Maybe this is the time to write a memoir with truth and grace? For the first half of January, we are going to focus on writing. 2020 was one helluva a year and if yours was anything like mine, I bet you’ve got a story (or two) to tell! Better out than in, I say… and this is a brilliant time to write down the hard earned stories from your work and life, and what all that happened to you in 2020.
My special guest today is Elizabeth McCain and she’s simplifying how to write a memoir with truth and grace. If you’ve got stories bubbling up inside of you that may be of value for others to read and learn from, you’ll want to take notes during today’s conversation. Hey, maybe it’s time to become a memoir writer for a season?
Here’s how.
Contents
My special guest today is Elizabeth McCain and she’s simplifying how to write a memoir with truth + grace.
We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:
- How to determine if the book inside you is a memoir or if there is a better format to tell your story
- What the single most important lesson was that she learned as she wrote her memoir
- Where to find people that will hold you accountable during the writing process
- How to write about people who are still alive that are key to your storytelling
- …and ultimately, we talked about telling “the truth” – what, why and how when telling your story. Why it is so important to find your own unique, authentic voice through the writing process.
Elizabeth’s poignant memoir is a pleasure to read and hear. If you remember, she was a recommendation from Laura Zam (e146 – How to create more pleasure in life)… and I’m so glad we’re now connected!
My hope is that this episode inspires the creative writer inside you and that you find the courage to share it with the world, whether it’s on your blog, as a self-published author or even get a book deal. Here’s where to begin.
Q: Are you ready to write a memoir? If yes, this one is for you.
It’s time to #DoTheThing!
<What’s catching my eye this week>
- Breonna Taylor: Who She Was, How She Died, Why Justice Is Overdue – The Daily Show
- 7 creative ways to tell a powerful story – The Write Life
- 50 powerful questions to help you reflect – The Institute of You
- Mary is offering 50-minute 1-1 brainstorming sessions for those looking for ideas on how to pivot their businesses
My challenge for you this week:
How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and start to write your memoir this week? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and tag @thesimplifiers on Instagram for added accountability and support!
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Book: A Lesbian Belle Tells: OUTrageous Southern Stories of Family, Loss, and Love – Elizabeth McCain
Book: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear – Elizabeth Gilbert
Resource: 10 keys to forgiveness – Elizabeth McCain
Podcast: How to write your first book, featuring Elizabeth Kracht – The Simplifiers Podcast
Podcast: How to squash your limiting self-beliefs – The Simplifiers Podcast
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About Elizabeth McCain
Elizabeth McCain – She is an author, a spiritual counselor, transformational storyteller and story coach, solo performer, workshop and retreat leader, and an Interfaith minister.
She is the author of a compelling memoir, A Lesbian Belle Tells: OUTrageous Southern Stories of Family, Loss, and Love about her trues stories of growing up in Mississippi, coming out in DC, finding true love and belonging and dealing with family estrangement.
For almost thirty years, she’s supported women and the LGBTQ community, helping them to share and reframe their personal stories of coming out/living out, dealing with loss, love, and transformation.
She has also written and performed an award-winning one-woman show, A Lesbian Belle Tells.
Where Elizabeth hangs out online:
Website: elizabethmccain.com
Instagram: @Alesbianbelletells
Facebook: @Thisbelletells
Elizabeth’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Dr. Deb Barnett – She is a psychologist and coach helping women uncover their feminine radiance and learn to live, love and lead from this space.
Watch the video version of the episode
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