Biography, Autobiography, Memoir discussion
Hello and Introduce Yourself!
Hi, I’m Merili, and I never thought I’d be a runner. I started running for my mental health, not knowing that it would turn into something life-changing. Just Run is my story of how running became my therapy and taught me that even the impossible is possible.If you’ve ever felt unsure about what you’re capable of, this book is for you. It’s not just about running—it’s about finding strength in the struggle and pushing past limits we think we have.
I hope my journey inspires you to believe that you can achieve more than you think.
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY for eBook "Rascals and Other Good Men" by Eva TodascoAn exciting memoir of the six thrilling years that I spent in southern Africa where I joined my safari-leader boyfriend during Apartheid in the 1970's, and eventually survived as a portrait artist painting along the southern coast of Zululand.
Please go to Goodreads Giveaways and write the book title or the author's name. Then enjoy!!!
Hi everyone 👋 My name's Jen and I just joined to tell you I've written a memoir in poems. I've put it on your group bookshelf. It's of my early early childhood, international child trafficking and organised abuse so it might be upsetting. I'd LOVE reviews. It's short, about a half an hour read. If anyone would like a free print proof or a PDF, get in touch jen_if@outlook.com Thanks :)
Hey there memoir experts! Does this premise grab you?“Travel newbie’s mostly solo half-year expedition through seventeen countries”
I was a burned out Gen Xer from the Deep South who needed a life change. So I left my twenty-year career, sold my house and most possessions, purchased a January ticket to Belize, and a July ticket to return home from Milan.
Bucket-list adventures, cultural exploration, personal growth, and lots to laugh about.
The manuscript’s been professionally edited once, and now I’m hoping to get feedback before a final edit.
Want a peak at the first chapter…or the whole book?
If so, shoot me a message.
Or let me know if my pitch sucks. I can take it…I think.
Michael wrote: "Hey there memoir experts! Does this premise grab you?“Travel newbie’s mostly solo half-year expedition through seventeen countries”
I was a burned out Gen Xer from the Deep South who needed a li..."
It depends on who your target audience is, I suppose. I don't read travel books as a rule. I'm probably not in the age bracket you're marketing to. Most of your premise is good, but I personally don't care for the first sentence. I use newbie at times, but am not likely to read a book where that's used in the opening sentence of the blurb. The next paragraph is fine, but in that last solo sentence I'd edit "and lots to laugh about" to something else.
Also, I'd prefer that last solo sentence be more of a sentence, but this is only one person's opinion. I don't mind not all sentences being complete in memoirs or fiction, but it's your closing punch. I suggest you get at least six opinions. If I'm in a minority, ignore me, but I'd be careful about author groups where it seems everyone is giving everyone else kudos.
Karin wrote: "Michael wrote: "Hey there memoir experts! Does this premise grab you?Thank you for the feedback! I'm just starting to work on a blurb, finding it's a completely different thing than writing the book, and not as easy as I thought it would be. It's funny, I don't think I've ever used the word "newbie" before now, so your aversion to it really caught my attention. Thanks again.
Michael wrote: "Karin wrote: "Michael wrote: "Hey there memoir experts! Does this premise grab you?Thank you for the feedback! I'm just starting to work on a blurb, finding it's a completely different thing than..."
Different types of writing use different skills which isn't something everyone realizes :) However, I'm just one person and opinions vary.
Hello Koren. Hello All.Koren reminded us at a nonfiction group that she moderates this one. I am here because this year I will be reading a few biographies and maybe memoirs about women as part of a unfocused women's study this year.
I grew up during the Second Wave of feminism, was part of academia during the Third Wave, am watching the Fourth Wave. I live in interesting times.
Hi everyone! I’m Emma and I’m a student at the University of Michigan! I have grown to love memoirs and biographies from a contemporary literature class I took in high school! I would love any recommendations and can’t wait to connect with all of you!
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Hi Emma. A second question besides Koren's is do you have any hobbies, interests or background (public knowledge stuff, naturally) that might make someone think of a memoir different from the two I see you've read so far on your bookshelf? :) Also, if you are willing to tell us what you're majoring and/or minoring. (Can you tell I homeschooled my kids until they were in high school?)
Hello Karen and Koren! Thank you both for replying! I have read Becoming, Born a Crime, Forever Boy, The Glass Castle, Talking as Fast as I Can, and more! For my major at Michigan, I am planning to double major in Information Analysis and Organizational Studies with a minor in Spanish! For hobbies, I love spending quality time with friends and family, going to the gym, and crafts! I’m always interested in learning more about the financial world, the environment, and helping those with disabilities like my younger brother.
Emma wrote: "Hello Karen and Koren! Thank you both for replying! I have read Becoming, Born a Crime, Forever Boy, The Glass Castle, Talking as Fast as I Can, and more! For my major at Michigan, I am planning to..."It sounds like you'll have a lot on your plate at Michigan with a double major plus a minor, and you have a good balance of interests.
I'm guessing your autocorrect got my name wrong--it happens all too often.
Mod
I feel your pain. I get called Karen all the time.
Mod
I think I've read all the books you listed. If you liked Becoming perhaps you would like the book I just finished...Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty.
Koren wrote: "Karin wrote: "Emma wrote: "Hello Karen and Koren! Thank you both for replying! I have read Becoming, Born a Crime, Forever Boy, The Glass Castle, Talking as Fast as I Can, and more! For my major at..."And my husband's name is mistaken for a women's name in junk mail because people don't realize that many Scandinavian names change gender with a vowel change. It's not common enough to advertise it, although I did a search and there is another couple named Karin and his name, but since they live in Denmark and I live in the States, it's not something I put on public sites :)
Hello! My name is Mytchell and I've just published a memoir called "The Importance of Flying; A Spiritual Odyssey." Even though the journey took place back in 1995, I've discovered it is extra relevant today. I wrote it back in 2010, and as I revised it for publishing, it became apparent that the journey was about anchoring a spiritual awakening in preparation for what is happening now with the chaos in the world. I'd love to pass on copies to anyone here - for comments and reviews and just because I love sharing the story! Also, I'd love to just chat with anyone here about their journeys!
Hello Lois - I too just published a memoir about a bike trip across the southwest United States - and I'm also quite partial to travel Memoirs. One of my all time favorites, by the way is "Amma in America" and I'd recommend that one to you (along with my own!) I'm going to look up your book!
Mytchell wrote: "Hello! My name is Mytchell and I've just published a memoir called "The Importance of Flying; A Spiritual Odyssey." Even though the journey took place back in 1995, I've discovered it is extra rele..."Your books aren't on your page. I suggest you go here and claim your author page https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... by going to the bottom, clicking on "let us know" right after the question "Is this you?" to apply to have them linked. Then you can also control your author profile, add a photo, etc (if you opt to control your author profile). I'll combine the editions of your book for you now. There's no book description--is that the one about a bike trip?
My name is Shushindren, and my story proves that setbacks and challenges can awaken hidden faith and true self within us. Close ones call me Shushin. I was born in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, but grew up in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Today, I live in Singapore, working as an Aviator professional and running my successful logistics network as a businessman. My hobbies include football, badminton, athletics, and travelling, allowing me to explore different cultures and lifestyles.Everyone deserves love and respect, and I write a story to remind those who have lost faith in true love that it still exists. I care for everyone who needs to be in a circle of love, and I am here to remind you that no matter where you are in the world, you are not alone.
The book series title is THE HEART TO SEEK, based on a true story.
Nice to meet you all.
Hi everyone! I’m Jean Briese, and I’m so excited to be here.I’m currently sharing my memoir-in-progress, From Forgotten to Fierce, on Substack. It’s the story of how I went from abandoned to unstoppable. From surviving to leading. From barely making it to building a life I love.
But this isn’t a story wrapped in a bow. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s mine. And I’m sharing it piece by piece—not always in perfect order, but as my heart is ready to reveal it.
Some of my biggest inspirations have been powerful memoirs like Educated by Tara Westover and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Their stories of resilience and transformation inspired me to tell my own.
I’d love to connect with others who are passionate about true-life storytelling, whether you’re writing your own memoir or just love reading them. If you’re curious to follow my journey, you can find it here: jeanbriesespeaks.substack.com
Looking forward to meeting you all and diving into these conversations!
Jean
Jean wrote: "Hi everyone! I’m Jean Briese, and I’m so excited to be here.I’m currently sharing my memoir-in-progress, From Forgotten to Fierce, on Substack. It’s the story of how I went from abandoned to unst..."
Do you have a link to it? I"m not familiar with Substack.
Thank you so much for your interest! 😊 Substack is a platform where I’m sharing my memoir, From Forgotten to Fierce, as a serialized story. You can check it out here: https://jeanbriesespeaks.substack.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you decide to give it a read! And thank you for the warm welcome to the group. I'm excited to connect with fellow readers and writers here! 💕
Jean wrote: "Thank you so much for your interest! 😊 Substack is a platform where I’m sharing my memoir, From Forgotten to Fierce, as a serialized story. You can check it out here: https://jeanbriesespeaks.subst..."Thanks. I love the site, but don't subscribe to email newsletters. I love your set up, though--what a great idea!
Good day. My name is Kim Maxey. I published the YA memoir Leaving Pep Band Friends last fall. Although I have lived in Minnesota for decades, I grew up in various US states and awhile in Germany. I hope to read some of the memoirs listed here. Mine is available on Amazon (hardcover, paperback, Kindle) and other eBook websites. Leaving Pep Band Friends
Kim wrote: "Good day. My name is Kim Maxey. I published the YA memoir Leaving Pep Band Friends last fall. Although I have lived in Minnesota for decades, I grew up in various US states and awhile in Germany. I..."Welcome! I've added the cover photo for you for the edition you linked; for some reason it was only added to the other two editions. I'm a GR editor, but don't do anything extremely intricate. I see that you're three editions are already combined; since the hardcover is the main page edition, you'll see that it looks much better on your author page :)
If you're not already, I highly recommend being active in groups as a member if you want GR members to read your memoir since so many people come advertising books. Some have rules about not posting your works, but if you're active and friendly in a group that might read them, sooner or later someone might check out your page that way even though you can't promote your book (you did a great job here in a group that welcomes this, but the most active people here aren't authors; authors tend to pop in once or twice and never return.) Note that unlike here, it's rarely wise to mention that you're an author in most active groups intro threads because so many people pop in for only that reason.
Thank you so much for the help, Karin, and for adding the cover photo. I am just learning the ropes here, and I don't want to cross any lines if I can help it.
Hi everyone, I’m new here. My name’s Richard Coker and I’m interested to hear about any hybrid memoirs anyone can recommend. I have an idea for a book that’s bubbling under and am trying to figure out if it’s feasible, an exploration of notions of death, dying and trust. (I’m a doctor and professor of public health). Any thoughts/advice however random gratefully received! Richard
Kim wrote: "Thank you so much for the help, Karin, and for adding the cover photo. I am just learning the ropes here, and I don't want to cross any lines if I can help it."You're doing well; our group likes to hear about memoirs :)
Hi, my name is Tony Stewart and I've just published a memoir, "Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy while Grieving" which is now available from Amazon and just about everywhere else that sells books or audiobooks. Publication date is April 29, but you can preorder it now. Also I'm running a Goodreads Giveaway which you can sign up for now. I haven't been active on Goodreads before, but as an author I think it's important to come out of my shell and start participating in communities like this. I hope you will find my book inspiring, thought-provoking and (if you have recently suffered a loss or are going through one now) ultimately healing.
I guess I should add a link to my book: Carrying the Tiger. The early reviews (IndieReader, PW Booklife, etc.) have been extremely positive, but I'm much more interested in what you think about it. Fingers crossed...
Tony, I’ve not read your book yet, but must say it’s got the most beautiful cover!
Richard wrote: "Tony, I’ve not read your book yet, but must say it’s got the most beautiful cover!"Thank you!!
Hello, I'm Jim KIrchner from the green and lush farms of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I look forward to participating in this group and "meeting" others who enjoy a well written biography or memoir.
Hi, I'm Lesley and although having been a member of GR for a year I am new here. I've published a memoir Whispers On The Wind. I call it a countryside memoir, as it follows me after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease on a voyage of discovery - with nature. In the form of a journal, the hope is to inspire others to discover how nature can help to combate health conditions.
Hi, I'm Melissa from the DC area. New to Goodreads, but not new to good reading!
Mod
Hello to all my dear colleagues and English-speaking readers!I would like to introduce myself to you with great joy. Most of the time, I’m dedicated to cattle ranching, but my passion for books – especially in German, English, and Spanish – led me to write my first book.
Life in the Green Heart is a collection of my personal memories from one of the most remote corners of South America. It’s full of stories about rural life, living in harmony with nature and all the animals that call it home. It also shares the wisdom passed down through generations and ancient cultures.
My book is available on Amazon as a paperback and on Kindle Unlimited – in German, English, and Spanish.
I’d be thrilled if you visit my author page. Feel free to ask me anything if you want to know more!
Hello, my name is Agnius Vaicekauskas. I am introducing my first-ever book to the world, Memoirs with a Self-Help Twist. I am eager to gather additional thoughts and viewpoints on this subject matter.
thanks
Hello! I think some of the most amazing books I have read are memoirs. Some people have had astonishing lives and I think it's very meaningful when they share their true stories. Some recent reads that had a big impression on me are Nowhere Girl (a girl who had a crazy childhood with fugitive parents), 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows (dissident Chinese artist Wei Wei), and Walk with Me: Story of a Girl in Congo (this is someone I personally know, who came to Canada as a refugee after growing up disabled in the Congo - the strange thing is she ended up better off than most of her abled family...)
Hi everyone. I'm a lifelong book lover and amateur writer. I've just completed many years of research and editing in order to publish my Dad's travel and work memoirs. I hope that I can get some folk to read them, and share in my wonders at some of the things which he got up to, the challenges which he overcame, and the adventures which he had, travelling the tropics as an international agricultural consultant between the 1950s and 1980s.
Hello, I help people publish memoirs through my business Memoir Magpie. I also have aspirations to write my own one day.
Hello, my name is Terry from Oregon. I'm a teacher of the elementary grades (currently a STEM specialist). My wife and I have two grown married daughters and two granddaughters. I have served in the US Coast Guard and was a commercial fisherman for 15 years. I wrote and published my first book, Fifteen Seasons: A Memoir in late 2022. It focuses on the fifteen years that I commercial salmon fished with my father off the Oregon Coast. https://a.co/d/eWOW12y
Biography, Autobiography, Memoir
Books mentioned in this topic
Dead Versions Of Me: Some versions didn't survive the telling. (other topics)The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover (other topics)
THE MORPH: The Alchemy of the Animal (other topics)
Whispers On The Wind (other topics)
Leaving Pep Band Friends (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jan Gradvall (other topics)Ron Chernow (other topics)
Deena Goldstein (other topics)
Rich Flanders (other topics)
Rich Flanders (other topics)
More...
I'm very excited to to have published my debut memoir called Rascals and Other Good Men, available on Amazon. It tells of my adventures and misadventures as I join my safari-leader boyfriend Ryan in South Africa. It gives you a glimpse into history from a naive white woman's point of view as I struggle to abide by the country's strict segregation laws during the Apartheid regime in the 1970's.
After a turbulent breakup, I survive as a portrait artist and travel along the scenic coast of Zululand. There I make good friends and fall in love again, while striving to be a free spirit in what was then a man's world.
Later, travel with me to exciting world-wide destinations as a tour guide through Canada, Mexico, Sweden and the Far East where some trips take an unexpected turn. Then on to the exotic islands of Madagascar and Mauritius, where romance flourishes.
A remarkable transformation occurs after I lose fifty pounds on a life-changing diet, difficult because I love good food. My new appearance attracts the ideal man of my dreams, or is he? Will I ever find lasting love and have the family I long for? Enjoy this revealing true story of love and desire, seduction, humour and spirited adventure.
Regards from Eva Todasco. I'd love to hear from you!