Your story is important and deserves to be shared.

Steps to Crafting the Story on Your Heart

All of these steps are covered in detail in our small group Memoir Course, offered 2-3 times during the year.

This course includes virtual real-time discussion and troubleshooting so you can get immediate feedback on your ideas and outline while working alongside other writers on a similar journey.

*Not just a DIY downloadable!

01 — Core Message

This is the central theme of your story, the linkage between all the moments and experiences you intend to share that will take the reader through your journey and allow them to walk away with a sense of being seen, motivation to change, and a roadmap for their own healing and self-reflection.

02 — Plotting & Outline

Most people who feel pulled to write memoir don’t come with a background in plot development or story structure, we are simply motivated to share the story on our hearts. Step by step outlining and basic understanding a plot will set you up for a moving story that takes the reader on an immersive journey. Hitting key plot elements give your reader a sense of comfort and predictability about where the story is leading them.

03 — Detailed Outlining

By combining plot points with character development and internal motivations, your story becomes less about the “what” and more about the “how” and “why”. With a detailed outline, you can feel confident that when you sit down to write a chapter or scene, you are capturing all the elements that make it a moving and essential part of the overall story.

04 — Storytelling Elements

Once you have your outline complete, you are ready to sit down and write. But there are some great storytelling elements that can enhance reader enjoyment such as upping the stakes or tension and adding humor. There are even permissible lies of creative non-fiction you can draw from to keep the core elements of the story intact while improving reader comprehension and clarification so your bigger message doesn’t get lost in the weeds.

  • Elizabeth is wonderful to work with. I felt right at home when I took her memoir writing class. When we were in group she helped me feel seen and heard.

    Gina Norman

  • Elizabeth has a gift for helping writers share their story. Willing to go beyond surface-level discussions, she guides writers through the process of getting clear on their message while holding space for the heartfelt emotions that arise.

    Rebecca Blackstock

  • I enjoyed the group dynamic & the course material was very helpful & unique. Elizabeth’s class helped prepare me and propel me forward in my writing!

    Gina Norman

  • The information shared in the Memoir Course facilitates development of the scene-by-scene outline needed to make drafting the book as easy as sitting down and allowing words to flow. This is the course I didn’t know I needed!

    Rebecca Blackstock

You were never meant to go on this writing journey alone.

We offer a community of writers and coaches to provide support and guidance throughout your writing experience. Connect with others at a similar place in their process.

Clarify your core message and create a detailed cohesive outline of your story. The world needs to hear your message and the small group Memoir Course provides the structural and emotional support to launch your writing or fine tune your manuscript.