How to Turn an Ordinary Life into an Unforgettable Memoir with Acquisitions Editor Ariel Curry (Ep. 11)

Most people think great memoirs begin with a great story: something dramatic or unusual that happens to the author.In reality, the difference between a mediocre memoir and an unforgettable one has almost nothing to do with what happened.In this episode, I’m joined by acquisitions editor Ariel Curry to break down what actually makes a memoir work and how even the most ordinary life can become extraordinary on the page.Using What We Carry as a case study, we explore:The mistakes that make even dramatic stories fall flatHow to turn small, everyday moments into compelling scenesThe incremental journey of internal transformation—and how to actually show it on the pageWhy voice, detail, and agency matter more than plotHow to navigate writing a memoir about your relationship with another personPlus, I share my reflections on the most powerful parts of What We Carry: the author’s honest portrayal of her postpartum experience and the book’s invitation to examine the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.If you’ve ever felt like your story is too small, too ordinary, or too “boring” to make for a great memoir, this episode will change the way you see your writing—and your life.Ariel Curry is a senior editor for nonfiction at Sourcebooks. She lives in Chattanooga, TN, with her husband and three beautiful children. You can find her at hungryauthors.com or on Substack.Mentioned in this episode:What We Carry by Maya Shanbhag LangLove Warrior by Glennan DoyleStrangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle BurdenThe Power of Writing It Down and Write Your Story by Allison FallonThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronUnearthing Beauty Memoir Writing ProgramJoin my email listSend 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.