The Page & Podium Podcast with Dr. Amanda Nell Edgar

If you're writing a nonfiction book, you need an outline. Yes, even though you'll discover things as you write that you can't plan for now. Even if you already have years of content. And yes, even if you have the entire book mapped out in your head.   A strong outline gives you the 10,000-foot view of your book while you're down in the weeds writing individual sentences and chapters. It gives you a writing plan, helps you stay focused over a long drafting process, and keeps your ideas moving toward one cohesive book instead of several different books mashed together.   In this episode, I walk through three different ways to outline a nonfiction book depending on what you're writing: a narrative outline for memoir and narrative nonfiction, a content-based outline for authors who already have a lot of existing material, and a persuasive problem-cause-solution outline.   Key topics   * Why every nonfiction book needs an outline * How an outline helps you see the whole book while you're drafting * Using your outline as a practical writing plan * Why an outline keeps a long-term project cohesive * Three different ways to outline nonfiction * The major structural beats of memoir and narrative nonfiction * How to organize years of podcasts, newsletters, social posts, talks, and other content into a book * How to build a topical outline using a simple spreadsheet * Why problem-cause-solution works so well for persuasive nonfiction * How to get professional feedback on your outline before you start drafting   Resources mentioned   **The Memoir Method: 7-Step Structure Sequence** Work through the seven steps I use to help memoir writers build a strong narrative structure: https://pageandpodium.com/structure   **Free guide for turning your existing content into a book** If you've already created podcasts, social media posts, newsletters, talks, videos, or other content, start here: https://pageandpodium.com/guide   **Outline Review** Want professional eyes on your outline before you start—or keep—writing? Learn more about our Outline Review service: https://pageandpodium.com/outline   Timestamps   0:00 Why Every Nonfiction Book Needs an Outline 1:16 How an Outline Gives You the Big Picture 3:45 How an Outline Becomes Your Writing Plan 6:29 How an Outline Keeps Your Book Cohesive 8:11 Three Ways to Outline a Nonfiction Book 9:56 Narrative Outlines for Memoir and Narrative Nonfiction 11:39 The Key Beats of a Narrative Outline 16:04 Memoir Structure Support 17:08 Content Outlines for Content Creators 18:23 How to Organize Existing Content into a Book 23:14 Persuasive Outlines: Problem, Cause, Solution 25:53 Final Advice and Outline Review Support 26:40 Closing   Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: MCIZHYPXDWGQDA9G

Are You Expert Enough to Write a Book? Who are you to write a book? It’s a question I hear all the time from smart, accomplished people who have spent years—sometimes decades—building real expertise. And weirdly, the more you know, the easier it can be to convince yourself that what you know is obvious, unoriginal, or not quite enough. In this episode, I’m digging into two forces that tend to keep expert authors stuck: **fear of visibility** and **the curse of expertise.** Because sometimes we tell ourselves we’re afraid of putting ourselves out there when the deeper fear is actually the opposite: *What if I put myself out there and nobody cares?* And sometimes we assume we’re not qualified enough simply because we’ve lived with our own knowledge for so long that we’ve forgotten how much we had to learn to get here. If you’ve been sitting on a book idea while wondering whether you really have the authority to write it, I’ll give you three questions to help you separate genuine readiness concerns from the self-doubt that comes with claiming your expertise. ## In this episode: * Why highly accomplished people still struggle to call themselves experts * The fear of visibility—and the fear underneath it * Why experts underestimate how valuable their knowledge is * How fear of visibility and the curse of expertise reinforce each other * Why wanting to write a book may tell you something important * How writing a book can actually help you step more fully into your expertise * Three questions to help you decide whether you’re ready to move forward * Why asking **“If I could help people, why wouldn’t I?”** can change the way you think about writing your book ## The 3 questions: 1. **How many people would have to be helped by your book for writing it to be worth it?** 2. **Why would anyone care?** 3. **If you could help people, why wouldn’t you?** ## Timestamps 00:00 — Why so many people who want to write a book never do 01:41 — Why even accomplished experts question whether they know enough 03:13 — Are you actually unready—or talking yourself out of the book? 05:09 — Fear of visibility 06:10 — The deeper fear: what if nobody sees you? 08:27 — The curse of expertise 09:53 — How self-doubt and visibility fears reinforce each other 11:27 — Escaping the false binaries around expertise and visibility 12:48 — How writing a book can help you claim your expertise 13:46 — Examining your own relationship with visibility and expertise 15:55 — Question 1: How many people would need to be helped? 19:40 — Question 2: Why would anyone care? 23:06 — Question 3: If you could help people, why wouldn’t you? 26:20 — Moving forward with your book ## Ready to write your book? Take the **Expert Author Quiz** to find out what kind of expert author you are, where your biggest strengths are, and what may get in your way as you move forward: https://pageandpodium.com/quiz And if you’d like support writing, finishing, or publishing your book, you can learn more about working with Page & Podium Press at: https://pageandpodium.com --- Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: SJHXB7JG86VBOP61

If your book has been sitting untouched for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve already tried the obvious solution: push yourself harder. Write more often. Get more disciplined. Set a deadline. Put your butt in the seat. And if that worked, great. But if it hasn’t, this episode is for you. Because one of the things I see all the time with stalled book projects is that the longer the book sits, the more we start making the problem about ourselves. We decide we’re lazy, undisciplined, too distracted, not a “real” writer, or maybe just incapable of finishing the thing. That makes sitting down to write feel pretty terrible. So in this episode, I’m talking about a different way to get unstuck: finding your way back to the part of the project that actually interests you. We’ll talk about what happens when self-doubt starts running the writing process, how to reconnect with the reason you wanted to write the book in the first place, and six practical things you can try when writing has started to feel like a slog. I also tell you why I bought myself a little kid’s watercolor set when I couldn’t make myself work on my memoir. It helped more than it had any business helping. Take the Expert Author Quiz to find out what kind of book you should write and get personalized advice for moving it forward: https://pageandpodium.com/quiz Learn more about Page & Podium Press: https://pageandpodium.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 06:08 How books stall 08:31 Why the writing process gets harder after the easy beginning 10:47 When ADHD, self-doubt, and identity-level fear take over 11:39 Finding the seed of curiosity again 13:55 Tip 1 — Look for the other side of the coin 18:35 Tip 2 — Refocus on what the book is for 22:40 Tip 3 — Change the medium to unstick the idea 26:29 Tip 4 — Get around other writers and use body doubling 29:47 Tip 5 — Reconnect with what you enjoy about writing 33:19 Tip 6 — Do something ridiculous to restart creativity 36:28 You deserve to enjoy the writing process Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: OLD8REH6Z073JCU3

Is your book idea actually ready to become a book? One of the biggest mistakes nonfiction authors make is comparing a rough, early idea to the polished idea inside a published bestseller. But those ideas did not begin fully formed. They were refined through writing, conversation, feedback, market testing, self-reflection, and often professional support. In this episode, I share five practical ways to hone your book idea before you start writing. You’ll learn how to clarify your unique perspective, test your message through speaking and teaching, use journaling to uncover what you may be avoiding, listen more closely to your audience, and connect your expertise with the personal experiences that made you care about this topic in the first place. The clearer your idea is before you begin, the easier the writing process becomes—and the stronger, more distinctive the final book will be. Not sure what kind of book best fits your experience, goals, and expertise? Take the free Expert Author Quiz for a personalized result, examples of authors with a similar path, and practical guidance on what to embrace, what to watch out for, and what to do next: https://pageandpodium.com/quiz TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why comparing your rough idea to a published bestseller is unhelpful 01:29 The significance of developing a clear, unique perspective early on 02:41 How completed books undergo extensive editing, market testing, and self-reflection 03:37 Real-time example of a client’s journey from idea to polished chapters 04:57 The impact of idea development on writing ease and quality 06:24 Overcoming fears of sharing your idea or having it stolen 06:54 Practical ways to hone your idea: working with professionals 08:17 The value of feedback and discussion in refining your message 09:39 The importance of clarifying your core differentiator 10:43 Using speaking and teaching to test and deepen your ideas 11:43 Building your platform and audience early for better clarity 13:11 Journaling on emotional vulnerabilities and underlying premises 14:33 Exploring basic, foundational details that ground your larger idea 16:24 How understanding simple mechanics can strengthen your message 17:51 Combining personal stories with your expertise for greater impact 21:07 The importance of integrating your personal connection with the topic 23:33 Yolanda Bogart’s blend of personal story and professional expertise Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GQU4SKOQMNCKWJB4

Getting feedback on your nonfiction manuscript can be one of the most overwhelming parts of the writing process—but the right feedback can help you see exactly what is working, what needs attention, and what to do next. In this episode, I break down three ways to get more useful feedback on your manuscript, including who to ask, what questions to give them, and why a marked-up manuscript is not always the best option. Ready for professional feedback on your manuscript? Page & Podium Press offers manuscript reviews for completed nonfiction and memoir manuscripts. You’ll receive a detailed written report on your manuscript’s strengths, its most important opportunities for improvement, and practical recommendations for revision—plus a coaching session to help you create a clear plan. Learn more: https://pageandpodium.com/manuscript TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why feedback feels so difficult for first-time authors 01:35 What effective manuscript feedback actually looks like 05:33 Tip 1: Choose the right level of feedback 06:06 Friends and family feedback 11:18 Beta readers: when they help and when they don’t 16:56 Why professional editorial feedback is different 22:38 Tip 2: Be specific about the feedback you need 26:55 Tip 3: Consider a different feedback format 34:35 Manuscript review and next steps MUSIC “Dewflower” Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: G7TSZH3ZVAVC3XUS

Are you ready to write a book—or are you waiting to feel more qualified, more confident, or more certain first? In this episode, we’re breaking down three concrete questions that can help you decide whether you’re ready to begin your expert book. We’ll talk about how to know whether your idea is both recognizable and unique, why commitment matters more than confidence, and what your book needs to do for you beyond simply selling copies. 🔗 Want a roadmap to the things that will trip you up as you write your book? Take the free Expert Author Quiz. In just a few minutes, you’ll get a personalized report with your strengths, challenges, examples of successful authors like you, and concrete next steps. Take the quiz at pageandpodium.com/quiz. New videos every Tuesday—subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 2:35 The Expert Author identity 4:20 How books give us readiness 9:58 1. Is your book unique AND recognizable? 18:30 2. Are you committed to this idea? 24:18 3. Do you know what you want the book to do? 29:18 Take the Expert Author Quiz 👉 *Follow Us:* *LinkedIn:* [Page and Podium Press]( / page-and-podium-press ) *Facebook:* [Page and Podium Press]( / pageandpodiumpress ) *Instagram:* [@pageandpodiumpress]( / pageandpodiumpress ) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #ExpertAuthor #ThoughtLeadership #NonfictionWriting #PageAndPodiumPress #WritingABook

Traditional publishing still holds a powerful place in many authors’ imaginations. Even writers who care deeply about equity, access, and justice often find themselves wanting the validation of a traditional book deal. But what happens when the industry we’re trying to enter is built around gatekeeping? In this episode, we’re talking about alternatives to traditional publishing, the history and rhetoric behind “vanity press” shaming, and why excellence does not have to mean waiting for permission from the Big Five. 🔗 If you’ve been working on your memoir for a while but you’re not making the progress you want, I have something practical for you. The Memoir Method Checklist walks you through every step from idea to finished book—not in a vague, inspirational way, but in a clear, get-this-done way. Download it free at pageandpodium.com/checklist. New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 1:42 Wanting a book deal vs resisting the traditional industry 4:37 What is gatekeeping 6:21 Historical context of book publishing gatekeeping vs resistance 8:30 Differentiating traditional publishers from nontraditional publishers 12:22 The origin of the term "vanity presses" 14:45 The structure of gatekeeping in history 18:55 The two ways gatekeeping works 20:58 Separating neutral aspects of traditional publishing from inequitable aspects 24:30 Three ways authors can resist 24:55 Reflect on your own thought patterns surrounding traditional publishers 27:27 Identify gatekeeping as a historical pattern that prevents access 31:20 Remember that traditional publishers are trying to predict reader reaction 36:20 If you want a traditional contract, go into it with context 👉 *Follow Us:* *LinkedIn:* [Page and Podium Press]( / page-and-podium-press ) *Facebook:* [Page and Podium Press]( / pageandpodiumpress ) *Instagram:* [@pageandpodiumpress]( / pageandpodiumpress ) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

When your memoir feels stuck, the advice you’ll often hear is to push through. Sit down, force the words, meet the deadline, keep going no matter what. But for memoir writers, that advice can make the work harder—and the book weaker. In this episode, we’re talking about memoir writer’s block, why “pushing through” often backfires, and what to do instead. We’ll look at why a better writing process leads to a better finished book, how accountability can turn into self-bullying, and why joy still matters even when you’re writing about painful or traumatic experiences. 🔗 Most memoirs don’t stall because of lack of time. Most memoirs stall because of lack of clarity. That’s why I put together the Memoir Method Checklist. It gives you every step in the process from idea to finished book, so you can see what comes next and keep moving without forcing your way through. Download it free at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 2:45 "Pushing through" is antithetical to good work 4:38 Excellent memoirs come from excellent processes 6:15 Why a better process produces a better product 10:47 Pushing through is for things we don't want to do 13:17 Pushing through often leads to abandoning the project 14:05 Instead of pushing through, dig deeper and heal the root 14:44 Where is the urge to push through coming from? 16:22 Accountability without kindness is just bullying 18:00 Use your deadlines as long as they work, then set new ones 19:07 Big goals are important but not usually urgent and not as important as allowing creative expression 21:42 Keep your eyes on your own paper 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing your first memoir can feel especially unsettling because there is so much you can’t know at the beginning. Will you struggle with the outline? Will you know what to include? Will your family be upset? Will the book change the way you understand your own life? In this episode, we’re talking about what to expect when you write your first memoir—from developing your natural voice and building a structure to navigating the messy middle, revising your draft, and knowing when to stop chasing perfection. If you’re craving certainty before you begin, this conversation will help you understand why some uncertainty is part of the process—and how to keep going anyway. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 2:01 Searching for certainty in memoir writing 4:13 Where these stages came from 4:45 Stage 1: Developing your voice 10:03 Stage 2: Learning structure in a basic way 15:16 Stage 3: Starting to trust your instincts 17:42 Stage 4: Outgrowing generic writing advice 21:29 Stage 5: Feeling the urge to start over 24:12 Stage 6: Hitting the revision despair stage 29:09 Stage 7: Accepting that finished isn’t perfect 31:29 Stage 8: Starting over at the next level 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing can feel isolating, and many memoirists make it even harder by keeping their process completely private. But talking about your work—especially early on—is one of the most powerful habits you can build. It strengthens your clarity, deepens your confidence, and makes the entire journey more sustainable. In this episode, we’re exploring why looping your family and friends into your writing process can transform both your memoir and your experience of creating it. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 1:54 When fear stops us from sharing: 4:23 Tip 1: Prepare/practice an "elevator pitch" 8:27 Tip 2: Ask questions about various events 10:38 Tip 3: Ask what memories stand out from your particular topic 13:54 Tip 4: Share passages in person or via email 17:28 Tip 5: Share your writing schedule 20:23 Tip 6: Share the things you’re learning about your story 23: 11 Talking about your work is never easy, but practice will help 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Ideas feel electric when they first arrive—shiny, energizing, full of promise. But once you start trying to turn that spark into an actual memoir, the glow fades and the idea can suddenly feel heavy, ambiguous, or even burdensome. Is it really worth the effort, or was it only meant to live in your imagination? In this episode, we’re breaking down five traits of strong, marketable memoir ideas so you can tell whether your spark has the potential to become a book that truly lives up to its early promise. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:15 Focused topic 8:23 Unique angle 13:15 Curiosity 16:19 Connection to expertise 19:04 Audience 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writers often imagine the process as two extremes: totally stuck or pouring words onto the page like a divine download. And while that floodgate moment feels magical, many memoirists hit the “end” only to realize the draft that arrived so easily now feels confusing, incomplete, or not quite up to their own standards. In this episode, we’re talking about what to do after the dreamy, exhilarating rush of writing your memoir in a burst—how to transition from the high of effortless drafting into the messier, more grounded work of shaping what you’ve created. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 11:10 - Celebrate! 13:21 - Reverse Outline 19:28 - Evaluate 20:56 - Make a plan 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

There is more writing advice available than any memoir writer could ever fully consume—and somehow, it can still leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and underprepared. Not because the advice is bad, but because general writing advice can only take you so far. In this episode, we’re talking about why binging memoir advice can quietly become a form of procrastination, how to tell the difference between learning and avoiding, and why the real clarity comes when you start applying what you’ve learned to your actual story. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 7:57 - Why most advice is too general 14:20 - Embrace uncertainty 21:10 - Model a flipped classroom 25:14 - Application starts before you feel ready 28:03 - Learning to discard advice that doesn’t apply 👉 Follow Us: LinkedIn: Page and Podium Press Facebook: Page and Podium Press Instagram: @pageandpodiumpress 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #MemoirWriting #WritingAdvice #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #Memoir #MemoirWriter #PageAndPodiumPress

You can pour hours into your memoir and still not be moving forward in any meaningful way. Sometimes the draft feels stuck, but other times the stuckness hides under all that effort—you’re writing, revising, generating pages, yet not getting any closer to the book you imagine: personal, true, and excellent. In this episode, we’re breaking down the subtle signs that your memoir might be secretly stalled, even if you’re working harder than ever. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 9:11 The shame spiral 9:20 Stuck in brainstorming 12:41 Going it alone 14:48 Holding out for perfection 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing a memoir isn’t just about stacking sentences until you have a book—it’s about understanding the stages that shape long form work. In this episode, we break down the five stages of memoir writing—dreaming, development, drafting, revisions, and editing—and explore why clarity about each stage helps you conserve creative energy, avoid missteps, and build a stronger, more intentional manuscript. If you’ve ever wondered why “just write” isn’t enough, this is your roadmap. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 7:41 Dreaming 14:04 Development 18:10 Drafting 23:59 Revision 27:47 Editing 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

When you’re energized and ready to write, it’s easy to dive in without thinking about the simple systems that make a long haul writing practice sustainable. But after a break—whether a week or a year—most writers discover they first have to find everything they’ve already created. Outlines, notes, false starts, and even finished chapters can end up scattered across devices or buried in vague file names. In this episode, we’re sharing four quick, low effort strategies to simplify your process so you can return to your work without the overwhelm. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:47 first tip 9:43 second top 14:13 third tip 23:51 fourth tip 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

After years of working with writers and crafting memoirs ourselves, we’ve learned what truly helps authors move from inspiration to a finished book. At Page & Podium Press, our goal is to demystify the writing process and make memoir feel possible for every writer who feels called to tell their story. This week, we’re breaking down the foundational philosophy behind our work and behind The Memoir Method™. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 2:35 Philosophical pairs 3:07 Art vs craft 8:23 Freedom vs constraint 11:36 Process vs product 16:08 Behind the scenes 16:40 Pillars of support 17:21 Education 22:45 Accountability 24:26 Community 29:11 What you can expect 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

So many writers feel like they’re slogging through mud—not because they lack ideas, but because they’re buried under decisions about structure, scope, and what a memoir is “supposed” to be. With endless advice available and no clear way to apply it, progress can feel impossible. Today we’re breaking down why writers get stuck, how to recognize whether you’re suffering from option overload or constraint scarcity, and the key question that brings clarity when everything feels murky. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:10 "Do I need more constraints? Or do I need more freedom?" 4:50 What we mean by constraints vs freedom 5:30 How constraints are useful 7:27 Freedom is crucial 15:05 Examples 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing a memoir is a huge undertaking, and one of the earliest hurdles many first time authors face is figuring out how long the process should take. With flashy programs promising a finished book in weeks and horror stories of drafts dragging on for years, it’s easy to feel pressure from both directions. But rushing your memoir often slows you down — especially if you care about producing a thoughtful, high quality manuscript. In this episode, we’re breaking down ten reasons why giving yourself time is the smartest, most sustainable way to actually finish your book. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 5:00 - Creativity suffers 6:27 - Forced stops 9:19 - Problem-solving takes time 11:39 - Taking your time saves money (and time) 13:49 Writing is more than word production 16:19 Rushing undermines the reader's experience 18:09 safety, not speed, fuels writing 21:07 Deferring decisions makes them stack up 23:35 Rushing invites short cuts 25:23 Urgency closes the door on insight 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writers are often told, “It should be as long as it needs to be,” but that well meaning advice can leave first time authors wandering in the dark. How can you know what a book “needs” before you’ve written it, and what happens when you ignore the expectations of readers and the realities of publishing? In this episode, we’re breaking down why constraints are not the enemy of creativity—they’re the guiderails that help you move forward with confidence. We’ll explore how to think about target book length and share five practical tips for keeping word count in mind while drafting. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 11:31 Industry's Conventions 16:45 Ranges by genre 23:43 The Benefits of Helpful Constraints 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

If you’ve been with us for a while, you know we’re unapologetic structure queens—because a strong narrative spine is one of the most essential elements of a successful memoir. But structure doesn’t mean sameness. In this episode, we dig into how memoirists can honor the craft of clear, intentional structure while still bending expectations, experimenting with form, and weaving in creative twists that make a book unforgettable. Inside our Memoir Method program, we built flexibility right into the process, and today we’re showing you how to do the same in your own work. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 3:17 Epistolary 5:15 Narrative cookbook versus "memoir with recipes" 12:15 Visible versus invisible structures 13:02 "Memoir in Essays" 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing a book isn’t a straight shot from idea to finished manuscript—it’s a long, creative journey filled with pauses, slowdowns, and moments that feel like a full stop. This episode breaks down why those pauses are not only normal but essential, how to recognize the different kinds of slowdowns, and how to return to your project with clarity instead of shame. If you’ve ever worried that a break meant you’d lost your momentum, this conversation will help you see pauses as part of the process—not the end of it. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 5:20- Three Kinds of Pauses 19:18- Pausing is normal and healthy 20:01 - Pauses can solve sticky problems 26:45 - Plan your next session before you stop 29:46 - Let your anger go outward 33:24 - Resist diverting to a new project 35:55 - Celebrate wins 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Every writer knows the intoxicating feeling of a memoir idea that seems complete before a single word is written. But once you start drafting, the shine fades, the path blurs, and the story that felt so clear becomes slippery. It’s tempting to skip outlining altogether, convinced it will box in your creativity. Today we’re unpacking that myth, exploring why inspiration alone can’t carry a full manuscript, and answering the big question: does your memoir really need an outline to succeed? 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 3:54 - First reason: You're not making steady progress 17:20 -Second reason: middles are hard 19:50 -Third reason: Your book is ballooning long or sketch-short 24:40 - Fourth reason: Aimless and without a clear point 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing vivid scenes in memoir can feel like walking a tightrope: you want the immediacy and sensory richness of fiction, but you’re working with the famously unreliable material of human memory. Many writers panic over the details they can’t recall perfectly, worrying that anything less than total accuracy is a betrayal of the truth. In this episode, we unpack why perfect recall isn’t the goal, how to balance honesty with narrative vividness, and five practical strategies to help you write—and finish—your memoir with confidence. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:15- Readers care more about truth than facts 13:07- Smart research 17:07 - Brainstorm 19:13 -Free write 21:43- Consider if the scene needs to be a scene 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Memoirists face a unique challenge: our lives offer endless beginnings, but endings can be elusive. Your memoir’s bookends aren’t determined by your lifespan—they’re defined by the arc of the topic you’re exploring and the transformation it brings. But what if you’re still living through the final chapters? Today’s conversation digs into how to choose your starting point, how to think about endings that haven’t arrived, and how to begin writing your memoir right now, even if the resolution is still ahead of you. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:00- Lean into Process 7:50- Honor the urge to start 11:00- Focus on message 15:30- Play with structure 19:00- Growth, not Victory 22:40- No drafting process is perfect 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

So many writers hesitate to start because they’re convinced everyone else knows the “real rules” of writing—rules they somehow missed. That fear often comes from school, where we were taught that mastery comes after learning a tidy list of dos and don’ts. But creative work doesn’t operate that way. In fact, many writing “rules” are oversimplified, outdated, or so broadly applied that they do more harm than good. In this episode, we’re breaking down five common writing rules that deserve a graceful retirement. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 8:47 - The Hero's Journey 12:28 - Wait for Inspiration 18:59 - Show, Don't Tell 24:07 - English-class Grammar 26:25 - Trad or bust 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

An outline isn’t a boring pre draft chore—it’s the backbone that keeps your memoir from collapsing under the weight of endless pages or endless restarts. In this episode, we dig into why outlining is the most powerful antidote to two of the biggest memoir killers: lack of structure and perpetual puttering. You’ll learn how a solid outline becomes both the spine of your book and the map that keeps you moving forward, no roman numerals required—just a clear understanding of what an outline is for and how it supports your writing momentum. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 6:26 - Working title 8:02 - Topic 9:53 - Message 12:18 - Skeleton outline 13:10 - Chapter Breakdown 21:01 - Getting feedback 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

A polished, professional book doesn’t happen by accident, but it doesn’t require a traditional publishing deal, either. As more authors bring their work to market independently, the old assumptions about what counts as “real” publishing are quickly fading. Today’s self published books can match the quality of major houses, and readers are responding with the same loyalty and excitement. In this conversation, we’re exploring the myths that keep writers from considering self publishing and walking through the essential steps to produce a book you can be proud of. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 1:30- Reaching for quality 4:00- Publishing Paths 5:30- Fears about self-publishing 12:10- Research components 17:34- Setting a plan with dates 21:20- Balance cohesion and the details 23:50- Form your own imprint 26:390 Publish across multiple platforms 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We talk a lot about “gatekeepers” in publishing—agents, editors, critics, readers—but the most powerful one is often the person staring back at you in the mirror. In this episode, we explore how writers unintentionally block their own progress by judging their ideas, their voice, and their worthiness long before anyone else ever sees their work. If you’ve ever felt like you’re standing in your own way, this conversation offers four essential questions to help you recognize and dismantle your inner gatekeeper. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 7:19 - Are you comparing your first draft to someone's polished and published book? 9:43 - What scares you about publishing? 11:55- Are you jealous when others publish? 15:05 - Who will you be when the book is finished? 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing a memoir isn’t about waiting for the perfect stretch of free time. It’s about building a writing rhythm that fits your real life. In this episode, we dig into why “write every day” is often unrealistic, why relying on rare big blocks of time keeps you stuck, and how to create a sustainable routine that actually supports finishing your book. If you’ve struggled to stay consistent, this conversation will help you rethink what a writing practice can look like. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 6:45- Connect Writing with something already in your routine 12:43- Don't copy other timetables 15:37- Create a chain effect 19:40- Make a full book plan 22:31- Do not punish yourself 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

If you’ve ever stumbled through the question “What’s your memoir about?” you’re not alone. Even though memoir springs from lived experience, you can’t—and shouldn’t—try to fit your whole life into one book. Instead, choosing a clear central topic helps you focus, refine your message, and create a more powerful reading experience. Today’s conversation explores three essential reasons to define your memoir’s topic early and how that clarity transforms your writing process. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 2:00- The difference between message and topic 14:17- Topic reins you in 14:06- Topic defines your audience 19:41- Topic helps choose your starting point 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writing a memoir stirs up a whole mix of emotions—excitement, fear, anticipation, and the quiet urge to wait “just a little longer.” Many writers worry about starting too soon, but waiting too long carries its own risks. Memoir is deeply personal, year long work, and stepping into it can feel vulnerable. In this video, we’re breaking down the four foundational steps that help transform early anxieties into creative momentum. These are the same shifts we see again and again in our group program—where writers discover that once they move past the initial hurdle, the process becomes clearer, steadier, and far less intimidating. If you’ve been imagining your book but hesitating to begin, this episode will help you understand why those feelings might actually be signs that you’re ready. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 1:30- Where the fear of starting comes from 4:30- Tell your story! 9:00- Speak to professionals 14:30- Make a budget for your support 17:30- Establish a support system 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Unlock the craft behind the memoirs you love. Last week, we explored why reading like a writer matters: how it sharpens your instincts, deepens your craft, and reveals the invisible architecture that makes a story work. This week, we’re going behind the curtain. Whether you’re drafting your first chapter or revising a full manuscript, reading like a writer is your most reliable training ground. We'll explore how you can shift the way you read to analyze what you love--and don't love--about what you read and apply that to your own writing. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 3:00-Decisions 4:00- There is no "right" way 6:00- Examining structure 9:00- Using reverse outlines 14:25- Considering yourself as an audience 15:15- Recognizing show versus tell 16:30- Understanding scene versus exposition 21:30- Reading for details and style 23:00- Guessing at the author's why 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

If you’re writing a memoir, here’s something essential to remember: you can’t write well if you’re not also reading well. And I don’t mean reading more — I mean reading with intention. Reading with your writer brain awake. It’s easy to fall into a book and assume it arrived in the world fully formed, but every memoir you love is the product of choices, structure, and revision. When you read like a writer, you start to see the scaffolding behind the story: how tension is built, how timelines are woven, how meaning is revealed without ever being spelled out. Over the next two weeks, we’re diving into why this practice matters so much for memoirists and how to use it to strengthen your own manuscript. No matter where you are in your draft, learning to read like a writer will change the way you write. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 1:30- Why we read 3:00- News about our book club 4:00- How reading like a writer is different 7:30- Reading won't stifle your unique voice 10:00- Reading doesn't take away time from writing 13:20-- Identifying writer's choices 15:07- Trust yourself 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

The New Year always brings a wave of reflection and big promises — and 2026 is no exception. If writing (or finally finishing) your memoir is on your heart this year, you’re not alone. The trouble is, most of us focus so much on the distant finish line that we burn out before we ever build momentum. In this video, I’m breaking down five simple, repeatable habits that will help you make real, steady progress — and finally finish your book in 2026. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 3:14--First Habit: Block off writing time 8:50--Second Habit: Read other memoirs 13:23-- Third Habit: Think about journaling practice 16:59-- Fourth Habit: Plan your next writing session before ending one 19:38-- Fifth Habit: Talk about your book 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

For our last video and podcast of 2025, we are reflecting on the biggest mistakes we've seen (and made) over this year, often over and over again. These aren't mistakes like putting a comma before every "and" regardless of whether there's a second clause, but the kind of mistake that drags down your progress, gets your whole project off track, or just sucks the fun out of writing itself. Watch now to avoid carrying these six mistakes into 2026! Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:51 First mistake: Rushing 9:10 Second mistake: Clinging to what you've already written 15:15 Third mistake: Getting stuck on right vs wrong 19:19 Fourth mistake: Not trusting your intuition 23:12 Fifth mistake: Getting stuck in your audience's head 27:37 Final mistake: Not celebrating all your wins 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

"Building Platform" can feel like a dreaded, insurmountable task for writers (especially ones that tend towards introversion or hate social media) but it doesn't have to be. The concept and process of building a platform is often misunderstood. It's not just social media statistics! This week, we're breaking down how to shift your mindset regarding building your platform away from imagined benchmarks and uncomfortable exposure to finding genuine ways to form real connections with your audience centered on your story, expertise, and message. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:08 - What do we mean by platform? 7:51 - 3 Different Examples of Successfully Leveraging Platform 16:01 - Platform as Message 18:19 - What can building a platform do? 20:12 - Building direct connection with audience 28:06 - First tip: Own your Unique Expertise 31:48 - Second tip: Embrace Growth 33:42 - Third tip: Name and Face Your Fear 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Landing a traditional book deal with a large publishing house is a dream for many writers. While we've said many times on this channel that all publishing paths are valid, we also want to encourage anyone aiming at that Big-5 Book Deal to go for it. Landing one of those deals is a long process (and comes with no guarantees), but this week we break down the process into five milestone steps to set your expectations and ensure you've given your book project its best shot at getting that deal. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 5:16 - All Publishing Paths are valid 5:22 - What constitutes a "book deal"? 15:10 - First step: Build a Platform 19:25 - Second Step: Write the Book 22:18 - Third step: Prepare your Pitch 29:15 - Fourth step: Query Agents 34:57- Fifth step: Go out on sub 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Many times on this channel we've talked about the importance of the often-underestimated development or "prewriting" step, which includes brainstorming and outlining the structure and key focus points of your narrative. However, that process can be difficult to dive into when you're not ready. How do you know you're ready? This week, we're reviewing four questions to ask yourself and tips for that stage even before prewriting begins. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 4:11- Find your ONE story 9:56- Secure your mental health support 11:14- Find the "end" of your story 19:37- Honestly reflect on whether you can present the events fairly 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We want to stay informed and be aware of all that is happening in the world, but these days that can become overwhelming fast. That constant intake of bad news and conflict can fill our minds and make us feel many things—angry, hopeless, even guilty about our limited ability to help—but our creative impulses are drowning. Putting aside your creativity when the world feels like it’s on fire is not the way to help others or ourselves. Today we’re talking about why protecting your creativity is so important, especially when times are dark. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00 Doomscrolling 13:29- What Overconsumption of Media does to your brain 19:40- Creating without pressure 20:58- Creating with joy 23:00- Create with purpose 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We're coming up on the season where our desire to make progress on our books rises...exactly as the time we have to write it somehow goes up in smoke. Planning a writing retreat, either during the holidays or sometime in in early 2026, can be an amazing chance to make headway on your book and be energized for the coming year. Watch for our we at Page & Podium set up our writing retreat to be a success. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 2:00- The value of a retreat 6:00-Logistics 12:00- Itinerary 18:45- Goals & Celebration 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

After years of ghostwriting and coaching others through crafting their memoirs and non-fiction books, it's time for me to dive into a more personal project. In doing so, I am reminded of the challenges of applying the elements of craft to very personal content and how freeing and transformative working through that process can be. This week, I'm sharing what I've learned from applying the methods and process we've developed for helping others through ghostwriting, one-on-one coaching and our Memoir Method group program to tell my personal story of leaving the academy. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: Intro: 0:00 3:00- Moving from Ghosting writing to personal writing 6:30- Navigating Tension between audience and the self 9:00- Using message as guidance 10:30- Worrying about reactions 14:30- The personal and first person 17:00- Honestly presenting negative experiences 19:30- Outlining thinner and thicker chapters 21:30- Emotional distance 25:00- Structure is freeing 26:30- Outlining takes time 29:30- Process is supportive 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Over and over on this channel, we have emphasized that the whole concept of "the lone author" is a widely held myth. Most books are written with some form of support, whether its technical, editorial, or just moral. In the past several years, the term "book coach" has emerged more on the publishing scene. But what exactly is a book coach, who needs one, and what benefits can you really expect? Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: Intro:1:05 2:47 5 things book coaches do 3:02 What a book coaching session is like 9:05 1st benefit --(accountability) 13:18 2nd benefit-- training and education 20:00 3rd benefit-- community 23:07 4th benefit-- clarity 28:39: last benefit--sense of encouragement and support 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

The term "vanity press" is generally used as an insult or by authors to describe what they for sure don't want to do. The image of a "vanity" press is one that will slap a cover on every manuscript that crosses their desk without regard to quality or content at the direct cost of the author. A traditional publisher, in contrast, is one that pays author for their work and takes on all the funds the costs of publishing. But this binary black-and-white thinking isn't an accurate reflection of the current market and the options available. While endeavoring to avoid a "vanity press" at all costs, you might be thumbing your nose at genuine opportunities through other publishing paths. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

So many--so, so many--deserving stories go unfinished. It's understandable, as this writing process isn't easy and it's often not straightforward. We hear every week from authors who are trying to revitalize stories that they've shoved in a drawer five, ten, even thirty years ago. From working with these women, we see a clear pattern--there are five main reasons women abandon their memoirs. The good news? Every single one of them is something you can overcome. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 1:08 intro 2:07 The Real Problem 11:32 First reason- No plan or structure 11:41 2nd reason- Rigidity in thinking and process 18:28 third reason- Lack of investment 24:05 4th reason -Externalization of writing pressure 26:43 5th reason- Skill set not up to their own standards 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writers love a writerly accessory or two, but we all know deep down that having exactly the right notebook, keyboard, glasses chain, tea mug, color-coded post-its (I'm now just naming things on my desk, but you get the idea.) doesn't actually make or break your writing project. In fact, the real things you really must have for to make your writing project successful aren't things you add-to-cart. Today we talk about the five things we find essential for finishing that memoir. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: Intro - 1:07 2:12: 1st memoir must have- clear message 3:05 Topic vs message 6:34- A defined audience 11:29- A working outline 16:22- Accountability 19:53- Community 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We often refer to the drafting stage of the process "the chapter train"--especially when it's going well. If you set yourself up in development, you can get on the chapter train and chug-chug along to the end. But of course, having a plan doesn't mean something won't throw a problem on the tracks. This week, we're looking at five ways your chapters can go off the rails and how to stop and correct the issue and get back on the chapter train. (And two ways where your self doubt might tell you you're off track, but you really just need to keep going.) Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00 What does "off the rails" mean? 2:00- Self-doubt can derail your progress 4:14- You can't be "off the rails" if you never put the rails down 8:10- Being stuck in the "and thens" 13:00-Drifting into the clouds 16:50- Hopscotching 19:20- Rewriting spin cycle 23:10- You're not off the rails if you're making discoveries 27:00- Feeling like you're "too {fill in the blank}" is nearly always a second draft problem. 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We often talk about a memoir's central message and how important it is for a strong and focused narrative. Many starting and even experienced authors struggle with this focus because sometimes it can tip over into preachiness, which is a put-off to readers and goes against what many writers really want for their book. You're not here to be judgmental or tell people how live; you're here to share something you deeply feel is true, important, and may help others. This balance can be tricky to achieve, but we have four steps to ensure your message is clear and delivered in your narrative in a way that reads naturally and pleasantly, without veering into preachiness. Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update! Timestamps: 0:00-Intro 2:15- Balancing narrative and message can be technically difficult 3:55- Step 1: Find your story, make it narrow 6:10- Your topic and message are not the same 7:30- Step 2: Refine your message for your audience 10:30- Step 3: Define your turning points 12:40- Step 4: Ensure your outline focuses on change 14:00- Change and development helps avoid repetition and preachiness 👉 **Follow Us:** - **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/) - **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress) - **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/) 🎵 Music I Use: Bensound License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday! Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal