Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler
“A man must have dreams–memory dreams of the past and eager dreams of the future. I never want to stop reaching for new goals.“– Maurice Chevalier
It’s that time again to take inventory on what worked and what didn’t in 2013. Thanks to all who filled out the survey. The results of my survey showed areas you liked–variety of guests, memoir moments, feeling of community as well as a few areas I need to work on–loading of my website, comment system viewed as cumbersome.
My take:
2013 has been a year on continual growth with many talented memoir writers and authors sharing their projects and stories as well as giving away their books…enlightening, inspiring and enriching all of us.
I love that Memoir Writer’s Journey continues to grow and be a gathering place for people to learn what other writers are up to.
As previously mentioned, I have reached the final editing stage of my journey to my first memoir, Ever Faithful to His Lead: A Memoir About Choices, so the goal of publishing in 2014 has become a reality. Still lots of work to be done with this and the completion of my second memoir, Hope Matters: A Memoir of Faith (working title). My focus will be on exploring publishing and marketing options.
I’m hopeful the tough lessons I’ve learned through writing my first memoir will facilitate the completion of the second one. I realize the publishing/marketing phase will bring a whole new set of challenges and learning curves.
I want to thank all my guests who posted this year. You are all winners in my book!
Top Post of All-Time:
Evoking Emotions-The Power of Sensory in Storytelling
Top Guest Post of All-Time:
Why I Chose to Write a Memoir as Opposed to Fiction: A Guest Post by Memoir Author Laura Dennis
Let’s look at the Top Tens for 2013. . .
Top posts of the year:
Seven Lessons I’ve Learned in Revising My Work-In-Progress Memoir
Seven Lessons on Using Beta Readers During Revision
Journal to Memoir: Planting The Seeds for Story
Reflections on My Mother’s Circle of Love: A Memoir Moment
The Face of Alzheimer’s Dementia: A Memoir Moment
Why “Wild” Works: Memoir Writing Tips
Writing with the Reader in Mind: Memoir Writing Tips
Preserving My Dad’s Stories: A Memoir Moment
The Role of Faith in Finding Freedom From Domestic Abuse
Back to My Roots: A Memoir Moment
Top guest posts:
How Vulnerability Can Be a Beautiful Gift: A Guest Post by Memoir Author Barbara Techel
Finding Peace Through Memoir Writing: An Interview with Karen Levy
The Healing Power of Poetry in Memoir: An Interview with Louise Mathewson
Do You Recognize Your Authentic Voice? A Guest Post by Dawn Herring
Turning Mundane into Magic: Memoir Writing Tips by Carol Bodensteiner
How to Review a Book in Eight Easy Steps: A Guest Post by Memoir Writer Sherrey Meyer
What Do Writers Read? A Guest Post by Memoir Author Belinda Nicoll
Publishing Slants of Light Anthology: An Interview with Memoirist Susan Weidener
Fine Wine and Memoir: A Guest Post by Mary Gottschalk
Other Highlights:
* Named to the National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW) Advisory Board with Linda Joy Myers, Sharon LIppincott and Jerry Waxler.
* Taught Journaling Workshop, “Journaling; A Voyage of Self-Discovery” in Exton , PA for Susan Weidener and The Women’s Writing Circle.
* Guest Posts for the following blogs:
Your Best Writing Group (Cheryl Stahle): Six Tips for Building Community Through Blogging
My Rite of Passage: Series on Theme and Premise (Belinda Nicoll): What is the Gist of Your Story #4
Your Best Writing Group (Cheryl Stahle): Summer Day Along the Hudson River: Nothing Quite Like it
Writing a Memoir (Lorenzo Martinez): Defining Moment: Where Will My Memoir Begin?
Victoria Johnson‘s blog: Creative Spaces
Clara Freeman54: Memoir Writing Insights From Kathleen Pooler and Pat McKinzie
DIYMFA (Gabriela Pereira): How Practicing My Pitch Helped Me Write Better Book
Nancy Stephan’s blog: Healing Each Other Through Storytelling: The New Face of Narrative Medicine
Pubslush (Justine Schofield) blog: Blogs We Love: Memoir Writer’s Journey
Your Authentic Refreshment (Dawn Herring): My Authentic Refreshment, an Interview
Southern Writer’s blog, Writing Your Memoir, If It Feels Right.
Write by Grace (Sarah Freeman): God’s Grace in My Life: A Reflection
Mary C Gottschalk‘s blog: Growing Past Self-Defeating Behaviors
Write Your Life Story (Cate Russell-Cole): The True Confessions of a Memoir Writer
Women, Beauty, Purpose, Empowerment (Winsome Campbell-Green): Woman of Purpose Spotlight: Kathleen Pooler
Utterances of an Overcrowded Mind (Paul Dorsett): 7 Tips I Have Learned About Connecting with My Purpose for Writing a Memoir
Choices (Madeline Sharples): 6 Tips for Honoring the Heart of Your Story: A Memoir Writer’s Challenge
Publication:
“Choices and Chances” story published in My Gutsy Story Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure from Around the World, editor Sonia Marsh, Gutsy Publications, 2013
Goals for 2014:
* Publish/market my first memoir and complete the second memoir.
* Continue monthly vignettes, “Memoir Moment” and featuring other writers and authors in book promotion tours and giveaways.
* Present a NAMW online workshop on memoir writing. It is in the works…TBA.
*Enjoy the ride!
Thank you all for your loyal following and for making this year an enjoyable and productive one. I love how we continue to learn so much from one another—enlightening, enriching and inspiring each other along the way.
Here’s to more gathering “ around my kitchen table” in 2014 and to all we have yet to learn from one another.
Let’s keep sharing hope one story at a time. Our stories matter.
I’ll leave you with an inspirational quote from lifehacker.com:
““Try not to become a person of success. Rather, become a person of value. ”
Next Week:
What better way to start out 2014 than with a series about Hooked on Hope~
Monday, 1/6 and Thursday, 1/9/14: Memoir Author and Teacher Maureen Murdock will share excerpts from her upcoming memoir, Hooked on Hope: ” A Mother Speaks out on Bipolar Disease and Prison.” She will give away a copy of her newly released ebook, The Emergence of BiPolar Disorder: A Mother’s Perspective to a commenter whose name will be selected in a random drawing.
My husband and I enjoyed your Vimeo reviewing the last few years as blogger and memoirist–and now this. What a great body of work!
You career in the medical field has served you well in your linear/sequential approach to organizing content and keeping tabs on the details. Then you tap into the “right side” to access memory and creativity. I certainly look forward to the publication of your memoir in 2014 (got to get used to writing this now) and your new series Hooked on Hope. Thank you, thank you!
Congratulations, and best wishes for the new year, Kathy.
Marian, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. It has been such pleasure to get to know you and have you share your thoughts and ideas. I am fascinated by the “plain and fancy ” stories you share on your blog at plainandfancygirl.com and would love to have you be my guest in 2014. I’ll email you with further details. Wishing you and your husband the best in the new year.
Kathy, what an incredible year you have had! I am in awe of your phenomenal growth as a writer and a leader of other writers. I have enjoyed your blog immensely. It is great news to hear that you have made so much progress toward both of your memoirs. Just look how far you have come, my friend! Thank you for the beautiful photo of you, Wayne, and the grandsons. This is the first year in decades that I did not send out Christmas cards. I hope you have a fabulous New Year!
Libbye, thanks so much for stopping by. Your friendship and support have meant a lot to me over the years. I have missed you! Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year. We’re overdue for a catch-up session. 🙂
Kathy, you’re an inspiration! What an incredible, busy, productive year you’ve had — and I love that you’re “not done yet”! Setting goals, and telling the world of them, is probably the best way to keep us honest and on track. Happy New Year, my friend, and here’s hoping I will soon have a copy of your memoir in hand to read!
LOL, Debbie. Are we ever really done, done? Always a work-in-progress. Progress not perfection is the mantra! Thanks so much for your support and encouragement along the way. And you’re right, announcing my goals to the world is a way of keeping myself accountable. Here’s a quote that fits: “Inspiration exists but it has to find you working.” (Pablo Picasso). Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year, my friend!
Kathy, from the time I was warmly welcomed at your “kitchen table,” I have learned so much from your website. Congratulations on being named to the NAMW advisory board – a much deserved honor. So many of us are looking forward to reading your book, Ever Faithful to His Lead: a Memoir About Choices. You do beautiful work with A Memoir Writer’s Journey. You set the bar high for all of us.
Dear Barbara, It has been such a pleasure to welcome you “around my kitchen table”. I am happy you feel you have learned from the website. I love how we all learn so much from one another. Looking forward to more sharing in the New Year and to hearing more about your memoir. Happy New Year!
Kathy –
You continue to inspire me and I know you always will!
Congratulations on a fabulous year and best wishes for a stellar 2014!
Viki
Thanks,Viki. And that inspiration works both ways. Speaking of inspiration,here’s a quote that fits: “Inspiration exists but it has to find you working.” (Pablo Picasso). I know you can relate to that hard work! You have a stellar year as well. I’m thrilled we are on this road together. Happy 2014!
A terrific year, Kathy! You have much to be proud of and thankful for. Thanks for letting me join the memoir writing discussion. Good luck as you step into publishing and marketing your first memoir and finish writing your second. You’re an inspiration!
Thank you, Carol! I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by so many gifted writers,such as yourself who have taught me so much along the way.I appreciate all you have to offer the memory writing discussion and look forward to all I have yet to learn about the marketing and publishing side of things. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.
Kathy, I’m going through the same process right now, so I love seeing how you reflect on the past year and prepare for the new. I was honored to be one of your guest bloggers and benefited so much from your generous review of Blush. Thank you.
I look forward to your own memoir in 2014 and am so impressed that you will be writing your second as you publish your first. Sound strategy.
You are definitely a woman of value. All you know you can see it.
Shirley, Your comments always leave me feeling motivated to keep pushing through. I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement and all I have learned from you over these past few years. It’s such a pleasure to know you and have you be an important part of my journey. Thank you for all you do. 🙂
Kathy, what a tremendous 2013 you’ve had! I’m impressed not only by what you accomplished but also by your ability to coordinate everything. Thank you for inviting me to guest post on Memoir Writers Journey and for constantly encouraging me in my own memoir writing efforts. As I’ve been reviewing my 2013, I cannot help but think of all the online support I receive and a great deal of it is the result of gathering round your “kitchen table” where I’ve met some great folks.
I’m also looking at my 2014 goals and hope to have my review and goals published in the next few days. Bob and I’ve been struggling with some medical issues of his the last week and ended up in ER today as all the doctors we needed were on vacation. Note to self: Don’t fall ill or need a doctor during the holidays. 🙂 Hopefully, I’ll get some catchup time tomorrow and will be able to write soon and post those posts!
Here’s to another successful year in 2014!
Blessings,
Sherrey
Sherrey, I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s medical issues which necessitated a trip to the ER. I hope all gets resolved soon. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and encouragement. I’m thrilled we are in this together and continue to learn from one another. I look forward to your annual review and have no doubt it will reveal a fantastic year,too. Wishing you another successful year in 2014. 🙂
Blessings,
Kathy
Kathy, you are invaluable to the memoir community! Thank you for all you do. I’m so excited that you’ll be entering the world of published author in 2014!
Because gardening is one of my passions, I always look forward to the new year with its challenges and delights in the garden.
Thank you for the privilege of being a guest author on your blog. You have a huge heart and it’s an honor to know you.
Happy New Year my friend.
Hi Grace, you are so generous and I am deeply touched by your heartwarming comments. Thank you very much. It was a pleasure having you as a guest and I hope your compelling memoir Reaching is doing well. I know what you mean about looking forward to a new gardening year as I have experienced the challenges and delights with my husband’s vegetable garden. Have a wonderful New Year. Blessings, Kathy
Kathy … congratulations on great year … and I expect 2014 will be even better. It’s been great getting to know your through our shared guest blogs, and I hope for a repeat of that in 2014. I wish you great luck getting both books out, and can’t wait to read them.
Thank you, Mary. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you and learn from you this year. I look forward to our ongoing connection. It truly does take village and I’m thrilled you are a part of mine. Have a wonderful 2014!:-)