The writing program that will help you transform your personal story into memoir without feeling lost, overwhelmed or alone.

To apply the Mother’s Day discount (25% off!)
and pay in your preferred currency,
simply click on the appropriate flag
and apply the coupon code MOTHER25.

The program begins three days after your registration and enrollment. If, however, you prefer to start even later in the year, you would register in the usual fashion and then write to support@alisonwearing.com to request that your registration be ‘paused’ until you are ready.

You don’t need to want to publish your story to want to write it.

You don’t even need to know what you want to write about.

A desire to write your story is enough.

It means that something in you is longing to be born.

There are many reasons to write your story
& many things that can stand in the way.

1.     The terrain of memoir is fraught with potential problems and obstacles.

Can you trust your memory? What if someone doesn’t want you to write this story? How do you recreate dialogue that happened decades ago? What is the line between memory and invention? Are you allowed to make things up if you don’t remember them? A seemingly endless stream of questions can paralyze us before we even begin, but that doesn’t need to be the case. In fact, those same questions can be the doorways to the finest iterations of your story.

2.     Who cares about my story? you might wonder. Does it really matter?

When memoir is done poorly, it can be the painful literary equivalent of a selfie. But when it is framed and executed well, when key mistakes are avoided and the proper questions are asked along the way, your story (no matter how mundane you might think it is) can become a priceless gift — to yourself, and to others.

3.     We tell ourselves we’re not creative enough, not talented enough, that our story doesn’t matter enough to write.

But we may also know people who took their unique histories and experiences with them when they died, the details of their lives lost before we had a chance to understand how valuable they were. Every story matters in the same way that every life matters.

4.     We don’t know where or how to start. Or we start, lose momentum, and become overwhelmed or lost. 

Without a clear understanding of what our story needs to hold together, develop its own centre of gravity, maintain direction and higher vision, it is easy to become discouraged and give up. But with some simple tools, guidelines, inspiration and encouragement, not only can you begin your story, but you can also successfully navigate and complete it.

5.     Writing is lonely business.

It can be difficult to show up for ourselves, to make our writing a priority when the rest of life, even the laundry, can feel more pressing or urgent at times. Why bother writing when there are so many other things to do? How do you stay motivated when it becomes difficult? In its most natural state, storytelling is a social activity. We do it naturally and easily with other people, or even with just one other person. Company helps.

The complete Memoir Writing Ink program includes:

• Over 50 engaging, enjoyable and inspiring video and audio lessons on every essential aspect of memoir writing. [CLOSED CAPTION versions are now available upon request.]

• A curated collection of readings designed to highlight and demonstrate each lesson in action, so that you become a better writer every time you read.

• ‘Behind the scenes’ interviews with memoir writers talking about their books, struggles, insights, and writing processes.

• Uniquely inspiring prompts, suggestions, and gentle nudges to get you writing every day.

• 26 email check-ins (2 per week) to keep you accountable (and smiling), and to provide momentum and encouragement.

• The 4-step framework I have created that will help you, regardless of your level of experience, craft the memoir you wish to write.
  

The program also includes:

• Monthly Live Writing Practice and Bi-Weekly Q&A sessions offering in-depth instruction into a particular aspect of memoir writing and/or interviews with writers and editors, and answers to your specific questions.

• An invitation to the private Memoir Writing, ink. community, a beautifully supportive group of people who are also devoting themselves to the work of sculpting their personal stories into memoir. This space is closely and compassionately moderated, ensuring that the feedback been offered and received is helpful, clarifying, motivating and illuminating. This is also a space where people develop and hone their ‘editorial eye’ and the perspective necessary to craft their work.

• Optional online gatherings in which you have the chance to connect with a ‘writing partner’ — someone with whom you can share writing or simply stay accountable and writing on a regular basis.

• Opportunities to ask questions, post thoughts or insights, and to request feedback on short pieces of writing from members of the community using strict guidelines and clear suggestions for helpful, clarifying and illuminating feedback.

Plus, some fabulous bonuses!

$100 off a live workshop or retreat in France, Italy or Canada [why not dream?]

Extra Teachings, including Become Your Own Best Editor, Memoir as Poetry, How/Where to Publish Your Work (including lists of magazines and publishers that actively publish memoir)

Winning Pitches: Sample pitch letters for personal stories that got published.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course actually start?

The moment you register, you will have access to a few orientation/introductory chapters to explore right away. Three days later, the first ‘official’ chapter will open, but this part isn't live, so you can begin whenever you're ready and work through the materials at your own pace. If you prefer to purchase the course now but begin later, we do offer that option! Simply complete your registration and then write to support@alisonwearing.com to request that your course be ‘paused’ until further notice.

When are the live sessions?

The Live Monthly Teaching is the first Sunday of every month (until May, when we will be switching to Mondays), and the time changes every month to accommodate people in different time zones. (No matter where you are in the world, you will have several opportunities to attend live!) The Live Q&As are every other Wednesday, and the Writers Unite! sessions are the last Sunday of the month (at two different times/day). NOTE: The live teachings and Q&As are recorded and made available within 24 hours, so you never need to worry about missing anything!

What if I fall behind?

Impossible! If you register for the program here, you will receive LIFETIME ACCESS to these materials and be free to go at your own pace well beyond our time together. The 12-week timeline refers to the weekly unveiling of chapters and it is suggested pace only. You are welcome to move through and return to the materials whenever you wish and to take as long as you like!

How much time will I need to complete each chapter?

It varies. Each chapter's videos, readings, texts and writing tasks might take 30-60 minutes to review, but everything is broken down into small pieces to give you the option of sitting down for 10-20 minutes at a time OR becoming inspired by an exercise that has you writing for an hour or more. It’s entirely up to you.

Do you offer private mentoring?

I am not taking on any new clients at the moment, as all of my time and creative energy is being poured into this course! If you would like to work together, or if you dream of doing a retreat in France or Italy (someday!), priority will be given to people who have gone through this program, so this is the best place to start.

Will I receive feedback on my writing?

One of the goals of this program is to teach you how to become your own best editor. This is an essential part of developing your voice and craft, and an often neglected aspect of the writing process. While I do not offer private consultations as part of the program, our community forum is an exceptionally beautiful space, closely moderated and following strict guidelines for 'how to offer genuinely helpful feedback.' Many students also connect with a writing partner within the community. If you prefer to work with a professional, you will also have the option of submitting a short piece or excerpt of a longer work to one of our associate editors at extremely reasonable rates. Either way, opportunities for illuminating and inspiring feedback abound.

Will I have my book written in 12 weeks?

I am a great believer in miracles. Truly I am. And that is what you would need to write a book in 12 weeks. So, unless you are already sitting with a nearly completed manuscript (or you have a direct line to the Miracles Department of the universe), the answer is probably no. But this program WILL give you the essential tools, the perspective and understanding, the clarity, direction, guidance, support and the critical elements of the craft that you will need to write memoir well. And you will, over time, write a much better book because of it. :)

UPDATE: Felice just signed a publishing contract & Gail was the runner-up of the 2021 Amy Award for Memoir!

The program begins three days after your registration and enrollment. If, however, you prefer to start even later in 2022, you would register in the usual fashion and then write to support@alisonwearing.com to request that your registration be ‘paused’ until you are ready.

Why not register now and make 2022 the year you finally write your story?