In the U.S., a lot of folks facing retirement are perplexed about when to take their monthly entitled social security payments. Should you take it “early” or wait until your “full retirement” age? Here’s what the official US social security site says about your eligibility: “You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full…

A lot is said and written these days about the downsides of multitasking. However, there are things you can multitask that do not require critical thinking. Listening to a podcast while you are driving, washing dishes or walking your dog are some examples. While I am taking my morning shower…

I’m saddened to see people who have chosen to be left behind by today’s technology. When I offered a woman a visit on Zoom to share with her some information she wanted that would help her with her memoir writing project she wrote, “Zoom and I don’t get along.” Another…

My AA degree in commercial art — what they called it before “graphic design” — gave me entrée into my first advertising job in the art department of a boutique ad agency in Los Angeles. Typical of the “Mad Men” era, in the 60s ad agency art departments were called…

How did what happened change you? It’s always been a given in fiction writing that the main character must experience some form of change by the end of the book. So what does this have to do with the memoir you’re writing? Personal experience leads to lessons learned. Here are…

Just “throw up” on paper! I know it’s a challenge sometimes to just keep going! To just keep writing! it’s so instinctual for us to want to edit as we go along. But you can break the habit, and you’ll be happier in the long run for it. Editing along the way interrupts the creative flow in your mind. It’s better…

The very idea of bussing through the Andes evokes images of chickens and goats and pigs as fellow passengers. I found this historic South American travel legend to be far removed from my 10-hour bus ride from Cuenca to Quito, Ecuador. The ride was not, however, without its moments. At…

Let’s admit it right up front. No matter why you’re writing a memoir, I believe everyone would secretly like to have a New York Times best-seller. For this to happen, first your book has to have that magic “something” that entices and intrigues agents, editors, and ultimately readers. So right…

Your life story could make a best-selling novel, if you follow these steps — Here are 5 great reasons you can write your personal story as a novel: 1. You can write about scenes and events you didn’t actually witness. 2. You can make up new dialogue. 3. Events can be rearranged to create a new compelling story. 4. You can add or delete…