Memoirama: Turn Your Life Stories Into a Book

For many, retirement sparks the desire to share personal stories and experiences. The most common topic? Our own lives. If you’ve ever thought, “Someday, I’ll write my memoir,” now is the perfect time to start.

This engaging two-part virtual program, led by renowned memoir thought leader Marion Roach Smith, will guide you through the process of turning your life experiences into compelling stories. Whether you want to write a book, blog posts, essays, or op-eds, Marion will teach you how to find your voice and share it with the world.

Registration (Part 1 — January 21, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET): https://events.aarp.org/event/Memoir26A/

In the first session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of memoir writing:

• What makes memoir different from autobiography
• How to identify the most meaningful stories from your life
• Tips for finding your unique voice and perspective
• Simple techniques to begin writing confidently

This session is all about laying the foundation for your memoir journey.

Registration (Part 2 — January 28, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET): https://events.aarp.org/event/Memoir26B/summary

Building on the lessons learned in Part 1, participants who submit a memoir pitch will receive live feedback from Marion Roach Smith. There will also be time for additional Q&A!

By the end of Part 2, you’ll have the tools and confidence to turn your life experiences into a polished piece of writing.

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