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In this episode, Memoir Writing Coach, Elizabeth Wilson, discusses Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, All the Way to the River:

• Why All the Way to the River sparked mixed reactions from readers and why those reactions matter for memoir writers
• How relying on a linear structure can strain a memoir when multiple themes (addiction, grief, love, death) are competing for attention
• Signs a memoir might benefit from a thematic structure instead of heavy backstory
• The difference between showing lived experience and telling the reader how to interpret it
• Why withholding emotions and bodily reactions creates distance between the writer and the reader
• How self-help interruptions, poetry, or artwork can weaken a memoir if they don’t deepen emotional understanding
• The importance of trusting the reader even when your story invites judgment
• How controlling the reader’s perspective can signal lingering codependency or fear of being disliked
• What it means to be “ready” to write a memoir, and the red flags that suggest more time or distance is needed
• Why relatability comes from emotional truth, not shared circumstances
• Common memoir pitfalls even bestselling authors can fall into
• Practical reminders for memoir writers about vulnerability, structure, and emotional access

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

You're invited to join us January 17-18, 2026 for a virtual writing retreat. It's all on Zoom and it's no cost to you!

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send us a text

It’s something you’re encouraged to do at the end of each year.

Do you have to do it?

Well, it’s really up to you.

And it doesn’t have to look the same as what everyone else is doing.

In this week’s episode, we share some of our strategies for reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going.

You’ll hear about Elizabeth Wilson's annual journal review.

Stephanie Oswald shares about the importance of celebrating, even the small moments, after a year of curve balls.

It’s amazing how easy it is to forget about what you’ve accomplished.

Maybe take some time to review your photos.

Skim through your calendar.

Look at your journal.

Whatever method you use to keep track of important thoughts or moments.

You’ve done amazing things this past year, and even if you’ve had some tumbles, you’re back on your feet and taking the next step.

So, when you look back, what did you learn about yourself from this year?

What are you ready for this year?

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

You're invited to join us January 17-18, 2026 for a virtual writing retreat. It's all on Zoom and it's no cost to you!

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send us a text

Stephanie Oswald chats with guest, Hannah Davis, about marketing your book. It's marketing advice that you can fit into your author life. There are many great insights and actions items for authors. The discussion covers everything from how to show up on social media to the importance of your email list.

Hannah Davis is a marketing strategist and website designer for authors who want to sell more books without sacrificing writing time for posting burnout.

With her 5+ years of marketing knowledge, she wants to help authors make their storytelling prowess their marketing superpower.

When Hannah isn’t designing websites or sending GIF-infused email newsletters, you can find her in the PNW writing or reading a book.

Connect with Hannah

Website
Instagram

Here are some freebie gifts to our audience from Hannah:

A year's worth of newsletter ideas

A book launch content planner

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

You’re invited to connect with us by joining our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. Whether you’re working on a memoir, a novel, or journaling for yourself, this is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads