Moleskine – Iconic Writers’ Journal and How to Win One

06/02/2012 | No Comments

Who doesn’t love a new notebook?

The promise, the anticipation, the questions…

What shall I write in it? My novel, my memoir, my poems, a list of my favourite shoes…

Will I keep it pristine or let time and passion dog-ear its corners?

Will I hide it in a drawer or shall I leave it proudly on the coffee table?

Will I choose something patterned, something plain or something I can customise?

I have a mixture of notebooks. Some are very beautiful and expensive, others are very beautiful and cheap – usually vintage ones that I have bought at flea markets. Many have been gifts and some I have scavenged from my husband’s side of the study. Some of my notebooks are nothing more than cheap exercise books. They sit in a pile on my shelf, waiting to be used, hoping to be useful.

I have several Moleskine journals. Traditionally Moleskines (used by Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin among others) are black, but mine are turquoise. I love colour. It was difficult to choose between the turquoise and red, but I live near the sea, so I went with the blue. My turquoise Moleskines are filled with quotes I have copied from the writers interviews in The Paris Review, a favourite one being Dorothy Parker:

“I hate almost all rich people but I think I’d be darling at it.”

And haiku I have written:

Tumbling black plastic

collides, entwines with swirling leaf

carefree both

To celebrate everything that’s thrilling about notebooks and Moleskines in particular, I am going to run a monthly competition to win a Moleskine journal. They’ll be different each month, sometimes large, sometimes small, sometimes black, sometimes something more juicy. All you have to do is go to the Your Memoir website here and sign up where it says Mailing List. On the last day of each month I’ll pick a single name at random from all those who have signed up and send that person the Moleskine of the Month.

But before you zip off to do that, tell me about the notebooks you have known and loved (and are currently lusting after) below…

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Dear Marnie

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…

Sarah

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…

Rose H

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Marnie’s course but I’m delighted to have completed it. I’m just starting my memoir and now have a clear idea how to achieve it having soaked up all her wonderful advice and worked on her writing practices. Thank you so much Marnie!

Shane

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,…

Stephen Jon Thompson

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…

Andy Harper

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.

Cherry Ison

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…

Rose Hurst

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…

Becky

Life changing – I will remember it forever. Marnie, thanks for bringing the love we needed to nurture us and help us grow. Debbie, you have created a haven – a perfect place to write. The location is a dream!

Pema

It been part of my rebirth! Thank you for your fantastic wisdom and guidance, Marnie – forever grateful to you. Cannot fault your hospitality and kindness, Debbie.

Hayley

Space to write! Marnie has been a fantastic mentor and guide – informative, encouraging, reflective, and much more! It’s been like being in another world. And all with Debbie’s amazing support and food. The perfect writing retreat!

Sarah

A group writing retreat led by Marnie – enlightening, enjoyable and total support from Deb at Retreats For You.

Kendall

Brilliant teaching and guidance from Marnie, all facilitated by Debbie’s caring surroundings

Carol

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…

Martina Tyrrell

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…

Nadia Kamies

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.

Wendy Williams

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…

Rebecca, London

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…

Sherri Matthews

Thank you so much, Marnie. You have been wonderful. Enjoyed the retreat – a whole new experience. I learned a lot. Thank you again.

Muquim Ahmed

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.

Lizzy Perkins

I was fortunate to go to Whitstable for a shot in the arm of Marnie magic. This was my second retreat with Marnie and it was, as always, such a special time. Ticked all my writing boxes.

Wendy

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…

Keith Brymer Jones

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…

Michelle C

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…

Sonia

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.

Giovanna Cresswell-Forrester

I enjoyed your course, especially your cocktail of writing time, tips and references. Your supportive, caring presence is so encouraging, and just the antidote to the isolation that spawns those awfully unhelpful thoughts in relation to the whole crazy notion of writing a memoir!

Anon

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,…

Carol Carter

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…

Sarah Weller

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…

Tara Cochrane

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…

Michelle Reid

So helpful, good to be able to write and get advice from Marnie as I went along. Looking forward to coming back to the memoir Den.

Joining the Memoir Den was great. I made good use of the time, using it to rewrite a scene.

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…

Marian Green

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…

Frances Beaumont – Review of Retreat

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…

Margaret Davies

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.

Alan from Walsall

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…

Nic Bolt, A Bit Of A Stir

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,…

Ged Leach

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.

Christine Temlett

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 –…

Dorothea Paiva

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…

Amanda June

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.

Sally Woodmansee

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.

Jane Bloom

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.

Terry Waite CBE

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.

Joanne James

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.

Michael Fuller QPM

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…

Paul Beech

Although I met you when the book was almost finished, you were a breath of fresh air, who helped me dig deep and bring the suppressed memories to the surface in a couple of the most difficult chapters I had to write.

Hana Ali

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!

Sue Bassett

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…

Sarah Vines

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…

Amanda Dackombe

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

Lady Sandra Bates

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…

RedDoor Publishing

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…

Tony Barbieri

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…

Rose Smith

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.

Anthea McCarten

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…

Edna Murdoch

I found Marnie to be such an affable person. Not only that, but she gave me the confidence to finish my memoir.

Martin Davies

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….

Nancy Clark

Thank you so much for the edit. It was actually perfect. There were places where I knew the words were not quite right but I somehow couldn’t find a way to fix it and it’s exactly where you edited so I’m chuffed about that.

Anon

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…

Vanessa Nicolson

(My life) was a living nightmare. Thanks for listening to it and helping me come to terms with it and enabling me to write this story.

Anon

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

Liz Wilson

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.

Mollie and Peggie

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.

Alastair Burtt

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

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…

Sally Woodmansee

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

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.

Suzannah Ridgway

Marnie helped my father to edit his memoir Once A Sapper Always A Sapper. He really enjoyed working with her and looked forward to her visits.

Sam

This book that was written with Marnie, has totally opened the door and changed my whole outlook on life.

Brian

Marnie is a delightful lady and immediately made my Dad feel relaxed and start to chat about his life and wartime experiences.

Michael

I’d like to say how much I enjoyed reading my aunt’s memoirs that Marnie collated and wrote.

Diana

I’d just like to say a huge thank you for the dedication and passion you gave while ghostwriting with me.

Sally Woodmansee

I am amazed at what you’ve done. I’m excited. I think my memoir will be wonderful.

This is something I have been waiting to do for a long time, but when I lost my sight I thought that was it. And then I found Your Memoir.

Jan

All the books we ordered have sold and people are asking for further copies. People have been so interested! We’re really happy with everything Marnie did.

John

Marnie has the superb ability to write as if she is inside your head – and your heart. Marnie gave me new hope when I was struggling to write my own book.

I came to Marnie for editing and printing of my life story. I could never have hoped to do the excellent job that Marnie did.

Gerard

Marnie ghosted our memoir of motorbiking around Europe for charity. The whole experience was very relaxed. Marnie was very friendly and accomodating yet professional.

Jane and Reg

Home From War is a very moving and touching story of love triumphing over all that life dealt this young soldier. A very captivating read, could not put it down. Would recommend this book.

Amazon

Home From War is a truly inspirational and moving account of how love can conquer even the hardest things.

Amazon

I received your book. It is absolutely fabulous. I really enjoyed reading the letters from my grandfather to you.

Lloyd