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The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Healing Story

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"The Power of Memoir" is almost a magical book, one with huge power of its own. Linda Joy Myers is a woman of deep sincerity who clearly wants people in pain to heal and who knows writing can help. Harold Brodky said, "To remember is to reenter and be riven." Reliving trauma in order to write about it doesn't fill one with bouncy good cheer. Instead one grieves again. I wish I had read Linda's book before I wrote my own, because it would have given me comfort, coping skills, and practical advice. Her eight sections serve to show the writer various aspects of catching memory and putting it on paper. Though my book is long since finished, I learned a lot from Linda Joy's. Any person wishing to tell a true personal story should begin by reading this book. - Ann Seymour, author of "I've Always Loved You," a true story of a family caught in the throes of WW II.

I've collected many book on memoir writing and this one is by far the very best. Myers covers the "A to Z's" in an easy to understand but not patronizing fashion, leaving room for the writer to choose and be creative as to content, scope, and type of memoir. She addresses the delicacies of memoir, preparing the writer, again, and making a strong case for writing as a healing strategy. If I was to buy only one guide, this one would be it!

THE POWER OF MEMOIR: HOW TO WRITE YOUR HEALING STORY offers a fine step-by-step program on how to use memoir writing to aid in emotional and physical healing. From how to tell truths and shape a narrative to tools for healing pain. From preserving memories to exploring motivations, this is a pick for any would-be memoir writer.

If there is a personal story burning in you, write it. The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Healing Story can guide you through the process.

Author Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. tells us, "The arc of healing takes us from pain to awareness and then to a new energy of being who we really are. We integrate all aspects of our experiences and find a new way to live in our own skin." That's a powerful promise. It's proven by research that Myers quotes. Writing a memoir can help the author explore, forgive, and heal the spirit, and her guidebook can start anyone down that path.

Myers begins by asking each writer to look at her reasons for telling her story. There are more possible motives than one might imagine, and sometimes, in later drafts, the writer's motives may shift.

A therapist in Berkeley, Myers blends her academic background with her extensive teaching experience as she looks at the psychology of memoir writing, the power of writing to heal, and the practical techniques that will help writers turn personal wounds into stories. She focuses on writing as a tool for healing. Publication is an option, not a goal.

Myers rounds out her book by talking about the role of meditation and listening to oneself and addresses a separate chapter to therapists who use memoir writing in their practice. Examples from her students are rich and varied. They confirm the premise that everyone has great stories to tell. The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Healing Story can guide you as you craft yours.

This review originally appeared in Writer Advice, [...].
You Want Me to Do What?

This is one powerful book. I am addicted to "how-to-write" books and this is one of the best. The exercises get you writing and the explanations of psychological development and how it effects memoir writing are thorough, helpful and interesting. Having met Linda Joy at a conference recently, I was able to read the book knowing her voice and enthusiasm for her subject. this book directs you through a process of writing that makes facing the memories palatable and you feel supported along the way, no matter how difficult the issues may be. I wouild recommend this book to anyone seeking to write a powerful memoir and also to those who only read memoir, as it helps the reader see how the writer developed and what made them record their personal stories for the world to learn from.
Kudos to Linda Joy for a task well done.
And please also read her own memoir "Don't Call Me Mother" which will make you laugh and cry and open your heart.

Myers experience of writing her own memoir has led her to teach and support many fledgling writers seeking to tell their own stories. Her training as a writer and a therapist have given her a unique set of skills that make her an ideal 'director' in guiding inexperienced writers who have a story to tell but don't know where or how to begin. Myers was instrumental in guiding me in successfully writing and publishing my story, WE WERE NOT ORPHANS. Responses from those who have read it made it clear that Myers direction and suggestions were key to the readability of my memoir.
I recommend Myers book enthusiastically for those who think they have a story to tell in a way that will be healing for them and their loved ones.

As a writer, a reader, etc., there is no doubt that this is a MUST have, and THE book finally well written for one seeking the subject. Very easy to read, inspirational, informative with the many aspects you are looking for in Memoir writing. (finally, someone has put it all together - well). A+++Seller. Everything perfect, as described. Just what I had "hoped" for and more. Thank you !! Excellent. Will absolutely use this seller again as well when possible.