67. Memoir writing tips: Transforming journal entries into a book w/ Sarah Birnbach

Curious about transforming journaling entries into a published memoir? You tuned into the right episode for memoir writing tips.

Joining us today is Sarah Birnbach, author of the memoir "A Daughter's Kaddish." Sarah shares her surprising journey from journal facilitator to published author and how journaling helped her heal through grief.

But the question remains: How do you take those raw, personal entries and turn them into a compelling memoir?

In this episode, Sarah shares her secrets! You'll hear:

  • Tips for overcoming overwhelm and getting your ideas on the page
  • The unexpected ways grief can inspire powerful narratives
  • Strategies for crafting a memoir that resonates with readers

Get ready to hear Sarah's top journaling tips and advice for crafting a memoir from your own journal entries.

Topics discussed in this episode:
  • Top 3 tips for journaling
  • Writing about grief
  • 22 years from start to finish
  • Surprises about writing a memoir
  • Dialog tips
  • Finding a good writing group
  • Books on craft
Get her book:
Connect with Sarah:
Books discussed during the show:
  • The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface by Donald Maass

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ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.