Stay Informed, Stay Inspired

Unlock Your Story: Get Monthly Inspiration from Modern Memoirs

Stay connected and inspired on your writing and publishing journey with the Modern Memoirs Newsletter. Launched in 2021, our free monthly e-newsletter delivers the latest news, insightful tips, and motivating stories directly to your inbox. Join our community of authors and friends—sign up today to fuel your creativity and explore past issues for a wealth of valuable content.

2025

March 2025: One Is Silver and the Other Gold

Summary: Modern Memoirs values both returning ("gold") and new ("silver") clients, offering a range of services highlighted in our latest newsletter. Discover upcoming online obituary writing workshops, customizable online/in-person workshops, giftable publishing consultations, book digitization to Digital Books with online author pages, a client interview on commissioned memoirs, and client books for sale in honor of Women's History Month. Explore how Modern Memoirs supports authors at every stage of their book journey.

February 2025: Ho’oponopono: Writing to Make Things Right

Summary: Inspired by the HBO Max medical drama "The Pitt" and its depiction of the Hawaiian healing ritual Ho'oponopono ("to make things right"), this reflection explores the profound power of "I love you," "Thank you," "I forgive you," and "Please forgive me." Just as characters in "The Pitt" seek reconciliation, many Modern Memoirs clients use their memoirs and family histories to express love, gratitude, and forgiveness, fostering healing in their relationships. Consider these powerful phrases as writing prompts to explore your own important connections, identify those to whom you wish to express these sentiments, and reflect on any barriers preventing you from doing so. Explore the potential of your story and reach out to Modern Memoirs to transform your words into a meaningful book for your loved ones.

January 2025: Hope as a Practice in the New Year

Summary: Reflecting on the devastating California wildfires, this message explores the distinction between fleeting optimism and the active practice of hope. Inspired by a conversation, the author shares personal ways of cultivating hope in the face of tragedy—learning, advocating, donating, connecting, and writing. The piece prompts readers to consider what "hope as a practice" means in their own lives in 2025, how it relates to their goals, and whether writing can be a tool to nurture hope. Modern Memoirs extends its support to those seeking to articulate their hopes and stories through the power of writing.

2024

December 2024: Memoir Lessons from the Barefoot Contessa

Summary: Inspired by attending an event with Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, discussing her memoir "Be Ready When the Luck Happens," this reflection shares key takeaways for memoir writers. Garten emphasized the importance of each anecdote having a clear point, the surprising emergence of a unifying theme (courage and determination), and the power of tackling one story at a time, reminiscent of Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird." Her core motivation, to offer hope after a difficult childhood, resonated deeply. Garten's candid yet balanced approach to challenging experiences serves as a guiding principle for Modern Memoirs in assisting authors. As our anniversary year concludes, we stand ready to help you share your story with similar intention and impact.

November 2024: Thanksgiving Tears

Summary: The anticipation of a Thanksgiving gathering highlights the holiday's core joys: shared meals and cherished time with extended family. Beyond present-day updates, the focus is on the crucial connection to past generations nurtured through shared narratives, mirroring an intern's observation on remembering ancestors. A poignant family story recounts a grandfather's emotional Thanksgiving blessings, revealing a timeless lesson: to remain steadfast in family, faith, and gratitude through life's trials. This Thanksgiving, the strength of these lasting bonds and stories is deeply valued.

October 2024: Your “Paper Toasts”: One Chapter in a Forthcoming Company History

September 2024: Toasts to the Team!

August 2024: Home Sweet Home

July 2024: Reasons and Purposes for Writing Memoirs

June 2024: What Can I Do?

May 2024: Unexpected Gifts

April 2024: Endlessly Fascinating

March 2024: Springtime’s Message: “Hang on to Your Hope”

February 2024: Sometimes We Write for Ourselves

January 2024: Anniversaries Aplenty in 2024