• The Memoir Project

  • A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text For Writing & Life
  • By: Marion Roach Smith
  • Narrated by: Marion Roach Smith
  • Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (190 ratings)

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The Memoir Project  By  cover art

The Memoir Project

By: Marion Roach Smith
Narrated by: Marion Roach Smith
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Publisher's summary

Whether or not one has lived an exceptional or dramatic life, we inherently understand that writing memoir—whether it’s a book, blog, or just a letter to a child - is the single greatest portal to self-examination. Stop treading water in writing exercises or hiding behind “writer’s block” and learn how to write with intent. Marion Roach Smith’s disarmingly frank but wildly fun tactics offer you simple and effective guidelines that work. Your legacy beings now.

©2011 Marion Roach Smith (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

“Marion’s approach is like a mathematician teaching theory. Scary and interesting. She has illustrated a formula I now understand: pull the precise out of the indistinct, and watch the stories add up.” (Paul Ehmann, real estate broker and essayist, Chicken Soup for the Soul series)

What listeners say about The Memoir Project

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    4 out of 5 stars

amazing what you can learn from brevity

I felt as if this were having a conversation of sorts. I learned a lot about her, (although not full stories) while learning how to write a GREAT memoir. So while not getting to enjoy some of her tales she still manages to give you the entire story. But this is this purpose of how she teaches you to write. And what venue you are writing for, is what decides how much of what goes into what things you write as you may often tell the same story more than once for different purposes. This book teaches you how hot to be boring. She speaks fast and yet it is so conversationally teaching that for me it will take a few listens to get the lessons out of the GREAT writing. The instructional parts are also quite good.

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11 people found this helpful

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Enjoyed learning while listening to this book.

This is a really good book. I just listened the second time. I'm working on improvement of my writing, as I am writing. I learned quite a lot from this author. It is an easy listen with lots of good examples. I will likely listen to it again because m trying to learn the points.

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5 people found this helpful

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I will never write the same again.

...even my Instagram posts are changed. Intent. Theme-driven. Murder the unnecessary words. Brilliant. Informative. A story within a lecture. I was a student again.

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3 people found this helpful

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Informative and sassy

Loved, loved the straight forward directness of writing memoir. After listening to the book I've already started using her tools, by capturing my ideas and thoughts on notecards. Next I'm going to bring my library up-to-date and sit and begin to do vomit drafts!!!! I'm truly excited because I never could figure out what to do with writing prompts, I love writing with intent. Thanks Marion.

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3 people found this helpful

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Practical, humorous, fast-paced

A - for giving me resources I didn't even know existed. Loved the list of reference resources to own and one that is forbidden: computer dictionary

A - for perfectly illustrated examples of how to come up with writing topics, essays, and blog posts as well as what Not to do

A - for classic tips on editing and the humor with which it was delivered

A go-to reference for inspiration and practical application that memoirists as well as essayists, bloggers, short story and non-fictions writers will find as a solid resource. Smith used well-chosen stories as examples to make key points come alive. I have a new appreciation for the word murder.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Audio Book

The author read the book, which always makes you feel more connected. The advice was excellent. I will listen 1 more time and start writing.

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2 people found this helpful

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Splendid.

Most importantly motivated me to write. Daily. Consistently. Intently. And with A Special Purpose, just like Steve Martin in The Jerk. (I tried to be brief, but there's a minimum word count).

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Bravo

Short , sweet and to the point!
I am now connected on Marion's email.
Thanks

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1 person found this helpful

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Funny, helpful and unforgettable

I love Marion Roach Smith. She strides past all the books of writing prompts and creates a real way for writers to hone their craft. Writing my Substack with her advice in my head, and maybe someday, a memoir.

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Best book on writing memoirs

I really enjoyed this book. It is so informative and helpful. The author has a no nonsense approach.

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