Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” -Goethe
Movie on 11-20-13 at 10.00 AM from Kathleen Pooler on Vimeo.
“Four Years in a Memoir Writer’s Journey text:
Hi! Kathy Pooler. Welcome to Memoir Writer’s Journey. Thank you for joining me in my fourth blog-iversary celebration.
A lot has happened in these four years since I took a giant leap of faith and started a writing blog. We’ve been sharing memoir writing tips, “memoir moments”, and I’ve been chronicling my own journey to memoir as well as featuring other memoir writers and authors in guest posts and book tour promotions.
I’m very pleased to announce that my first memoir, Ever Faithful to His Lead: A Memoir About Choices is in its final editing stages and I am in the query process. My second memoir is currently a pile of vignettes waiting to be shaped into a story about my faith journey through simultaneous challenges of a cancer diagnosis and the downward spiral of my young adult son due to substance abuse.
People ask me, “Why do you want to share such a personal story?”
The only response I can come up with is: “Because I cannot NOT write it.”
I believe, very strongly, that we are all enriched, inspired and enlightened when we share our stories. And I believe hope matters. I want to share that hope and how I was able to climb out of the abyss and reach a life of peace and joy. I’m hopeful that others will be able to tap into their own stories and find some hope and climb out of their own abyss.
When I was thinking about what I wanted to say on my blog-iversary about these past four years, I decided that words really did not suffice so I created a slide show to music. The music is meant to convey inspiration, courage, persistence, friendship, community–all the things that you have provided of for me throughout these past four years.
So it is in celebration of my blog-iversary as well as in tribute to all of you that I present this slideshow.
4 years in a memoir writer’s journey from Kathleen Pooler on Vimeo.
Thank you all for joining me “around my kitchen table.” I hope you’ll keep coming back.
In a few weeks, I will be sending out a survey to get your feedback on how I can best serve your needs in 2014.
As always, I love to hear from you so please leave any comments below~
Thursday, 12/05/13: Author, Creativity Coach and Actor Bryan Cohen will discuss ” Using Sense Memory To Remember Story Details.” Bryan is the author of 1000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More” and will give away a free copy of his book to a random commenter.
Congratulations Kathy! More blogging and memoir writing power to you!
Thank you, Rosanna!
Congratulations Kathy!
Thanks,Dan! There’s been a lot of “water under the bridge” since we first met in your Build Your Author Platform course. 🙂
A big CONGRATULATIONS, Kathy! May God bless you as you continue to write & live fro Him.
All God’s Best,
Wanda
Thank you so much, Wanda. Many blessings to you as well. I’m so happy our paths have crossed!
Kathy, you are such an inspiration. You persist and work hard to write your truth. Though I’m not a “new” writer, I am just starting my journey as a true memoirist and I look to you for advice and as a cheering section to boost me along. I am blogging my journey at http://www.reneeiswriting.blogspot.com I hope that will keep me moving along. I’m also taking the “Write Your Memoir in Six Months” course. I look to 2014 as the year I finally get the story out that has been noodling me for 20 years.
Have a great year!!!
Dear Renee, Welcome and thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I am very touched by your kindness and generosity. I just checked out your blog and signed up to follow you. We have a lot in common in sharing our journey and we can continue to learn so much from one another. Congratulations on your commitment and persistence to get your story out there. Linda Joy and Brooke are both excellent teachers and I have no doubt you will meet your goals through their course. Yes, our stories really do “noodle us” until we get them out there. Best wishes with your writing. I look froward to following you. Everyone, check out Renee’s blog at reneeiswriting.blogspot.com for memory writing resources and inspiration.
Four years! Kathy, what an accomplishment! And now you’re very close to your goal of publishing. How exciting!! Best wishes and hugs from your Cincinnati Sister.
Yes, Lynne, four years! Isn’t it amazing the paths we’ve gone down since we first met in Cincy in 2009..pre-blog, pre-social media (at least I was!)? So happy we are on this journey together. Thanks for yours cheers now and all along the way!
Congratulations Kathy on being “ever faithful” to the memoir community and the genre as both a literary expression and a path to spiritual awakening. You inspire us all with your tender and heartfelt presence. We have been fortunate enough to experience this firsthand in the Women’s Writing Circle with your wonderful journaling workshop in February and your presence at our October memoir writing workshop featuring Linda Joy.
Your dedication and courage in writing your life stories is truly a “beacon of light” from that lighthouse on the shore that you feature here on Memoir Writer’s Journey. And, as a Philly gal, I gotta love the slideshow set to the music from “Rocky.” Here’s to you – a high five!
Dear Susan, Thanks! What a wonderful connection we have forged since we met on LinkedIn a few years ago. Such a treasure you have created in the Women’s Writing Circle. I am so honored to have been a part of the “magic.” I had forgotten, “Rocky” was filmed in Philly. High five to you as well for being a source of inspiration to me. I’m so happy you’re in my “village.” 🙂
Thanks for making a “personal” video on your 4th Anniversary of blogging and for sharing your updates. I’ve truly enjoyed following and learning from you Kathy. I also noticed the “My Gutsy Story Anthology” on your sidebar and if anyone is reading my comment, Kathy’s story, “Choices and Chances,” is published on page 89. All the best, you’re a winner Kathy.
Thanks, Sonia. What fun it has been getting to know you and learning from you over these past few years. I am honored to be a part in your Gutsy Anthology. You are and have always been a source of inspiration and encouragement for all of us!
Kathy, Congrats on reaching this milestone! You’re an inspiration to me, and I appreciate it — your advice, of course, your encouragement, and your loving presence.
You must be so proud to see your hard work culminating in a memoir — at last! Best wishes for the culmination of your project!
Debbie, Thank you and I have to say, it works both ways. I can always count on you for your balanced perspective and wonderful sense of humor. Thanks for your kind wishes and messages of encouragement as I embark upon this next phase of my journey.
Kathy, you should receive the Writer of the Year Act of Kindness award for this post. I paused to look and listen all the way through the VIMEO, a wondrous collage. Like so many others, you are a Beatrice shining the way for beginners like me. Thank you!
Marian, You are so kind! Thank you for your generous comments. I really appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I have to say, I think we all can shine a light for one another. I’m so happy we have met and I look forward to continuing to learn from one another. Thank you!
Congratulations my dear hope sister. Even though 4,000 miles separate us, I feel like I have been beside you every step of the way. Your slideshow was so inspiring. I was crying even before I saw that you honored me by including my own memoir. I cannot tell you how many times, the words you share on Memoir Writer’s Journey have lifted my soul in times of despair.
Pat, Thanks so much! I feel exactly the same way. 4000 miles do not separate us. Yes, you have been beside me every step of the way,inspiring and encouraging me through all the challenges.I look forward to your Saturday am blog post as if you were stopping by for a visit. One of these days, we will meet in person and it will be a grand celebration for sure. Your last sentence brought a tear to my eye. Thank YOU.
Congratulations on reaching Four, Kathy. I’ve enjoyed watching you become a seasoned and polished blogger, a valued contributor to the memoir community.
Your slide show whetted my appetite for going back through many of your posts. What riches lie in there. And of course seeing my own face and book there — wow! Neat surprise. Thank you so much from all of us in there.
Best wishes for many more years of blogging delight, and for the swift completion and publication of your books.
Thanks, Sharon. I should remind you that you were one of the first of my valued memoir mentors who guided me at the starting gate and continue to inspire and guide me. So glad you enjoyed seeing your “face and book” in the slide show!”Swift completion and publication on my books” sounds good to me.:-)
Congratulations on the 4th Anniversary of your blog. It was a pleasure working with you on your memoir, and I’m so pleased that you are in the final edits. I’m proud of you and all the hard work you’ve done! Good luck with your queries! – Best, Dale Griffiths Stamos
Thank you Dale. It was an honor and a pleasure to have you as my developmental editor. I know you earned every penny on all the hard work you had to do to whip my story into shape. I appreciate all the tough lessons I learned from you!
Kathy,
What a perfect & creative way to celebrate the last 4 years! I loved the inspiring music you chose and all your slides. You filled with so much hope & it really touched my heart, especially as an author.
I’ve been somewhat inactive because of my husband’s near death health problems in April, but now that he is doing so much better I want to reconnect with you by reading your blog and your comments on Sonia’s GIP site. Your slide show made me feel like I can’t wait to dive into the writing world again with exhilarating energy! Thank you.
Dear Kas, Welcome! I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I am so touched by your words and thrilled that you feel inspired to get back to writing again. Thank you for your kindness. It touches MY heart. So sorry to hear about your husband’s “near death health problems.” That must have been grueling to go through but thankfully he is so much better. I will look forward to staying connected. Your novel,THE CHOSEN SHELL is actually on my to-be-read list. Best wishes on your writing!
Happy 4th anniversary and congratulations, Kathy! You have stayed the course and set the bar higher and higher for those of us following along behind you. From you I have learned to be so much more than I was when I started out in the blogosphere, on social media, and as a writer. Without the community you strongly support, where would any of us be? Thanks for being truthful to who you are and to the hope that lies within you!
Blessings, dear friend,
Sherrey
Dear Sherrey, thank you so much for your generous comments. I’d say we are learning a lot from one another these days! I think we all inspire one another to reach greater heights. We are blessed to be a part of such a caring,supportive and helpful community. I appreciate your presence and friendship so much!
Blessings and Hugs,
Kathy
Oh, Kathy. Once again you have managed to capture just what I’ve been struggling to express. It does take a village to do most anything, and writing a memoir is no exception. It is the theme of my (Wednesday) blog post this week. Thank you for being one of my first villagers. I’m touched, honored, and … well, tickled, to be included in your collage along with so many whom I admire from afar. AND, you’ve gotten me just a teensy bit closer to understanding the possibilities of VIMEO. Finally, congratulations on getting to your final edits in ONLY four years. I’m, of course, quite jealous. 🙂
Janet, you are so right, it does take a village and I’m thrilled we’re in the same one. I look forward to your post on Wednesday. Vimeo was fun and easy but I had the assistance of the Apple One-on-One tech support to get through it. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and friendship along the way!
Kathy, you touched me in so many ways with this tribute. Anyone new to the memoir community could learn so much by watching this 15-minute collage. I tried to use the FB share button above, but my comment must have been too long. Anyway, please accept this hug. And now I’m off to share!
Thank you Shirley for your supportive comments and your generous sharing. I love our community!
Kathy,
Congrats on four years! I’m sure it reflects perseverance, diligence, and growth. So excited to hear about your first memoir’s publishing progress and the work on your second-the vignettes.
Thanks,Sarah! I’m so happy we met in Joe Bunting’s Story Cartel Course. I appreciate your ongoing support and friendship. Best wishes on your memoir as well!
Kathy – Congratulations! It has been a privilege to be part of your endeavours. Your blog has strengthened me in more ways than you know.
Audrey
Thank you, Audrey. I am touched by your words.
Congrats Kathy! It was such a pleasure to see/hear you on the video. This is a big accomplishment–I am proud of you for having the courage to write your memoir(s). Wishing you much success on your writing journey. God bless!
Thanks for your good wishes, Andrea. I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Best wishes on your writing as well. God Bless You!
Congratulations, Kathy on 4 years and on your upcoming memoir. Even though I am not a memoir writer, I have enjoyed reading your blogs and guest posts. You are an inspiration to many. Thank you.
My dream is also coming true. You had previously mentioned that I should update you on my cozy mystery The Ginseng Conspiracy. My novel will be coming out January 3rd as an ebook at your favorite online bookstore: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Susan Bernhardt
Susan, that is wonderful! Congratulations on the completion of your novel. Thanks for the update and for the good wishes.I appreciate you stopping by. Best wishes with your novel!
Kathy, four years and counting! I’m so happy for you/r memoir writing accomplishments. Glad to know you through the blogosphere.
Peace & Blessings,
Clara
Dear Clara, Thank you so much for stopping by. I appreciate your kind words and support. It has been wonderful meeting you, too.
Blessings,
Kathy
What a wonderful tribute to a supportive and caring community! Congratulations on your many accomplishments, including the video.
Hi Patty, Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate your comments very much. It has been my pleasure to pay tribute to this supportive, caring community.
What a lovely tribute, Kathy. I can wait to read your soon to be published memoir. All best.
Sorry for the typo. Should be ” I can’t wait…”
I knew what you meant. 🙂
Thanks, Madeline!
Kathy, as you do in your blog, you have once again showcased other writers’ and authors’ memoirs in your video following your heartfelt introduction.
You are to be commended for your knowledge of the “memoir revolution,” as Jerry Waxler calls it. I know you are eager to have your first memoir published. I look forward to reading Ever Faithful to His Lead: A Memoir About Choices.
Thanks very much for your kind words, Barbara. I appreciate you stopping by. It’s my pleasure to feature so many wonderful writers and authors on my blog.
Kathy congratulations from both Ted and I! Four years is a long time to keep momentum, it is no small achievement.
You’re blog is exceptional and your friendship invaluable. The very best of luck with your two books.
May the Lord bless the work of your hands and the desires of your heart, as you continue to seek Him.
What a sweet note from you and Ted, Cate! I’ve been thinking of you and hope you are feeling better. I appreciate your ongoing support and positive reinforcement more than I can say. Thank you so much for joining me in my celebration! Blessings to you both.
Way to go Kathy!
Thanks, Sue! And thanks for being an important part of my journey. 🙂