Happy New Year, Memoir Updates, and some BIG, JUICY ANNOUNCEMENTS About 2023 FREE Write-Ins and More

This'll be SUCH a marathon year, and I'm grateful you're along for the ride.

Greetings everyone, and Happy New Year!

Is this seriously my first newsletter of 2023? Sheesh. I’m sorry for the delay.

I’ll apologize right up front: There WILL be typos in here because I started writing while walking on a treadmill at a standup desk (first time for everything) and my left hand is tingling and falling asleep (what that about?).

Still, I’ve been needing to drag my sorry arse back into shape after 2022 wrecked it a bit — with Covid, the flu, and a viral infection that has no name.

These days, my clothes are too tight and my metabolism’s in the gutter, but I’m trying to rock the oversized sweatshirts and reach for my loose-fitting tunics as I try to keep my perspective on the things that actually matter.

For instance, I’ve generally recovered from all 3 bouts of illness…I have access to (overpriced, generally ineffective yet actual) health insurance…and I have some VERY BIG GOALS to share with you for 2023.

I’m also turning 55 in April, and as I approach that milestone birthday (which will eject me out of one demographic and into another, lol), I’m determined to embrace all the feels, grateful to share my journey with you. Thank you.

Okay, here are some updates!

Memoir Update

I’m excited to share that I’m working hard on my memoir and that I’ve recently hired a memoir coach of my own.

Yes, I’m a writing and memoir coach myself, but look — I have my own hair, but I don’t cut myself, you know?

Technically speaking, I *could* write this book without a coach…just like I *could* do my taxes without hiring a CPA. I have another nonfiction book coming out this year (a biography about two former members of the U.S. Congress), and I didn’t hire a coach for that one. Still, I know myself — and I know memoir.

Having had a front-row view of the memoir-writing process while helping more than 100 clients write, wrestle with, and/or publish their own stories, I know that half (if not more of) the battle is about accountability — especially when things get uncertain and emotionally challenging. I can’t tell you how common it is to start BIG and then burn out while in the weeds of the messy middle.

So, I knew I’d need encouragement, authentic feedback, outside perspective, and community as I stepped into this project. I’m grateful to receive support from a mentor, and in doing so, I’m now able to breathe a bit deeper and feel a bit more secure as I navigate this journey.

For the past year, I’ve been doing a ton of pre-writing. Depending on the day, this might look like brainstorming or jotting memories down in the notes app on my phone. It might also look like reading through old journals and files, or spending more time than seems possible researching and tracking down things like dates, addresses, and names of places I’ve forgotten.

I’ve also spent a ton of time reading books, essays, articles, and white papers touching on various aspects of my book’s themes. Finally, to study craft, I’ve taken numerous classes and webinars, attended several writing conferences, and listened to a ton of outstanding podcasts.

Just yesterday, while making the bed, a scene played out in my head like a movie. The other day, as I fell asleep, a beautiful turn of phrase popped into my mind. As I often tell my clients, writing is so much more than putting words on the page. It can also involve daydreaming, resting, soaking in a hot tub, or crying over a hot cup of coffee when you least expect to. The key is to stay as open as possible during the experience. A lot of stuff comes up when you least expect it. You think you understand what you think you understand until you’re reminded that there are always opportunities to learn and discover more.

Recently, I’ve been cranking out pages and sending them to my coach for feedback. It’s been exciting, exhausting, and more than a little unnerving, but I can’t wait to share the final product with the world.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Many of my clients ask, “How long does it take to write a memoir?”

I always give a version of the same answer: “It’ll take as long as it needs to.”

Some of my clients work full-time and produce a few pages per week. Others push everything aside and finish a first draft within 6-12 months. Still others have been at work on their manuscripts for years. It all depends on the writer’s story, circumstances, and willingness to examine their lives.

I’ve set an ambitious goal to finish my first draft within 6 months while still working full-time. It’ll be brutal, but I’m motivated — not just for myself, but for my clients. I want to be an example for them that you can complete a full manuscript in that amount of time.

I’ll post excerpts from the manuscript for paid subscribers of this newsletter (who, by the way, will also get their names featured on the Supporters’ Page in the published book, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!).

Want to see some raw, unpolished, early scenes of my manuscript and behind-the-scenes details of my process?

If so, please consider a paid subscription. I can’t begin to describe how motivating it is to know you’ll be waiting to read my next installment.

Big, Juicy Announcement #1:
Writers’ Haven’s 2-Hour, Drop-In-Anytime, FREE, Silent, Virtual Write-Ins

You’ve asked, and I’ve listened!

So many of you crave more discipline in your writing, so here’s your chance to sign up for my 2-hour, Drop-in-Anytime, FREE, Silent, Virtual Write-Ins via Zoom!

Register to receive Zoom links: www.christinewolf.com/write-ins

MONDAYS

1p-3p Los Angeles / 3p-5p Chicago / 4p-6p New York

• Jan 23, 30
• Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
• Mar 6, 13, 20, 27

THURSDAYS

6a-8a Los Angeles / 8a-10a Chicago / 9a-11a New York

• Jan 26
• Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, 16, 23
• Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Write-In FAQs

Q: What’s a silent, virtual write-in?
A: These are 2-Hour, virtual, drop-in-anytime, silent writing sessions hosted by writing coach Christine Wolf.

It’s dedicated time to...
...journal
...focus on your work-in-progress
...outline your next piece
...edit your latest draft
...storyboard your arc
...read a book on craft
...sketch out and research your characters/settings/scenes
...meditate on why you and your writing are important
...spend quiet and productive time in the company of other writers

Give yourself permission to tune out the world and focus on your writing project(s).

Q: Do we share our writing with others during these write-ins?
A: No. We don’t share our work in these virtual sessions. This is a time for you to write silently and independently. So, turn off your notifications and focus on your writing. However, if you’d like to send me pages for feedback, reach out and let’s schedule something!

Q: Do I have to keep my camera on?
A: Of course not! Join us however you feel comfortable.

Q: How do I get the Zoom link?
A: Once you register, I’ll send you an email with the Zoom link.

Q: Do the participants interact?
A: No. We work silently and independently. It’s like going to the library or a coffee shop to work. You can look up to see the other people around you, but for this group, we’re not here to socialize. We’re here to work on our own projects amongst others doing the same. In the future, I’ll be offering interactive gatherings, but this is just dedicated time to work amongst other writers.

Q: Do I have to stay the whole 2 hours?
A: Absolutely not. This is a drop-in-anytime group, so come when you can and leave when you need to.

Q: Do I have to attend every session?
A: Goodness, no! Attend as many (or as few) sessions as you like.

Q: Outside of this group, can I arrange to get feedback on my work from Christine?
A: Sure! If you’d like me to read pages or provide guidance through stuck-points, please reach out. I regularly work with writers of all levels of experience (I started somewhere, too!). Happy to set up a free 20-minute consult or a discounted hourlong session. Click here to get in touch.

Q: How much does this cost?
A: Nothing. For now, I’m offering these drop-ins for free.

Q: Wait a second. Why aren’t you charging for this?
A: I have my own writing and editing to do, and I love the company of other writers. It’s a win-win for all of us!

Q: What if I want to buy you a cup of coffee or make a donation to say thanks?
A: I won’t turn you down! Feel free to send me a cup of coffee anytime! I appreciate it more than you know!

Q: How do I register again?
A: Click here to register!

I look forward to writing with you soon!

Big, Juicy Announcement #2:
Writers’ Haven 2023 Writing Retreat!

For the past 2 years, I’ve been scouting locations for my first, off-site Writers’ Haven Write-To-Heal Writing Retreat, and I’ve narrowed the options down to 3, but I’d love to hear from you (even if you’re not the retreat type right now):

This informal poll just may be the tiebreaker as I collect feedback to finalize our locale. I’m committed to delivering what attendees want most in a 2023 writing retreat, so THANKS for your feedback!

Suffice it to say, this retreat will be somewhere sunny, warm, and healing.
Stay tuned for more details, or reach out if you’re interested in Early Bird Discounts!

And, if you know anyone who identifies as a woman who may be considering — or in need of — a writing retreat focused on healing through self-care, sunshine, and writing, please pass this newsletter on!

P.S. Not surprisingly, every December and January I’m bombarded with inquiries for memoir coaching. People say, “You know what? I’ve got a story in me that I’m aching/burning/needing to tell, but I don’t know where to start,” or “I need someone to give me a primer.” The most common question I get is, “How do I start writing a memoir?”

Does this time of year raise that urge in you, too? Do you ever wonder things like…

Is it best to just start writing and see where the story takes you?
Should I harvest my old journals and mine them for material?
Are there books I should read before I begin?
Do I have to know the whole story before I start?
Do I have to be a certain age before I write a memoir?

These and many other questions are answered in this post which I recently shared.

But practically speaking, if you want to know “How do I start writing my memoir?” here’s how I did it…

How To Start Writing A Memoir

1. Identify themes you want to share that support the takeaway you wish for your reader. If you think memoir is all about spotlights on you and your life and your opinions, you’re missing the whole point. Memoir is always for the reader. Even if you decide you’re writing a legacy piece for your family, you’ve got to ask yourself: What will my readers want to know? What will they get excited to read? What can they learn? What might surprise/shock/help them?

2. Create a timeline. Trust me on this: you’ll need a timeline to keep all your details straight. Create a simple list of dates and major events and just start filling it in. Before you know it, you’ll be bleeding into the margins and adding arrows and pages of detail. In doing this, you’ll discover at least a few unexpected nuggets and connections for your overall story.

3. Identify your twists and scenes (major and minor). I opened up the Notes app on my phone and just started typing ideas. As the list grew, some ideas stuck and others felt less relevant (especially when I reviewed them against the themes and takeaways in #1 above). As days and weeks went by, I added scenes to the list as they popped into my mind, expanding my initial brain dump. Even if you don’t write your memoir in chronological order, it’s helpful to see the twists and scenes in your life in chronological order so you can easily reference them. Note: This list is DIFFERENT than your timeline, as it will have a little more (but not too much!) detail and reflection. I keep it very tight, with just enough text to understand what happened and how I felt about the events/circumstances of the scene.

4. Briefly sketch out your chapters. If this sounds scary, I promise it’s not! Just create a list, like Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc., and jot down a title and an overview. By doing this, you’re creating a roadmap that you can adjust as you go.

5. Identify the transformations. If nothing changes, you have no story, so get clear on what you’ve learned (or didn’t), on how you (or someone else) grew (or not), on how the passage of time has shaped you and others.

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