Finally Write the Memoir You’ve Been Putting Off for Years
Workshops and private coaching for adults 60+ who want to leave a legacy—not just think about it
Memoir starts with one memory. But that memory is never alone—it ripples outward, pulling up patterns, people, and meaning you didn’t know were connected.
My job is to help you follow those ripples. To stay with the story when it gets hard. To find the words you’ve been carrying but couldn’t quite reach.
How We Can Work Together
If you’ve made it to this page, you already know you want to write your story. The question is how.
I offer two paths: workshops if you want structure and community, or private coaching if you want one-on-one support tailored to your story and your pace.
Both are designed around the same principle: you don’t need more discipline—you need the right support to stay with your story when it gets hard.
Here’s what each one looks like…
STARTING AT $59
Memoir Momentum Workshops
Live virtual workshops for writers 60+ who want to explore family stories, caregiving, and long‑held questions on the page, with the structure and support to start (or finish) their memoir. We’re diving right in; no generic journaling prompts—just practical guidance for the stories that matter most.
✓ Learn where you’re getting stuck and why
✓ Walk away with real pages, not just “inspiration”
✓ Optional sharing—participate as much or as little as you want
“Since working with her in class and privately, I’ve gone from not writing at all to having many pages of a personal memoir, sharing stories and poems on Substack and with family and friends, and even reading my work in public. I’m now sketching out a memoir‑style book about my years in the plumbing wholesale business—something I never would have imagined attempting before.”
“I had no idea how or where to start. Deborah got me going with clear suggestions and kind encouragement. That’s what I struggled with most in the beginning.”
—Stephen Bronski, BUSINESS owner
PRICED PER PROJECT – limited availability
Private Memoir Coaching
One‑on‑one support for writers who are carrying complex stories—caregiving, family conflict, long relationships with unfinished conversations—and want a steady guide as they put them on the page.
✓ Personalized feedback on your writing, not just grammar; meaning, structure, what’s landing
✓ Support for the emotional side of memoir (this is where my narrative therapy training matters)
✓ Accountability that’s steady, not punishing
“I reached out to Deborah for feedback and help editing stories I hoped to publish. Our recorded Zoom sessions made it easy to revisit the most important points, and her support and motivation helped me move past my hesitation.”
“I’m far less self‑conscious now about putting my work into the world.”
—Paula Schorr, retired probation officer
We Might Be a Good Fit If…
(scroll to find out!)
This probably isn’t for you if…
You want someone to write your memoir for you
You’re looking for a quick template
You’re not willing to sit with hard memories
You need it done in 30 days
This work asks a lot of both of us, so I like to make sure we’re a good fit. Our first conversation is simply to explore that.
Looking to Book Deborah for an Event or Training?
In addition to working directly with memoir writers, I also speak at conferences and train educators who want to teach memoir with integrity.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
I speak to writing groups, senior organizations, libraries, and caregiver communities about why memoir matters, why we stall, and how to keep going. Talks range from 20–60 minutes, virtual or in person.
Ideal for: Event organizers, conference planners, community program directors
FACILITATOR TRAINING
For educators and writing coaches who want to guide others through memoir without forcing disclosure or performance. Learn how to hold space for emotionally weighted stories.
Ideal for: Teachers, workshop leaders, senior center coordinators
“I now have peace of mind from giving my story a voice and, for the first time, feel like a writer with a clear purpose.”
—A Soul Seeking Peace & Storyteller in Progress
“For years I carried the weight of wanting to write my memoir but felt completely paralyzed, with no experience and no idea how to turn painful memories into a story. Deborah’s gentle but focused questions gave me structure and the courage to face what I’d tucked away, so our sessions became as healing as they were instructive.”
WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY:
Questions You Might Be Asking
How long does it take to write a memoir?
It depends on your story, your pace, and how much time you can dedicate. Some clients finish in six months. Others take two years. There’s no “right” timeline—just yours.
What if I’m not a good writer?
You don’t need to be. Memoir is about truth, not polish. I’ll help you with structure and clarity, but your voice is what makes it worth reading.
What if I can’t remember everything?
You won’t. Nobody does. Memoir isn’t about perfect recall, it’s about meaning. We work with what you remember, and often, the writing brings back more than you expected.
Is this Therapy?
No. I’m trained in narrative therapy, which informs how I work, but I’m not a therapist and this isn’t treatment. If something comes up that needs clinical support, I’ll tell you.
How is private coaching priced?
Coaching is priced per project, with a typical minimum of three months so we have enough time to build momentum without rushing. If you’re near the end of a draft and just need focused help, we can discuss a shorter arrangement.
Do you write the memoir for me?
No. This is coaching, not ghostwriting. You do the writing. I help you stay with it, shape it, and finish it.
What technology do I need?
A computer or tablet with internet access and Zoom. That’s it. If you can do a video call, you can do this.
What if I’ve already started but got stuck?
That’s most of my clients. We’ll look at where you stalled and why, and figure out how to move forward.
What’s the difference between memoir and autobiography?
Autobiography usually tries to cover everything, in order—birth to now. It’s about what happened.
Memoir focuses on what stayed with you: the moments you can’t quite shake, the relationships that shaped you, the questions you’re still asking. Autobiography draws the lines. Memoir fills in the color.
