LIESE GARDNER

Writing Your Memoir:
Expert Guidance for Crafting a Compelling Life Story

Writing your memoir is a transformative experience that allows you to share your unique story with the world. Whether you're looking to document personal milestones or craft a narrative that inspires others, Liese Gardner is your guide through every step and consideration of the memoir-writing process.

And stay tuned! In 2025, Liese is launching the Write Naked series of workshops for both online and in person experience. All these writing workshops are designed to provide you with expert guidance and support as you learn to craft a memoir that captivates and resonates.

IT’S TIME

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writing your memoir

Hi! I’m LIESE

I have always been a writer and an editor. Fresh out of journalism school I was named editor of a well-known industry magazine.

From my first day there, I set the editorial tone, chose the stories, and wrote about small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. My favorite part of the job was helping to craft compelling stories and editorials our readers loved.

Today, I still love working with writers and helping you write your memoir!

Before you

BEGIN…

writing your memoir

Memoir vs. Autobiography: What’s the Difference?

Before you begin, it’s important to understand the distinction between a memoir and an autobiography.

  • Memoir: Focuses on specific events or themes from your life, offering deeper insights and reflections.

  • Autobiography: Provides a broader, chronological account of your entire life.

Clarifying this will help you define the scope and direction of your memoir effectively.

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Discovering Your Memoir's Central Theme

Finding the core theme of your memoir is crucial for creating a compelling narrative. To uncover your theme:

  • Reflect on Your Life: Identify significant experiences and pivotal moments that have shaped your journey.

  • Identify Recurring Themes: Look for common threads or lessons that can unify your narrative.

  • Focus Your Narrative: Choose a central theme that will guide and give structure to your memoir.

writing your memoir

Outlining your memoir

A structured outline is essential for a cohesive memoir. To create your outline:

  • Catalog Key Events: List the major events or experiences you want to include, arranging them in a logical sequence.

  • Craft a Narrative Arc: Design a clear beginning, middle, and end to ensure a smooth flow of your story.

  • Break Down Chapters: Plan the content of each chapter to focus on specific events or themes, contributing to the overall narrative.

Writing

ENGAGING MEMOIR PROSE

To make your memoir engaging, focus on:

  • Showing, Not Telling: Use descriptive language and vivid details to immerse readers in your experiences.

  • Incorporating Dialogue: Add authenticity and depth to your narrative by including meaningful conversations.

  • Maintaining a Consistent Voice: Ensure your narrative voice is consistent and reflective of your unique perspective.

  • Attending writing workshops: Go deep with us during an annual writing workshop. Whether you’re working on a memoir, a cookbook, a series of personal blogs or even business newsletters, my workshops guide you from journal to journey.

Revising and Editing Your Memoir

Polishing your memoir involves careful revision and editing. Here’s how to refine your work:

  • Get Feedback: Share your manuscript with trusted individuals or writing groups to gain valuable insights.

  • Revise for Clarity: Ensure your narrative flows smoothly and that each chapter advances the story.

  • Proofread Thoroughly: Check for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors to enhance readability.

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Marketing

YOUR MEMOIR

Writing your memoir is just the start! If you want people to be inspired and learn from your story, they need to be able to find it! Here are three key marketing component that you will explore inside my workshops.

writing your memoir

Your Website

Create a professional site to showcase your book and provide updates on events and signings. Plus, create your Amazon Author page.

writing your memoir

Leverage social media

Use social media to help you find and engage with potential readers and promote your memoir, even before it’s published! An added bonus is that you are building social proof for potential publishers.

writing your memoir

Connect with traditional media

As you work on your memoir or book, reach out to targeted media with articles from your story, positioning yourself as an authority and a go-to for interviews in that field or topic.

READY TO START WRITING

YOUR MEMOIR TODAY?

Sign up for my free mini course for insights, tips and exercises.

 Every day, I will email you a different lesson and exercises to go with it.

WE’LL COVER:

  1. Why It's Important to Write A Crappy First Draft

  2. The Power of an Outline

  3. How to Build Your World with the Five Senses

  4. How to Find Your Voice

  5. The Secret Sauce: Editing

how to start writing your memoir by liese gardner - free mini course

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

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HOW CAN I HELP YOU? ~

  • Consultation and Editing

  • Promoting You and Your Book

  • Social Media Assistance

  • Content Marketing Creation

  • Writing Exercises and Tips

  • "Liese believed in me when I told her I wanted to write a book about my life. She read my chapters, guided me, supported me, cheered me on. She offered insights, tips and ideas for structure. She made it fun and kept me going even through the final stages. At the end of the day, I have a book!"

    Tim Green
    Author, Another Hill and Sometimes a Mountain

  • "Liese was tasked with content, design, and the overall management of the project. We were on a very tight, less than a 30-day, timeline. Not only did Liese deliver, but she was very patient and gracious along the way, navigating between all the parties involved in bringing the entire project together to meet a very tight deadline. "

    Trina Rozen, CPA
    Founder of Writersroomcpa.com

  • "When I reflect on my career and the years I have spent in the special events industry, there are a few names that come to mind who have been by my side throughout the journey. Liese Gardner is one of those names. I have been able to consistently rely on Liese as a partner, collaborator and innovator. The work she does and the inspired advice she gives always puts things into perspective for me and truly inspires me to think deeper."

    David Merrell President
    AOO Events

  • "Liese is my go-to marketing peer when developing new writing concepts or brainstorming creative food and beverage article ideas. She quickly grasps the core of any idea I’m working on and immediately offers fresh, insightful feedback. Brainstorming with her is productive and fun, as she brings many exciting possibilities. Liese’s warm and approachable nature makes every collaboration something I look forward to!"

    —KORI CARTER GILLESPIE
    Brand Marketing Strategist, Content Creator, The Catered Affair

  • "No one understands book marketing like Liese, and no one is more generous with her time and wisdom. I’m awed by the depth and breadth of Liese’s knowledge -- from social media to lead magnets, from story structure to book covers, Liese has made herself an expert. She’s also a really great ear and an encouraging friend whenever I stumble within the challenging and ever-shifting landscape of getting my voice out into the world. I’m so grateful for her mentorship."

    - Jennifer Dohr, Authentic Voice

Coming in 2025

ONLINE WORKSHOP :

Write. Promote. Publish.

Live 8-week, 90-minute workshops over Zoom

The course is designed to support you in focusing, developing, and exploring publishing options for your memoir or book. The live workshop format offers community, feedback, and accountability we all need as writers.

Format:

*Includes one private feedback session during the eight weeks, submissions and readings, exercises, and a chat room for community engagement. Published authors and guest speakers will be brought in during the course. To be determined.

❖ WEEK 1: THE BASICS

  • Assessing Your Current Position and Setting Goals

  • Discussion: Where do you stand in your writing journey?

  • Setting SMART goals for your book.

  • Exercises: Write Your (Fictional for now) Amazon Blurb

  • Crafting compelling blurbs to clarify your vision.

❖ WEEK 2: DETERMINING YOUR ROADMAP TO SUCCESS

  • Outlining: How It Works and Why It’s Important

  • Different outlining methods (e.g., snowflake, mind mapping).

  • Writing a Crappy First Draft

  • Strategies for starting and maintaining momentum.

  • Readings from the Group

  • Sharing initial drafts for feedback.

  • Starting your marketing strategy now!

❖ WEEK 3: READINGS & EDITING TECHNIQUES

  • How to Edit Your Own Work

  • Techniques for self-editing and revising effectively.

  • Playing with Time in Your Narrative

  • Strategies for non-linear storytelling and pacing.

  • Exercises

  • Editing passages from your drafts.

❖ WEEK 4: BATTLING THE RESISTANCE

  • How to Edit Your Own Work

  • Techniques for self-editing and revising effectively.

  • Playing with Time in Your Narrative

  • Strategies for non-linear storytelling and pacing.

  • Exercises

  • Editing passages from your drafts.

writing your memoir
writing your memoir

❖ WEEK 5: BUILDING YOUR WRITING HABIT

  • Creating a Sustainable Writing Routine

  • Tips for maintaining consistency and productivity.

  • Overcoming Perfectionism

  • Strategies for letting go and moving forward.

  • Readings and Group Feedback

  • Sharing progress and refining your drafts.

❖ WEEK 6: INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING

  • Mining Your Journal to Go Deeper

  • Techniques for using personal reflections to enhance storytelling.

  • Promotion: Begin Before Publication

  • Introduction to marketing basics.

  • Discussion on social media platforms and their importance.

  • Starting Your Author Website

  • Key elements for creating a professional author presence.

❖ WEEK 7: PUBLISHING INSIGHTS

  • Discussion of Self-Publishing, Hybrid, and Traditional Publishing

  • Pros and cons of each route, and how to choose what’s right for you.

  • Readings

  • Sharing revised pieces for final feedback.

❖ WEEK 8: MARKETING & NEXT STEPS

  • Finalizing Your Marketing Strategy

  • Discussion of book launch strategies and ongoing marketing efforts.

  • Setting Intentions and Timelines

  • Crafting a timeline for completing your manuscript and planning for publication.

writing your memoir - liese gardner

This is an eight-week Zoom workshop that will help you answer and overcome some common worries.

The course takes you through a simple strategy that helps you write, publish and promote.

This is NOT a self-directed video course. This is a live book development and publishing course we do together (there will be video recordings if you miss a session).

WHAT YOU WILL GET:

  • A step-by-step process to structuring your book

  • How to start marketing the book now

  • How to set up your Amazon profile

  • Guest authors 

  • Homework assignments

  • Support and gentle feedback

  • Realistic information

  • Community and accountability

  • Weekly email and Facebook group support

  • Two one-on-ones with me over the course of six weeks

  • An invitation to a writer’s retreat in 2025

If you have been considering a memoir, this workshop is for you.

If you have been considering dabbling in a memoir, this workshop is for you.

You will get the tools you need whether you are just starting out, or have written some chapters.

COMMIT TO YOU

writing your memoir by liese gardner

WORK WITH LIESE ONE-ON-ONE

I am also available for one-on-one consultation about your book. Contact me directly at liese@liesegardner.com

I want you to have everything you desire – a published book you’re proud of and readers who can’t wait to read more! You keep promises to everyone else. This is the promise you make to yourself in 2025.

Join the workshop and commit to you, your promise and your future readers.

writing your memoir - liese gardner

STAY IN TOUCH

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STAY IN TOUCH ~

writing your memoir
writing your memoir

Don't wait... write YOUR memoir!

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Don't wait... write YOUR memoir! ~