Hello memoirists,
If you haven’t started our next book club choice, Finding My Way, yet, I’d encourage you to pick it up this week.
I went in assuming that I wouldn’t be able to identify much with Malala, but was surprised at feeling a relatable pang of longing and sadness when she described her search for friends and acceptance. And her anxiety of figuring out who she is when the whole world has already decided was just heartbreaking. Those moments made her real to me in a way that all the headlines never did.
Book club discussion questions are ready and waiting for you here:
https://memoirmentors.com/book-club-questions
🗳️ VOTE FOR OUR NEXT BOOK
https://forms.gle/rDMR972FLob546oz5
I’ve loved our recent reads (Finding My Way, Reason for Hope, and The Dirt Beneath Our Door), but I’ll confess I’m hoping you all vote on something about a life more ordinary.
That said, I’ve been listening to Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (she’s the singer and guitarist behind Japanese Breakfast, maybe not so ordinary), and it is so raw, beautiful, and complicated. Definitely recommended!
Vote for whatever speaks to you, and I’ll happily go wherever the majority leads.
Warmly,
Christina
Upcoming classes of note
- Writing a Memoir Readers Will Love — Reedsy Conference
May 17 | 11am–3pm EDT | $99 (use code CHRISTINA10 for 10% off)
A one-day online conference covering structure, voice, and how to pitch your story. Replays available for 28 days.
https://reedsy.com/learning/events/how-to-write-a-memoir?ref=christinaet - What It Takes to Sell Your Memoir (or Hybrid Memoir) — with Jane Friedman, Writers’ Digest University
June 25 | 1:00–2:30pm ET | $89.99
A 90-minute webinar on the realities of the memoir market — who lands deals, how platform matters, and how to pitch. Recording included.
https://writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/what-it-takes-to-sell-your-memoir - Building Better Memoir Scenes — with Lisa Cooper Ellison, hosted by Jane Friedman
June 24 | $25
https://janefriedman.com/building-better-memoir-scenes-with-lisa-cooper-ellison/ - Do You Need an Editor? with Katie Bannon & Jane Friedman
Jun 26, 2026 | Free
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AFfggCblRCeqDrDVkKQOJQ
Memoir Mentors Sessions
May 2026
Thursday May 21
- 7:00pm CEST – 10:00pm CEST
- Memoir Mentors – ONLINE Write then Read — 7pm Munich, 10am Pacific
Thursday May 28
- 7:00pm CEST – 10:00pm CEST
- Memoir Mentors – ONLINE Speaking Your Story
June 2026
Thursday June 4
- 7:00pm CEST – 10:00pm CEST
- Memoir Mentors – Writing Together – No Reading
Thursday June 11
- 7:00pm CEST – 8:30pm CEST
- Book Club: Finding My Way – Malala Yousafzai
Thursday June 18
- 7:00pm CEST – 10:00pm CEST
- Memoir Mentors – ONLINE Write then Read — 7pm Munich, 10am Pacific
Ideas? Questions? Suggestions?
Reply to this email and let me know or reach out directly at: xtina.howell@memoirmentors.com