify the central question that gives your story focus and powerIf you want your story to feel magnetic—not meandering—this episode is your roadmap.Mentioned in this episode:FREE WORKSHOP — Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir: 3 Steps to Stop Stalling and Start Writing so Your Story Doesn’t Die with You MEMOIR WRITING PROGRAM — Unearthing Beauty (doors open late March, 2026)FREE DOWNLOAD — How to Find the Heart of Your Story What We Carry by Maya Shanbhag Lang (there’s also a link to download the discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)“What Is a Memoir’s Essential Question and Why Do You Need One?” by Lisa Cooper EllisonUnmoored: How An Adoptee Found Her True Identity by Ann C. Averill Send me a text message with your questions or comments!___________________________________Come join the discussion!InstagramTikTokThreadsSubstackAnd visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.