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tomowenswriter.bsky.social
AuDHD. Officially diagnosed at age 60. Freelance writer. Pals with PennyTheCat. Vegetarian (me, not her). Future memoirist, learning by doing.
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Before you write your memoir, ask yourself: Who is my likely reader? Tell your story your way. But remember who you are sharing it with.

submitted 14 hours ago • 0 comments

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born April 16, 1947. In 2017, he wrote "Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court." He said the memoir for young readers is for “anyone who ever feels picked on or put upon, outraged but out of range, vilified yet voiceless.”

submitted 1 day ago • 0 comments

Memoir writing tip: I interviewed a retiring children's public librarian. Secrets for successful story hour readings? "If the kids are restless, I'll mention food as part of the story. Food always gets their attention back." Memoirists, her advice works for all ages of readers, too!

submitted 2 days ago • 0 comments

I've been thinking about writing about my AuDHD life. I would call the memoir OOPS.

submitted 3 days ago • 0 comments

I love animals. So, why am I not the world's biggest pet memoir fan? Because every pet memoir is likely to end in death. That's the only problem with pets: None of them live long enough. #memoir #booksky #writing

submitted 5 days ago • 0 comments

Even though Robert Reich's new memoir won't be out until August 19, he inspired me. The former U.S. Secretary of Labor is 4-foot-11. Check out his title. Lessons learned? 1. Be yourself. Use what you've got. 2. Titles matter. This one's UNFORGETTABLE!

submitted 6 days ago • 0 comments

My cartoon in this week’s issue of The New Yorker.

submitted 9 days ago • 2 comments

Here's a favorite prompt: I love (and own) "Baseball Fantography: A Celebration in Snapshots and Stories from the Fans" by Andy Strasberg. The 2012 book is just that. Never-before-published photos. I look at pics and questions start popping. Get out your old photos. Look at everyone BUT you.

submitted 7 days ago • 0 comments

Who was I? Who have I been? How have I changed? If we can't find Mister Owl and a Tootsie Pop, writing might be the best way to find the answers.

submitted 8 days ago • 0 comments

Want a write a memoir? Try accomplishing a goal. Tom Stanton attended every Detroit home game in 1999, the final year of Tiger Stadium. His 2001 book, "The Final Season," is a great example of memoir, even for someone who doesn't like baseball. How did it feel to be part of history?

submitted 9 days ago • 0 comments

Remember those 1980s beer commercials? "Tastes great." "Less filling," argues a rival. Now, the debate is "memoir in essays" or "essay collection." Whatever you call your book, get all your stories told first. You need to have all the pieces ready before you assemble your puzzle.

submitted 10 days ago • 0 comments

Billy Dee Williams was born April 6, 1937. His "What Do We Have Here?" memoir traces life from a Harlem youth to his role in "Star Wars." He includes juicy asides about roles he never landed.

submitted 11 days ago • 0 comments

Don't get a pie in the face. As I'm scouting memoir in indie bookstores, don't say aloud "I could get it cheaper on Amazon." You are supporting a store staff who curates a selection of well-reviewed books. You're getting reviews you can trust. For all that, cover price is a BARGAIN price.

submitted 12 days ago • 0 comments

I fell in love with a memoir before it was released. Annie B. Jones opened an indie bookstore in her small town. She didn't choose to leave home. She didn't decide to tour the world. She built a dream life while staying put. Her memoir debuts April 22. Great stories can occur in your own backyard.

submitted 13 days ago • 0 comments

A "graphic novel memoir" is real. "Graphic novel" indicates that text and illustrations combine to tell the story. "Change the Game" by Colin Kaepernick shows his high school years. The 2023 book shows his evolution as an athlete and young man learning to stand up for himself and his beliefs.

submitted 14 days ago • 0 comments