What makes for a truly great memoir?

In this episode, we sit down with Ariel, co-author of Hungry Authors and a veteran editor specializing in nonfiction. While many writers approach their life stories with pure "soul," Ariel argues that a great memoir requires a rigorous "science"—a structural logic that delivers a powerful transformation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Architecture of a Great Book: Why the "underlying logic" of your book is just as important as your prose itself.
• Memoir vs. Autobiography: The critical distinction that most first-time authors miss.
• Transformation as the Core: How to map the internal and external shifts that keep a reader turning pages.
• Polarity Shifts: Using "micro-transformations" to build momentum in every chapter.

Ariel Curry is a senior editor for nonfiction at Sourcebooks. She lives in Chattanooga, TN, with her husband and three beautiful children. You can find her at hungryauthors.com or on Substack.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Hungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel Curry
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved) by Kate Bowler
• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
• Story Grid by Shawn Coyne
• Grayson by Lynn Cox
• In Love by Amy Bloom
• I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy by Kate Strickler
• What We Carry (there’s also a link to download a discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)
• The Hero’s Journey
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

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Come join the discussion!

Instagram

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Threads

Substack

And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

Do you ever feel like your writing is a muffled version of the brilliant ideas in your head?

This week, we’re demystifying the science of writing—the rules, techniques, and structures that bridge the gap between raw creativity and powerful prose.

I explore why science isn't a cage for your creativity but the very thing that frees it. Plus, I share my favorite way to think about the role rules play in the writing process and the crucial distinction that keeps soul and science working together in harmony to produce the beautiful, life-changing writing we love.

Mentioned in this episode:

• I found the quote by choreographer La Meri in Merideth Hite Estevez’s powerful essay on the true purpose of technique, “Music of the Logos.”
• What We Carry (there’s also a link to download a discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)

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Come join the discussion!

Instagram

TikTok

Threads

Substack

And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

What makes some writing feel alive? And how can we bring that quality into our own work?

In this episode, I explore the “soul” of great writing, both descriptively—what that looks like on the page—and prescriptively—what writers can do to cultivate it.

We talk about the role of vulnerability, where writers go wrong in pursuit of authenticity, and how words can become a bridge to connection.

Plus, I share practical tips for tending to your writer soul and a sneak peek of what’s coming up next month!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Goodgoodgood.co and on Instagram
• Rebel Ridge
• What We Carry (there’s also a link to download a discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)

___________________________________

Come join the discussion!

Instagram

TikTok

Threads

Substack

And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.