When Linked Essays Become a Memoir

Today on More to the Story Podcast, I’m talking with my client, Margaret Whitford, whose forthcoming memoir The History We Carry (She Writes Press, June 2026) explores the impact of generational trauma, a mother–daughter relationship shaped by wartime history, and how personal narrative becomes a place of refuge.Margaret and I began working together several years ago on the early draft of her book, and in this conversation she shares the long, patient journey from dense essays to a full manuscript—and ultimately to publication.About MargaretMargaret Whitford served in leadership positions within the nonprofit world for twenty years, including ten years in the social justice field, before turning to writing. She is fascinated by the ways in which each of us seek to create places of refuge in both a metaphorical and physical sense. The History We Carry is her first memoir. A dedicated Francophile, she and her husband divide their time between a small village in the South of France and their home in Concord, Massachusetts. Find more about Margaret and her book at her website, margaretwhitford.com.In today’s episode:* how Margaret came to writing later in life after a 20-year career in nonprofit leadership* what drew her back to school for an MFA and the community she was seeking* the early spark that shifted her work from essays to a book-length project* how interviews with her mother became the backbone of the memoir* why writing about generational trauma required “containers” and linked-essay structure* the moment she realized she was writing the same 80–100 pages over and over* the turning point where developmental editing revealed themes and structure* how permission to “animate her mother on the page” unlocked the storytelling* the years-long process of drafting, researching WWII history, and shaping narrative arc* navigating acquisitions, titling, and the publishing journey with She Writes Press* what she’s working on now and how she’s preparing for the launch of her bookLinks mentioned in this episode:* Margaret’s website & book information: margaretwitford.com* Pre-order The History We Carry from bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold* More about Under the Gum Tree: underthegumtree.com * More about my book coaching & editing services: moretothestory.co* Download the free Book Outline Formula worksheet: moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Book a 15-minute Book Diagnosis call: moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Get 10% off your first order of whole bean coffee from Caffe Santoro: caffesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* find show notes for this episode at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouHave you ever felt “stuck” in the same 80–100 pages of your writing, like Margaret described? What helped you move forward? Share your experience in the comments!Thanks so much for listening and for being here! Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe