It's the final episode of season 2! We're reflecting on 19 previous shows dedicated to the craft of writing, plus discussing the pleasures and rewards of writing for joy. Thank you for a great season and we'll see you in season 3!

Mark Twain. George Sand. Stephen King. George Orwell. Dr. Seuss. J.K. Rowling. Anne Rice. All these authors have at least one thing in common--they all go by (or have gone by) pseudonyms on their bylines. Perhaps you're considering whether to adopt a pen name for your memoir, so should you? Barbara tends to feel that pseudonyms work better for fiction than memoir, but feel free to disagree--listen to this week's episode for her rationale.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Study: On Twitter, false news travels faster than true stories | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308

• A potted history of pen names – National Library of Scotland Blog https://blog.nls.uk/a-potted-history-of-pen-names/

Chapters

00:00 The Dilemma of Memoir Writing

00:49 The Impact of Anonymity in Writing

01:45 Historical Context of Pseudonyms

04:26 The Pros and Cons of Using a Pen Name

06:37 Navigating the Challenges of Non-Fiction

09:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Memoir

12:10 Upcoming Conversations and Reflections

Why do memoir writers need to get vulnerable? And how do you actually do it without oversharing?

In this episode, we explore why vulnerability is the key to powerful memoir writing. Drawing wisdom from Brené Brown, Mary Karr, Joan Didion, and examples from Selma Blair's powerful memoir Mean Baby, we break down how to transform your challenging experiences into compelling narrative.

You'll learn:
• Why vulnerability creates instant connection with readers
• The difference between raw and crafted vulnerability
• Practical techniques to write difficult scenes
• How to balance emotional truth with personal boundaries

Perfect for memoir writers, personal essayists, or anyone looking to add emotional depth to their writing.

🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday.

• Selma Blair, Mean Baby: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Mean-Baby-Memoir-Growing-Up-ebook/dp/B09JRSVSVV⁠
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• Brené Brown: "Vulnerability is the absolute heartbeat of innovation and creativity. There can be zero innovation without vulnerability." ⁠⁠2012 TED Talk "Listening to Shame."⁠⁠ https://blog.ted.com/vulnerability-is-the-birthplace-of-innovation-creativity-and-change-brene-brown-at-ted2012/
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• Mary Karr: "The more you're willing to examine your own stuff, the more you're willing to let other people see it." (From "⁠The Art of Memoir⁠," 2015) https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/ART-MEMOIR-Karr-Mary-Harper-New/17951252138/bd?ref_=ps_ms_267691761&cm_mmc=msn-_-comus_dsa-_-naa-_-naa&msclkid=263004638b9d1a30ac9d63faccf98994

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  Anne Lamott: "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories." (From "⁠Bird by Bird⁠," 1994) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=book+bird+by+bird+by+anne+lamott&adgrpid=1335908157631733&hvadid=83494492075702&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=98633&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83495218917021%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22593_13494535&msclkid=7bf28ca371a61220d477eb3a36238659&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_15aemxxo1c_p

  
  

  Joan Didion: "I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking." (From "⁠Why I Write⁠," 1976) https://www.nytimes.com/1976/12/05/archives/why-i-write-why-i-write.html

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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Should you write at dawn (and standing) like Hemingway or burn the midnight oil like Kafka? Science has some unexpected answers. In this episode, we explore the fascinating research behind creative timing and why your "off-peak" hours might be your creative sweet spot. From brain science to practical routines, discover why the best time to write isn't what you might think - and how to find a schedule that actually works for your life.

Episode highlights:
• The truth about willpower and creative thinking
• Why being tired might boost your creativity
• How modern life affects writing schedules
• Finding your sustainable writing rhythm

Drawing from neuroscience, creativity research, and the daily practices of writers across centuries, this episode offers both scientific insight and practical wisdom for your writing life. Research:

Time of day effects on problem solving: When the non-optimal is optimal: Thinking & Reasoning: Vol 17, No 4⁠

• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13546783.2011.625663

A night and day difference: Circadian clock may protect aging eyes

• https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2022/Q1/a-night-and-day-difference-circadian-clock-may-protect-aging-eyes/

The Great Willpower Debate: The Missing Piece | Psychology Today

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/changepower/201112/the-great-willpower-debate-the-missing-piece

Duration: 22 minutes

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Body Clock and Writing

02:57 The Science of Morning vs. Night Writing

04:54 The Role of Light and Environment

10:10 Adapting to Modern Life and Schedules

14:20 Finding Your Consistent Writing Time

Getting Your Memoir Writing Resolution Back on Track

Why do so many people abandon their New Year's resolution to write their life story? In this episode, Barbara explores the science behind habit formation and how to apply it specifically to memoir writing. Drawing from behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's research on habit formation, we break down the key barriers that stop aspiring memoirists—and provide concrete solutions to overcome them.

Episode Highlights:

• Why the second Friday of January is known as "Quitter's Day"
• The "What the Hell Effect" and how it derails memoir writers
• Why rigid writing schedules often backfire
• How to use "temptation bundling" to make writing irresistible
• The right (and wrong) ways to use fresh starts in your writing practice

Key Concepts:

• Present bias in memoir writing
• Flexible vs. rigid routines
• Commitment devices for writers
• The mentorship effect
• Progress tracking systems

Resources:

How To Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be by Katy Milkman https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Science-Getting-Where/dp/059308375X

Memoir doctor Wendy Dale's interview on Writing for Immortality https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/writingforimmortality/episodes/Why-Your-Memoir-Isnt-Working-and-How-to-Fix-It-with-Wendy-Dale-e2t84u4

Chapters

00:00 New Year, New Goals: The Quitters Day Reality

02:30 Understanding Barriers to Memoir Writing

04:37 The 'What the Hell' Effect: Overcoming Setbacks

17:12 Flexibility in Writing Routines

20:49 Present Bias: Finding Immediate Rewards

25:30 Fresh Starts: Embracing New Beginnings

28:44 Maintaining Long-Term Motivation

Join the conversation: Share your memoir writing challenges and successes with us on social media using #Writing4Immortality #MemoirWriting #WritingHabits

Happy 2025! We're back with a great episode about memoir writing and how to make your memoir more enjoyable to read and to write.

Yes, it's possible. In this episode of Writing for Immortality, Barbara sits down with Wendy Dale, author of Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals and former Media Bistro memoir writing instructor. After teaching hundreds of writers how to structure their life stories, Wendy knows exactly where most memoirs go wrong and how to fix them. In her new book, The Memoir Engineering System (available January 11, reserve your copy at the link below) she breaks down common mistakes writers make with story structure.

She shares a practical framework that transforms scattered life events into narrative that works. From her own failed childhood memoir to her successful published work, Wendy brings both humor and hard-won wisdom to the craft. If you've ever wondered how to transform your life experiences into a book that keeps readers turning pages, this episode is for you.

The Memoir Engineering System: https://www.amazon.com/Memoir-Engineering-System-First-Draft-ebook/dp/B0DQ9MPFSP

Wendy's YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/LXKxNUP5fqA?feature=shared

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Memoir Writing with Wendy Dale

05:00 The Importance of Structure in Memoir

09:25 Common Mistakes in Memoir Writing

12:39 The Role of Subjectivity in Memoir

16:55 Understanding the System vs. Formula in Writing

18:28 Show, Don't Tell: A Misunderstood Principle

21:50 The Misinterpretation of 'Show, Don't Tell'

24:39 Understanding Theme vs. Structure in Writing

27:44 The Seven Steps to Memoir Writing

31:12 The Importance of Outlining in Writing

34:25 Overcoming Writer's Block and Motivation Issues

38:18 The Role of AI in Memoir Writing

No episode today! Just wanted to say Happy Holidays and that Writing for Immortality will be back in January with all new episodes!

Join host Barbara as she sits down with bestselling author Honoree Corder and ghostwriter Kent Sanders to discuss their new book "Your Book Means Business." Learn why business professionals need a book, what makes a truly exceptional business book, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the book creation process. With millions of books sold between them, these experts share insider tips on creating a "bespoke book" that can transform your business and career.

Find Honoree at: https://honoreecorder.com/

Find Kent here: https://www.kentsanders.net/

Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
02:21 - Why Write This Book Now?
04:37 - The Power of Collaboration
06:55 - Making Time for Your Book
11:43 - What is a "Bespoke Book"?
14:03 - The Right Length for Business Books
18:55 - Common Mistakes to Avoid
21:20 - The Trend Toward Shorter Books
27:56 - Marketing Your Book
41:41 - Creative Ways to Leverage Your Book
51:55 - What Makes a Great Ghostwriter
56:40 - Closing & Contact Information