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

Memoir Writing Ink alumni

Stories that find their way into the world

Meet the writers who have carried their stories forward—through memoir, poetry, and the generous act of sharing what they have learned along the way.

Published alumni

Books born from a story

Discover books by Memoir Writing Ink alumni, with direct links to each author or publisher’s book page.

Cover of The Big Brown Suitcase by Parvin Kolahdooz

A published alumni story

The Big Brown Suitcase

Parvin Kolahdooz

“Before taking this course, I felt like I was lost in a maze with no way out. I knew I had a lot to tell, and lessons in life that I could pass along to others, but I didn’t know how to put all that together and make a book out of it. I was in constant doubt. This course made me realize I could do this. And now I can look at this same maze from above and know my way out. I call Alison ‘my angel’ because she and her work truly rescued me.”
Explore the book ↗
Cover of The Mould Maker by Tami Lou Castillo

A published alumni story

The Mould Maker

Tami Lou Castillo

“Registering for this course started as a birthday gift to myself, but it quickly became the highlight of my life for the last few months. It is so supportive and uplifting, Alison’s approach and manner so insightful, I could relax and let my creativity flourish. I’ve also made connections to a beautiful community. This has been one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself.”
Explore the book ↗
Cover of You Can’t Always See the Bruises by Micki Findlay

A published alumni story

You Can’t Always See The Bruises

Micki Findlay

“Although I am a published writer, I had no idea how little I knew before taking this course. I entered it as a baby bird and, through the wonderful ’nurturing’ I have received from Alison and this generous, supportive community, I am starting to feel my wings sprout and strengthen. And, not only that, I am finally aware of where I want to fly to. I have the focus I was missing before.”
Read about the book ↗

More books by our alumni

Cover of A Monarch in Winter: Biography of a Butterfly by Abbey PachterView book ↗

A Monarch in Winter: Biography of a Butterfly

by Abbey Pachter

Cover of Time’s Vessel: Echos of Courage by Susan Davis McClellanView book ↗

Time’s Vessel: Echos of Courage

by Susan Davis McClellan

Cover of Grace Interlaced (Also in Spanish Gracia entrelazada) by Virginia HeslingaView book ↗

Grace Interlaced (Also in Spanish Gracia entrelazada)

by Virginia Heslinga

Cover of Stumbling Stones: the Holocaust, my family and me by Miriam LandorView book ↗

Stumbling Stones: the Holocaust, my family and me

by Miriam Landor

Cover of Écrire ensemble - Journal de deuil à deux voix by Nathalie CartierView book ↗

Écrire ensemble - Journal de deuil à deux voix

by Nathalie Cartier

Cover of Maggie's Boy: Orphan, Home Child, Pioneer by Rosalie KnoglerView book ↗

Maggie's Boy: Orphan, Home Child, Pioneer

by Rosalie Knogler

Cover of I ATE EVERYTHING BUT THE NAPKINS: HOW I OVERCAME OVEREATING by Rose HurstView book ↗

I ATE EVERYTHING BUT THE NAPKINS: HOW I OVERCAME OVEREATING

by Rose Hurst

Cover of Tripping Over Love On The Gringo Trail by Cathy DreyfussView book ↗

Tripping Over Love On The Gringo Trail

by Cathy Dreyfuss

Cover of Home by Amy Smyth MillerView book ↗

Home: A Memoir of Family, Forgiveness, and Healing from Complex PTSD

by Amy Smyth Miller

Cover of My Two Countries by Shereen TabriziView book ↗

My Two Countries: A Memoir of Belonging, Education and Advocacy

by Shereen Tabrizi

Cover of Living with Strangers by Robin RosenbluthView book ↗

Living with Strangers: Healing a Wounded Heart in a Distant Land

by Robin Rosenbluth

More published alumni titles

In their own words

What alumni say

“Signing up for this program is one of the best things I’ve done for myself to move my writing goals forward. Thank you for a first-rate course.”

— LORNA SAMRAJ, NEW MEXICO, USA

“I’ve been writing for years and even had my first memoir with two agents, neither of whom could sell it. Taking this course has busted wide open my understanding of how to tell my story better. There have been days where one little thing Alison said or suggested brought fresh energy into my story. I’m finding my voice and not trying to wrestle with it; I’m figuring out what’s relevant, what it’s really about; I’m having fun again after feeling rather dejected!”

— KARIN JONES, CO-WINNER, INTERNATIONAL AMY MACRAE AWARD FOR MEMOIR

“I have been researching and writing a family memoir for five years, and Alison’s course gave me invaluable tips that really helped me on my journey. Several other things happened as well: I found the courage to post excerpts of my book for peer review, I connected with another student from across the world who became my memoir writing partner, and I FINISHED MY BOOK! It’s still at the first draft stage, but it’s great to know that I can dip back into the course whenever I want.”

— FELICE HARDY, WINCHESTER, UK

“This course is the best investment of time and money I’ve made in a long, long while! Alison’s positivity is inspiring and motivating, and her concrete advice has helped me see how to shape my own writing in ways I never would have discovered on my own. Although I’ve technically finished the course, I’m not ready to put it behind me. My plan is to go back and do it all again, reinforcing all the tips and picking up the exercises I skipped. Thank you so much for every part of this wonderful experience!”

— CLAUDIA LYNCH, NEW ORLEANS, USA

“I will forever be grateful I took a chance on myself and invested in this course. It is worth more than I paid for it. Thank you, Alison, for your guidance, tutelage, patience and understanding. It has been a life-changing journey.”

— PAIGE ISHII, UTAH, USA

“I can almost GUARANTEE that Memoir Writing, ink. will be the most worthwhile investment of funds, time, brainpower, and creativity that you can imagine. Whether you end up writing a full-blown memoir, dabbling in your journal, or simply continuing to read beautiful writing, you will do so with powerful tools, a new perspective, a smile on your face and in your writerly heart. Promise.”

— JENNIFER LEIDICH, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

“This course introduced me to a whole new world of creativity and also helped me to find a voice that I didn’t know I had. The framework of provided the structure I needed so that my stories could emerge, and the encouragement and inspiration from Alison and the community provided nourishment for my creative spirit. A big thank you to all those individuals who contribute to the offering of Memoir Writing Ink!”

— GAIL PURDY, CANADA; RUNNER-UP, INTERNATIONAL AMY MACRAE AWARD FOR MEMOIR

“This course has been a miraculous gift for me. I’ve struggled for years to understand how to tell my story. I felt blocked in the extreme! Now I look forward every day to my writing time, and I think about what I’m going to write all day long. I’m having a GREAT time, and you’ve helped me love writing again. Thank you so much!”

— PAMELA BRAYTON, NEW YORK, USA

“Memoir Writing Ink sets itself apart from any other training, in-person or online, for personal or professional growth, that I have participated in. The difference is the ongoing teaching and support available throughout the course. None of the usual ’Thank you for your money, here’s your Powerpoint, good-bye.’ Alison and her knowledgeable staff set up and encourage an international group that feels personal to us far-flung students.”

— JANE MACLEAN, BELFAST, IRELAND

“This program has helped me move forward on a book that I had shelved for well over a year because I was stuck in a major way. Alison’s instruction helped me not only return to the book, but also to understand what I needed to do to structure and recommit to it. Newly retired from teaching, I now awake each morning with direction and purpose.”

— SUSAN GODWIN, CLEVELAND, USA

“Alison’s course gave me the confidence to believe I had stories worth writing and sharing, and the courage to receive feedback to improve them. She has inspired and motivated me to be a writer committed to the craft of writing. I’ve already accomplished more than I could have dreamed.”

— MICHAEL WILLIAMS, HAMILTON, CANADA

“There is so much I could comment on: the wonderful, creative organization, the variety, the introduction to authors and their writing, the way Alison has structured the content, the freedom she offers to do it at one’s own pace and in one’s own way. I really love her presence, her gentle encouragement, her spirit and spunk. And it’s all built on such a strong philosophical bedrock, it’s healing and integrating and beautiful...all while learning a craft!”

— LORI EDEY, DUNDAS, CANADA

“With every detailed, well-organized lesson, Alison triggers memories and writing. I love her LOL humor, her honesty and acceptance, and her forgiveness and understanding of self-doubt. Alison is an inspiration and Memoir Writing Ink is brilliant. STRONGLY Recommended.”

— BARBARA FESS, SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

“This pandemic became a hermitage writing retreat for me. My companion was the Memoir Writing Ink course. I have never written so much or so continuously. My life has been richer, my soul has been nourished, and my skills have improved dramatically. At 74, I am, for the first time, fulfilling my dream and naming myself a writer.”

— KIA WOODS, CONNECTICUT, USA

“Thank you so much for a wonderful course. I am absolutely loving it and its rich variety of material, ideas, challenges and examples. It’s way more than I dared hope. The whole thing has been a joy.”

— JENNY ELLIOTT

“I cannot recommend this course highly enough.”

— GLYNIS RANNEY

“I could hardly wait to open each weekly lesson. Alison’s contagious enthusiasm was totally worth the price of admission. The content itself is priceless: dynamic author interviews, thoughtful presentations, generative writing exercises, a library of resources to draw upon for a lifetime. Memoir Writing Ink is one of the best investments I have ever made in myself.”

— CATE WHITTINGTON

“I was a bit reticent to participate in any kind of writing course as I had been badly burned by several negative experiences with writers groups in the past. Taking this course has been the best decision ever! I am writing again. The stories are flowing and I am now feeling inspired, hopeful, energized and thrilled with my progress. Alison’s lightness of being, her kindness, and her incredibly comprehensive and well-thought out program have led me out of the darkness. I have taken many writing courses over the last 25 years, have earned an MFA in Creative Writing, and I can say without hesitation that this is, by far, the most well-organized, comprehensive and effective course I have ever taken.”

— MARLENE SIMON

“When I signed up for this course, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like, nor what I would receive. I could go on and on about Alison’s passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience, but let me just say: This has been one of the richest gifts I have ever given myself.”

— TRISH CANNON

“Before taking this course, I felt like I was lost in a maze with no way out. I knew I had a lot to tell, and lessons in life that I could pass along to others, but I didn’t know how to put all that together and make a book out of it. I was in constant doubt. This course made me realize I could do this. And now I can look at this same maze from above and know my way out.

I call Alison ‘my angel’ because she and her work truly rescued me.”
— Parvin Kolahdooz

UPDATE: Parvin’s book was published in July 2024!

HOW TO REGISTER & GET STARTED

NOTE: We are a Canadian company based in Stratford, Ontario. 🇨🇦
Our students are from all over the world.
You are welcome to pay in your home currency.❤️

COST

The complete program is available for $497 and includes lifetime access (for as long as Memoir Writing Ink continues turning its pages!) to the course materials, plus more than $100 in bonuses!

To pay in your home currency, click on the appropriate link:

CAD$ | USD$ | GBP￡ | EUR€ | AUD$ | NZD$

Prefer to start at a later date?

Simply purchase the course now and email support@alisonwearing.com to request an alternate start date.

Please Note: There is a no-refund policy for this course. Here’s why.

scholarship application
“THIS COURSE WAS A JOY! I gush to all my friends about the gorgeous time I had with it, and now I plan to work through it again because I know I will gain even more the second time around. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
— Helen O'Connor, victoria, australia
“Signing up for this program is one of the best things I’ve done for myself to move my writing goals forward. Thank you for a first-rate course.”
— Lorna Samraj, new mexico, usa

Hello!


This program is a distillation of everything I’ve learned over 30 years of writing bestselling books, award-winning stories and plays, and helping hundreds of people craft their stories. It is a step-by-step writing program that offers you the tools, guidance, inspiration, motivation (and gentle nudging!) you will need to transform your personal stories into excellent memoirs.

And it is 100% AI-free! I imagined and created every aspect of this program from my own very human heart, and wrote every word of it myself. :)

Alumni of this course have gone on to see their personal essays and books published and win prizes, others have had their work selected for anthologies, some have self-published their books, others have created stage performances, and still others have written priceless stories as gifts for their families.

Whatever your dreams and desires for your writing might be, you can have the pleasure and satisfaction of honouring your voice, learn what it takes to craft your story well, develop your literary muscles [yes!], and finally birth the memoir that lives within you.

“I’ve been writing for years and even had my first memoir with two agents, neither of whom could sell it. Taking this course has busted wide open my understanding of how to tell my story better. There have been days where one little thing Alison said or suggested brought fresh energy into my story. I’m finding my voice and not trying to wrestle with it; I’m figuring out what’s relevant, what it’s really about; I’m having fun again after feeling rather dejected!”
— Karin Jones, co-winner, international amy macrae award for memoir
“Registering for this course started as a birthday gift to myself, but it quickly became the highlight of my life for the last few months. It is so supportive and uplifting, Alison’s approach and manner so insightful, I could relax and let my creativity flourish. I’ve also made connections to a beautiful community. This has been one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself.”
— Tami Lou Castillo, Victoria, Australia

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.

 
 
 

To learn more about the program and if it’s a good fit for you, we’ve prepared a robust Frequently Asked Questions:

COURSE FAQs
 
 

UPDATE: Felice’s book has now been published!

“I have been researching and writing a family memoir for five years, and Alison’s course gave me invaluable tips that really helped me on my journey. Several other things happened as well: I found the courage to post excerpts of my book for peer review, I connected with another student from across the world who became my memoir writing partner, and I FINISHED MY BOOK! It’s still at the first draft stage, but it’s great to know that I can dip back into the course whenever I want.”
— Felice Hardy, winchester, UK
“This course is the best investment of time and money I’ve made in a long, long while! Alison’s positivity is inspiring and motivating, and her concrete advice has helped me see how to shape my own writing in ways I never would have discovered on my own.

Although I’ve technically finished the course, I’m not ready to put it behind me. My plan is to go back and do it all again, reinforcing all the tips and picking up the exercises I skipped. Thank you so much for every part of this wonderful experience!”
— Claudia Lynch, new orleans, USA
“I will forever be grateful I took a chance on myself and invested in this course. It is worth more than I paid for it. Thank you, Alison, for your guidance, tutelage, patience and understanding. It has been a life-changing journey.”
— Paige Ishii, Utah, USA
“I can almost GUARANTEE that Memoir Writing, ink. will be the most worthwhile investment of funds, time, brainpower, and creativity that you can imagine. Whether you end up writing a full-blown memoir, dabbling in your journal, or simply continuing to read beautiful writing, you will do so with powerful tools, a new perspective, a smile on your face and in your writerly heart. Promise.”
— Jennifer Leidich, Mexico city, mexico

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.

“This course introduced me to a whole new world of creativity and also helped me to find a voice that I didn’t know I had. The framework of provided the structure I needed so that my stories could emerge, and the encouragement and inspiration from Alison and the community provided nourishment for my creative spirit. A big thank you to all those individuals who contribute to the offering of Memoir Writing Ink!”
— Gail Purdy, Canada; Runner-up, international amy macrae award for memoir
 
 
 

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.] For a course curriculum, click HERE.

  • 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 LIVE sessions:

  • A live Q&A, in which your specific questions can be addressed and answered.

  • A Live Bonus Teaching offering in-depth instruction on a particular aspect of memoir writing and/or an interview with a guest writer or editor.

  • A ‘Writers Unite’ Session, which offers the opportunity to connect with a ‘writing partner’ or join a writing group — people with whom you can share writing or simply stay accountable and writing together on a regular basis.

Plus, some fabulous bonuses!

$100 off an in-person workshop or retreat [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.

“This course has been a miraculous gift for me. I’ve struggled for years to understand how to tell my story. I felt blocked in the extreme! Now I look forward every day to my writing time, and I think about what I’m going to write all day long. I’m having a GREAT time, and you’ve helped me love writing again. Thank you so much!”
— Pamela Brayton, New York, USA
“Memoir Writing Ink sets itself apart from any other training, in-person or online, for personal or professional growth, that I have participated in. The difference is the ongoing teaching and support available throughout the course. None of the usual ‘Thank you for your money, here’s your Powerpoint, good-bye.’ Alison and her knowledgeable staff set up and encourage an international group that feels personal to us far-flung students. ”
— Jane MacLean, Belfast, Ireland
“Although I am a published writer, I had no idea how little I knew before taking this course. I entered it as a baby bird and, through the wonderful ‘nurturing’ I have received from Alison and this generous, supportive community, I am starting to feel my wings sprout and strengthen. And, not only that, I am finally aware of where I want to fly to. I have the focus I was missing before.”
— Micki Findlay, vancouver island, canada
“This program has helped me move forward on a book that I had shelved for well over a year because I was stuck in a major way. Alison’s instruction helped me not only return to the book, but also to understand what I needed to do to structure and recommit to it. Newly retired from teaching, I now awake each morning with direction and purpose.”
— Susan Godwin, Cleveland, USA
“Alison’s course gave me the confidence to believe I had stories worth writing and sharing, and the courage to receive feedback to improve them. She has inspired and motivated me to be a writer committed to the craft of writing. I’ve already accomplished more than I could have dreamed. ”
— Michael Williams, hamilton, Canada
“There is so much I could comment on: the wonderful, creative organization, the variety, the introduction to authors and their writing, the way Alison has structured the content, the freedom she offers to do it at one’s own pace and in one’s own way. I really love her presence, her gentle encouragement, her spirit and spunk. And it’s all built on such a strong philosophical bedrock, it’s healing and integrating and beautiful...all while learning a craft!”
— Lori Edey, Dundas, Canada
“With every detailed, well-organized lesson, Alison triggers memories and writing. I love her LOL humor, her honesty and acceptance, and her forgiveness and understanding of self-doubt. Alison is an inspiration and Memoir Writing Ink is brilliant. STRONGLY Recommended.”
— Barbara Fess, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
“This pandemic became a hermitage writing retreat for me. My companion was the Memoir Writing Ink course. I have never written so much or so continuously. My life has been richer, my soul has been nourished, and my skills have improved dramatically. At 74, I am, for the first time, fulfilling my dream and naming myself a writer. ”
— Kia Woods, Connecticut, USA
“Thank you so much for a wonderful course. I am absolutely loving it and its rich variety of material, ideas, challenges and examples.

It’s way more than I dared hope. The whole thing has been a joy.”
— Jenny Elliott
 
“I cannot recommend this course highly enough.”
— Glynis Ranney

Why not register now and make this the most beautiful year you can?

Just an idea. :)

 
 
 
“THIS COURSE WAS A JOY! I gush to all my friends about the gorgeous time I had with it, and now I plan to work through it again because I know I will gain even more the second time around. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Helen O'Connor

Victoria, Australia