structure, accountability, and support
Memoir Writing Mastermind
Join my supportive writing community where you will get expert guidance, accountability, and feedback to jumpstart your memoir and keep the momentum going until it is ready to publish. I’ve created this safe container for people who are serious about sharing personal stories that heal, inspire, and transform lives.
This group will provide personalized guidance and support from me, along with guided feedback from like-minded writers who share your goals. Your voice will be seen, heard, and witnessed in a supportive environment that encourages growth and experimentation. The Memoir Writing Mastermind is a membership community where you are welcome to stay as long as it takes to bring your project to completion. There are no artificial deadlines — just a commitment to support you as you work at your own pace to complete your book.
That is the kind of individual attention you don’t get in most writing programs. If that sounds like what you need, let’s talk to see if Memoir Writing Mastermind is the right fit for you.
Program Benefits
Structure
Learn the exact system that helped me transform 30,000 words of disconnected stream-of-consciousness scenes into a coherent book.
You will also receive monthly lessons on different aspects of the writing craft. Here are some of the topics we will cover:
- Creating compelling characters (protagonists, antagonists, and supporting cast)
- How to use “show, don’t tell” techniques to make your writing come to life
- Using the five senses to liven up your narrative
- Settings that sizzle with history, culture, and architectural detail
- Plotting with engaging scenes and story arcs
- How to express your unique voice and perspective to create authentic connections with readers
- And much, much more
Accountabiity
Do you need a deadline or a challenge to stay on track with your goals? I know I do.
The Memoir Writing Mastermind provides accountability with monthly writing prompts, spotlights, and peer feedback sessions. When you know you will be meeting with your group to discuss last week’s writing, it helps you find the motivation to get it done!
In our monthly Spotlight session, you can volunteer to submit and read three pages of your story to the group and receive personalized coaching from me and feedback from the group.
We also offer co-writing sessions where you can work on your stories and share them at the end. Many members find this opportunity to get feedback from like-minded writers to be one of the most valuable parts of the community.
Support
Writing can be a lonely endeavor. But being part of a writing community can help.
Putting your truth on paper and sharing it with others can make you feel naked and vulnerable. That is why I keep my Memoir Writing Mastermind small and intimate.
We offer unconditional support for your words and ideas, and feedback that helps you express your most authentic truth. There is time for sharing in small breakout rooms, but there is no pressure to share anything you are not ready to share.
You don’t have to go it alone. In this program, I will be by your side and help you through the difficult times when you are overwhelmed, and so will your fellow writers who are following the same path.
That is the true meaning of a writing community.
Program Logistics
The Memoir Writing Mastermind is a virtual program that will take place on Zoom. There will be weekly live meetings, which will be recorded and made available on your Mastermind course platform, Ruzuku. Additionally, you will receive recorded bonus content that you can watch and complete at your own pace, depending on where you are in the writing process. This includes my foundational course materials for Jumpstart Your Memoir, designed to help you plan and get started on your book.
Monthly Schedule
- Week 1: Teaching on the craft of writing with a writing prompt
- Week 2: Cowriting and peer feedback
- Week 3: Spotlight sessions and personalized coaching
- Week 4: Cowriting and peer feedback
- Week 5 (if any): Q & A and group discussion
Sample Writing Prompts
- Write a letter to your ideal reader
- Write a description of a compelling character
- Write a scene with dialogue between your protagonist and antagonist
- Write a narrative description using your five senses
- Write about the setting of your book with details that bring the scene to life
- Write an opening story that will captivate readers’ attention from the first page
- Write a climax story that keeps the action moving
- Write a resolution story that inspires readers with your transformation
- Write a compelling book blurb that has readers lined up to buy your book
Who is the Memoir Writing Mastermind for?
The Memoir Writing Mastermind was created for writers who are serious about writing a book based on their personal experiences. You can be anywhere in the writing process, from just the germ of an idea in your head to a partially completed manuscript.
We are looking for writers who are committed, reliable, and supportive. This is not a technical critique group where we rip someone’s ideas to shreds. It is a place to listen, witness, and provide the right kind of feedback that helps members learn, grow, and push their boundaries together.
If that sounds like what you are looking for, the Memoir Writing Mastermind may be a good fit for you. But don’t take my word for it. Read some of the testimonials from former members below and see for yourself whether this is the kind of community you would benefit from.
Would you like an invitation?
The Memoir Writing Mastermind enrollment is by invitation only. I personally interview every member to be sure we create the ideal blend of people, ideas, and expertise for our community. If you think this community is right for you, I’d be happy to set up a conversation to explore whether it’s a good fit. I love talking to writers and look forward to hearing your story.
Before joining this program, I was not sure where to begin or how to make it meaningful to a reader. Now I have a plan of action because I have figured out how to center the stories around actions I took and decisions I made that created my life. I feel that I know where to begin and how to proceed with the storytelling. I would recommend this group to folks wanting to share their personal stories in meaningful ways through their writing.
– Betty W.
Before I started this group, I had felt called to write a book about my health journey for several years. I had started the book many times, but never got far. Laurie’s lessons and exercises gave a lot of good tips on structure and helped us shape our theme and keep our writing consistent with that theme. The group feedback and breakout sessions built my confidence and confirmed that I would be able to reach my audience.
– Pamela S.
It’s been 11 years that I’ve talked about writing a book, and with Laurie’s program, I actually have seven written stories. Laurie shared excellent writing prompts that allowed me to drill down and put to paper the story I really want to share. I absolutely recommend this group to other aspiring writers. Our small group became very close. The weekly feedback from Laurie and the participants was a great benefit.
