Thank you to memoirist Grace Olsen for this wonderful guest post. I came across Grace on Twitter and was hugely impressed with her positive attitude towards self-publishing and the success she has had.
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What would you do in this situation?
Earlier this year, I finally got around to reading the memoir Educated by Tara Westover. So many people had recommended it to me.
“I bought a desk!”
This week I started the first of my new memoir writing groups. The first one was in Herne Bay, where I met with several writers, two of whom I had worked with before.
Out In The World
Something that I don’t see written or spoken about very much is how it feels to release your story into the wild.
Or at least, how authors feel at this crucial stage other than deliriously happy.
Damp Squib
Some finales are a bit rubbish, aren’t they. I never watched Game Of Thrones but I know some people really had the hump about it.
Take Your Time
Now I want to talk about why it can be good, and by good, I mean resulting in a more authentic memoir and healing creative experience, if you take your time writing the thing.
Your Perfect Writing Space
Assuming you might be trying mine and James Clear’s advice (and attaching your writing habits to other habits you already have) what about where we write? Is the space in which you write important to you?
Making time to write our memoirs
So when I say that I hear, “I’m going to make time,” or “I must make time,” it’s not that I don’t believe people. I do and I do everything in my power to encourage them. But what isn’t true, is that we can make time.
Dear Marnie
I took your online Start Writing Keep Writing course in October 2022, when my memoir was in a fairly early stage, and I’m delighted to say that I finished the first draft in March 2024! I couldn’t have done it without the tuition I received on your course and I look forward to rewatching some of the videos as I work through…
Would highly recommend this course to all memoirists! Marnie breaks down everything you need to know in an interactive fun way. You will come out of each session with a jam packed reading list and feeling confident in what you need to write with lots of tips, tricks and writing prompts. There is always time for questions during and after…
This course was a joy! Through undertaking this course, my initial hope of getting my memoir started has been exceeded in so many ways. Marnie’s enthusiasm for the subject is infectious, her sharing of knowledge and wide variety of examples spark so many ideas. The course is a great base to start your memoir writing journey, or to inject new…
There are any number of courses and webinars you can take on how to write a memoir. Most of them follow the same path: talking about scenes, show, don’t tell, writing prompts, and/or advice on structure. All good stuff, but what makes Marnie’s Your Memoir courses different, and better, is that she makes a person feel that, yes, I can…
I’m in the final Line Edit Sign Off edit with my publisher. I’m thrilled to be at this spot and I could not have been here without Marnie. Marnie was so thoughtful when I handed the manuscript to her for assistance. She aided me in telling a story that was painful to recall and yet inspiring to the reader. Now,…
I will be forever grateful that a friend recommended Marnie, as a possible source of support, as I was writing my first book. Marnie’s expertise guidance and supportive encouragement made it possible for me to realise my dream. Marnie clearly knows her craft and with her encouragement my confidence and self-belief grew. Marnie has a very down to earth, gentle…
I am so happy to recommend Marnie’s classes. She is an inspirational coach, friendly, talented, encouraging, and fun to work with. You won’t regret signing up to any of her memoir classes or retreats.
The thing with Marnie Summerfield Smith is, she really knows memoir. Like, really, really knows the genre. She has spent the last 12 years working on any and all aspects of it. Her webinars are a delight, in that in order to show us what she is teaching, she reads from published memoirs and we get to hear how beautiful…
My first ever writing retreat and oh my gosh – it will take some beating! Marnie, you continue to make me believe I can do this, that I am good at it, and that what I have to say is important. I’m leaving with 6,000 new words and renewed confidence. I felt so looked after by Debbie, a home away…
How often do you take a risk and get the best editor ever? And then, as we journeyed through the alterations, additions and yes, the cuts, I watched how dedicated she was to the process, always a step ahead of us, merging our stories and seeing through the eyes of the reader. And because of this, I believe that this…
Vonda Peterson and Kelly Neville, authors of The Hole In Our Hearts
Start Writing, Keep Writing was just the boost I needed to get back to work on my stagnating memoir. I’d already written a first draft, but it was languishing on my laptop. Week by week, Marnie gave me tips and ideas to breathe life into my chapters and to rethink my approach to writing certain parts of my story. Not…
I first Marnie at a workshop she was giving at the York Writers’ Festival last year and was drawn to her warmth and empathy. I was coming to the end of a long book journey and needed help to refocus my writing, so signed up for the online course. Marnie’s course was great for airing my brain and the writing…
Even experienced writers can be intimidated at the thought of writing a memoir – how much to reveal, who might be offended, do I want to expose myself to the world? Marnie’s course is a thoughtful and supportive introduction to becoming a memorist. Stimulating and motivating – I highly recommend it.
Marnie’s memoir course is a joy to take part in. She has given me the confidence to keep writing and her whole approach is compassionate, empathetic and reassuring. Unlike other writing courses I’ve been on, you will never be picked on to share anything you don’t want to and the small group size helped to make the sessions feel intimate…
I now feel confident to start submitting after a two-year stutter. You gave me that last push I needed. Your read-through and feedback have been invaluable. I am so grateful. You pushed me into that last deep dive, and my memoir is so much richer for it.I will tell anyone and everyone wanting to write their memoir where to come…
Thank you so much, Marnie. You have been wonderful. Enjoyed the retreat – a whole new experience. I learned a lot. Thank you again.
Marnie knows her stuff. She is encouraging and insightful and used her knowledge of writing coupled with strong listening skills to guide me towards finishing my story. The retreat was intimate and provided me with lots of time to write and also time to spend with other writers. Thanks Marnie for a marvellous retreat.
Being on stage with Marnie at the Faversham Literary Festival was incredibly natural. The rapport between us was great. She managed to get best out of me and highlight the book in a very concise way, whilst being informative and funny yet respectful when discussing emotional aspects of the book. Marnie had obviously read the book and researched and planned…
Loved the online memoir writing course. As someone toying with whether memoir is the right way to go, Marnie gave insightful advice around structure, great examples of the ‘how’ along with on the spot exercises to flex the writing muscles straight into memory. I’d recommend the course for all levels, whether that’s a motivation boost to get you started or…
I thought that each lesson was a safe space to learn in. I like the fact that you can remain anonymous. With some online writing courses the other participants can see and hear you and you’re expected to share what you’ve written and interact live with people. Not everyone wants to do that. I loved the writing prompts and the…
I loved everything about the online memoir course. Marnie – you have a unique gift. You are compassionate, empathetic, intuitive and charismatic. It’s been lovely to learn from you.Even though I am still on the starting blocks you have helped me believe in myself.
I was a complete novice. The main thing I have taken away is your insistence to, “Just do it, just write and you can edit etc later. ”You gave me the productive mindset of doing rather than just thinking. I liked the format of the sessions, they suited me, and I am pleased to know I can revisit the sessions,…
Being part of the Cream Tea Memoir Crew was a pleasure and a joy. We spent the best part of a week huddled together, deep in the Devon countryside, surrounded by beautiful farmlands and rain! To have the freedom to write (or not) within this group was an experience I will never forget. Marnie has a gift for putting people…
I booked a retreat with Marnie about a year after first putting pen to paper. I had no idea what to expect but hoped to find direction, clarity and inspiration. I didn’t expect to find all of that and more. I came to her with pages of scattered thoughts, questioning why I ever thought writing my Memoir was a good…
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Marnie at the memoir writing retreat in 2021. She’s so easy to talk to, non-judgemental, has a sharp sense of humour, and so much empathy; all qualities that make her perfect for coaching memoir writing. I will absolutely continue to work with Marnie as I progress with my…
There were so many good things about this retreat! I loved the total isolation from the world where all the ordinary things of daily life were put on hold. No work, cooking, washing, school pick-ups or involvement in the dramas of others lives. This “away time” was such a gift and gave me space to order my thoughts and see…
Those four days on the memoir writing retreat with Marnie were unforgettable, deeply enjoyable and like a ‘time out of time’. It was so valuable to meet and share with other memoirists in supportive and comfortable surroundings. Marnie ensured we all had personal time with her. If you are serious about writing your memoir, I recommend taking an enjoyable break…
I had the pleasure of working with Marnie as she carried out a manuscript assessment for my memoir. Marnie was referred to me by Jericho Writers. She’s truly an expert in her field. Marnie’s written feedback to me was valuable, relevant, insightful and very encouraging. She clearly set out the areas that were working and identified the key elements that…
With my current health problems, I do feel content and happy that I have been able to write my life story for my loved ones. My grandchildren are very young, but in the years to come they will enjoy and appreciate reading my memoir Darlo Boy. Thank you so much for your assistance Marnie.
I felt as if Marnie was holding my hand throughout. She wanted to do the very best for me. Her caring and compassionate nature was evident from day one. Apart from being extremely intuitive, her wonderful writing skills seemed contagious and I found myself expressing myself like I had never done before! She gently prised open my life without me…
If you’ve already written your memoirs but need a bit of guidance as well as an experienced memoir checker, then you need look no further. I contacted Marnie about a memoir I had already written entitled ‘The Life and Times of a Seminary Kid’ which was a humorous look at five years of my life at a priest’s training college. Initially,…
My books have arrived! I am so excited and delighted. You are the best ghostwriter. I felt totally comfortable confiding in you, and your kindness and understanding has helped me come to terms with things that have happened. I am sure you’ve helped a lot of people.
My memoir is written from different points of view. Marnie recommended adding more of my own emotions, that I sew the story together using my voice and feelings as the thread. She is open-minded and encouraged me by understanding the atmosphere I am trying to convey about a sensitive topic that informs the lives of three generations of women –…
Working with Marnie was a dream come true! She as so helpful and encouraging with my memoir, we corresponded a year before we started working together and she gave me very helpful advice from the start. We worked together editing my memoir over seven months. Marnie is very patient, understanding and kind, traits that are so important when writing a…
I found the entire process with Marnie as my ghostwriter to be cathartic in every way. Where I had felt nervous and anxious about putting pen to paper, I found myself feeling optimistic and often excited.
I wouldn’t have managed to do it (the launch or the book) without Marnie. If you know the story of Dumbo who thought he could not fly without holding the feather in his trunk, well I call Marnie my feather.
Marnie conducted my interview at the Whitstable Book Festival with skill and sensitivity. She was a good listener and took a genuine interest in her subject. We had a capacity audience for what was a very successful afternoon.
Once I had decided that I needed to write a memoir, the next question was: where on earth do I start? I am so grateful that it was Marnie’s website that caught my attention first, as from the very moment I spoke to Marnie, I knew I was in good hands.
I first met Marnie when she interviewed me at Harbour Books, Whitstable about my book Kill The Black One First – a memoir. I found her a very warm and helpful person. She was very well researched and her questions incisive and pertinent. She certainly helped make the event a success.
Throughout the whole editing process I felt both expertly held and simultaneously challenged to push my memoir to rewarding new heights. Marnie instinctively knows how to inspire with insightful suggestions whilst marshalling disparate strains of thought into cohesive order. My project was particularly exposing on a personal level and Marnie handled everything with extraordinary insight and sensitivity. I can’t imagine…
I was delighted when Marnie agreed to provide a workshop for the 2018 Kent Festival of Writing. Zuihitzu, the Japanese art of following the pen, proved a very attractive proposition for our delegates and we were oversubscribed. Neither Marnie or I wanted to turn anyone away, so it was a packed event!
Thank you for your help in making this happen, and for putting Neil’s words together so accurately. We were so pleased that the first draft arrived in time for us to read it as a family to Neil. I know he really enjoyed his couple of days with you. Thank you. Sarah Vines, brother of Neil, author of Powerful Beyond…
In the run-up weekend to our 2018 festival Marnie hosted a very well attended day of memoir-writing events, beginning with a moving, eloquent discussion in which she talked to author Sarah Pullen about her memoir A Mighty Boy. As an interviewer Marnie is a true professional, asking thought-provoking yet sensitive and heartfelt questions, and putting everyone at ease in that…
My darling, I have read the book from cover to cover out loud. It is a wonderful book. My excitement is so great darling, you’re a star. Let’s write another one! Lady Sandra Bates, seventh bunny at the original Playboy Club, London, and author of How To Be A Kept Woman
It was a pleasure working with Marnie on the Writer’s Weekend. She was approachable, professional and communicative in the lead-up to the event and during the weekend she was wonderful. All delegates commented on her kind manner, her knowledge, and her ability to bring out the best writing in them. I can highly recommend collaborating with Marnie, who would be…
While reading your feedback yesterday the hairs were literally standing on my arms because I knew you were the right person to make this manuscript the best it can be…
A couple of weeks after the Memoir Writing Weekend, I am reflecting on what a difference it has made. For a long while I have had a desire to share my story, I did not have a clue how or where to start. All I knew is that there was at least one story there to be told. The workshops…
All I knew was: I wanted to share my story, write my memoirs. I Googled ghostwriter and Marnie was the first person I contacted. Marnie made such a great first impression that I felt no need to look any further.
This was a brilliant weekend – way above my expectations. Marnie just knows about memoir and her presentations were superbly focussed and paced. It’s rare to find someone who combines a high level of professional knowledge with the relational skills that make it all work. If you are needing support with your writing, hire this woman! Edna Murdoch Director Coaching…
I found Marnie to be such an affable person. Not only that, but she gave me the confidence to finish my memoir.
I have been lucky enough to work with Marnie on several occasions where she has interviewed, hosted and compèred events I have been managing. Marnie is a joy to watch at work. When the lights dim and she takes the microphone, I feel totally at ease knowing that everything will be safe in her hands. Marnie has a real gift….
Marnie interviewed me about my memoir Have You Been Good? for Whit Lit in 2015. Before we met at the festival, we had a long telephone conversation and I was struck at how quickly she understood my book. Her intelligence, warmth and sensitivity made the interview on the day feel more like a conversation with an old friend. A year…
Thank you for interviewing me for my event at the London Fashion and Textile Museum in November, 2018. You made me feel so relaxed and I appreciate your unerring and priceless support. You made the talk possible for me and I’m incredibly grateful. Liz Wilson, owner of Eclectica Vintage
A very good service. As well as helping us write our memoirs about our adventures as wartime entertainers, Marnie arranged for us to be interviewed on BBC Radio 4, and organised a wonderful book launch for us at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.
I attended the Red Door Memoir Writing Weekend because my daughter was one of the organisers and I wanted to support her and the Red Door publishing house. I was a little interested in memoir writing but now… I’m passionate about it.
Thank you Marnie for sharing your insightful and inspirational creativeness with me – well, and all of us. I loved the weekend and have come away full of excitement to write write write. Actually perhaps it’s more to organise organise organise! Oh well somehow I am determined to get my ‘stuff’ together. Thank you again. Penny Wadsworth
Absolutely loved every minute of this amazing memoir writing retreat, and the time spent with such lovely people, sharing their deeply touching life experiences. Special thanks to you Marnie for all your encouragement, support and know how. Marnie helped me with my first book and now I am going to write the sequel myself. Feeling truly inspired and motivated with…
I found the memoir retreat very inspiring. I was touched by Marnie’s professionalism as well as finesse in her comments. A truly enlightening weekend. Thank you so much for all the encouragement. Mona Radwan
Marnie is a truly special person with a wonderful gift. She is sincere and compassionate. I loved working with her. My book was rather complicated.
I’d just like to say a huge thank you for the dedication and passion you gave while ghostwriting with me.
Marnie ghosted our memoir of motorbiking around Europe for charity. The whole experience was very relaxed. Marnie was very friendly and accomodating yet professional.
