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In this special episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane addresses the common question from aspiring authors: how to write a book when you're not quote/unquote "a writer." Allison talks with celebrated memoir coach and author Marion Roach Smith about the significance of personal storytelling in nonfiction, the differences between memoir and autobiography, and actionable steps for starting and structuring a memoir. Marion encourages emerging authors to embrace their stories and integrate their personal experiences to create compelling narratives. The episode includes practical advice for writing memoirs, tackling common fears, and understanding the market for memoirs. It also touches on the importance of crafting engaging titles and building a presence through essays and opinion pieces. Allison and Marion emphasize the need for courage in memoir writing and provide insights into querying agents and marketing one's work.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Memoir

00:43 Addressing Common Questions About Writing

01:05 The Importance of Personal Storytelling

01:17 Interview with Marion Roach Smith

02:13 Starting Your Memoir: Tips and Insights

04:18 Understanding Memoir vs. Autobiography

06:13 Writing with Authority and Expertise

08:15 Crafting a Compelling Memoir

10:56 Engaging Your Audience with Personal Stories

14:37 Querying Agents and Publishing Tips

24:00 Think Like a Marketer: Audience Segmentation

25:59 The Power of Courage in Writing

27:51 Crafting a Compelling Memoir

31:13 The Market for Memoir: Myths and Realities

34:49 Creating a Standout Title

38:14 Building Your Writing Portfolio

44:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

📚 Resources Mentioned: 

• Marion Roach Smith: https://marionroach.com 
• The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life

 https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780446584845

• Take Marion’s Memoir Classes: https://marionroach.com/learn-to-write-memoir-in-4-online-memoir-classes-with-marion-roach-smith/
• Qwerty podcast: https://marionroach.com/category/qwerty-podcast/ 
• I Don’t Know How You Do It podcast by Jessica Fein: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-dont-know-how-you-do-it/id1668168226
• The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards by Jessica Waite https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781668044858 
• Breathtaking: a Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes by Jessica Fein https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781681151106

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