The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

A grown-up book about journals/sketchbooks, 18 Sep 2008
This is the best book of journals I've seen - journals actually logging ideas rather than just prettified pages. Not that there isn't a place for that, but this is like getting to leaf through other artists' sketchbooks. Quite different from all the scrapbooking/journalling books.

inspiration aplenty, 02 Dec 2007
I liked this book very much. Essentially, it is a collection of samples of the journals of a wide range of different kinds of people, some who use journals professionally, some as recreation. Therefore, the styles and contents vary widely. For me it is an invaluable source of reference material and ideas to try out in my own journals.

stunning, 29 Aug 2005
This book is absolutely stunning. It's a collection journals and notebooks from people of varying professions and interests. The book is broken down into 4 sections: observation, reflection, exploration and creation. Each section headed with introductory text with further text on the individual "journalists". The journals themselves vary widely in styles, from scribbled notes to pages that have been rigourously worked on. If you want to see some images then you should visit www.pergl.net/jennifernew. The shape of the book resembles a traditional journal, the paper is of good quality and the layout is clean and easy to enjoy. Drawing from life is truly inspirational.

The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

A grown-up book about journals/sketchbooks, 18 Sep 2008
This is the best book of journals I've seen - journals actually logging ideas rather than just prettified pages. Not that there isn't a place for that, but this is like getting to leaf through other artists' sketchbooks. Quite different from all the scrapbooking/journalling books.

inspiration aplenty, 02 Dec 2007
I liked this book very much. Essentially, it is a collection of samples of the journals of a wide range of different kinds of people, some who use journals professionally, some as recreation. Therefore, the styles and contents vary widely. For me it is an invaluable source of reference material and ideas to try out in my own journals.

stunning, 29 Aug 2005
This book is absolutely stunning. It's a collection journals and notebooks from people of varying professions and interests. The book is broken down into 4 sections: observation, reflection, exploration and creation. Each section headed with introductory text with further text on the individual "journalists". The journals themselves vary widely in styles, from scribbled notes to pages that have been rigourously worked on. If you want to see some images then you should visit www.pergl.net/jennifernew. The shape of the book resembles a traditional journal, the paper is of good quality and the layout is clean and easy to enjoy. Drawing from life is truly inspirational.

Helpful information for aspiring travel writers., 27 Mar 2006
A collection of interviews with established and well-known travel writers in magazines and newspapers. As usual from Lonely Planet it is very high quality and a welcome addition to those trying to break into this very difficult field of writing. I highly recommend this book as a guide to approaching your writing with fresh ideas.

The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

A grown-up book about journals/sketchbooks, 18 Sep 2008
This is the best book of journals I've seen - journals actually logging ideas rather than just prettified pages. Not that there isn't a place for that, but this is like getting to leaf through other artists' sketchbooks. Quite different from all the scrapbooking/journalling books.

inspiration aplenty, 02 Dec 2007
I liked this book very much. Essentially, it is a collection of samples of the journals of a wide range of different kinds of people, some who use journals professionally, some as recreation. Therefore, the styles and contents vary widely. For me it is an invaluable source of reference material and ideas to try out in my own journals.

stunning, 29 Aug 2005
This book is absolutely stunning. It's a collection journals and notebooks from people of varying professions and interests. The book is broken down into 4 sections: observation, reflection, exploration and creation. Each section headed with introductory text with further text on the individual "journalists". The journals themselves vary widely in styles, from scribbled notes to pages that have been rigourously worked on. If you want to see some images then you should visit www.pergl.net/jennifernew. The shape of the book resembles a traditional journal, the paper is of good quality and the layout is clean and easy to enjoy. Drawing from life is truly inspirational.

Helpful information for aspiring travel writers., 27 Mar 2006
A collection of interviews with established and well-known travel writers in magazines and newspapers. As usual from Lonely Planet it is very high quality and a welcome addition to those trying to break into this very difficult field of writing. I highly recommend this book as a guide to approaching your writing with fresh ideas.

tremendous help to to identify a structure, and for tactical, 21 Feb 2005
it could be a matter of timing, however, i have found this book absolutely marvellous. the advice provided therein is critical. I would not look back.

this is a manual more than a book. i have read most of it several times over, and some of the ideas only hit me after four or five 'revisions' of a topic.
i like the style and there are enough anecdotes and illustrations to bring the topic to life. for instance: there are numerous examples of sample titles, both of the good and bad type. Second, JM Stine uses the fact that self-help can be broken down in several categories to bring several examples every time. So, from the bird house contruction to the cure for ailment, the message about the structure comes through.

More than the titles et the styles, it is the 'other' advice that brings the benefits. The exercises that realkly challenges my perception. JM Stine in many places asks questions which i have found tough to provide an answer to. However tough tough questions are homing in on the flaws of my preparation. The questions do what a top consultant would do and spot the gaps. Hard emotionally at times, but great value added.

I feel a lot more confident now about my work, even though there are challenges ahead. The advice by another reviewer "If you follow only one third of the advice in this book, you will have a success" seems the best description.

The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

A grown-up book about journals/sketchbooks, 18 Sep 2008
This is the best book of journals I've seen - journals actually logging ideas rather than just prettified pages. Not that there isn't a place for that, but this is like getting to leaf through other artists' sketchbooks. Quite different from all the scrapbooking/journalling books.

inspiration aplenty, 02 Dec 2007
I liked this book very much. Essentially, it is a collection of samples of the journals of a wide range of different kinds of people, some who use journals professionally, some as recreation. Therefore, the styles and contents vary widely. For me it is an invaluable source of reference material and ideas to try out in my own journals.

stunning, 29 Aug 2005
This book is absolutely stunning. It's a collection journals and notebooks from people of varying professions and interests. The book is broken down into 4 sections: observation, reflection, exploration and creation. Each section headed with introductory text with further text on the individual "journalists". The journals themselves vary widely in styles, from scribbled notes to pages that have been rigourously worked on. If you want to see some images then you should visit www.pergl.net/jennifernew. The shape of the book resembles a traditional journal, the paper is of good quality and the layout is clean and easy to enjoy. Drawing from life is truly inspirational.

Helpful information for aspiring travel writers., 27 Mar 2006
A collection of interviews with established and well-known travel writers in magazines and newspapers. As usual from Lonely Planet it is very high quality and a welcome addition to those trying to break into this very difficult field of writing. I highly recommend this book as a guide to approaching your writing with fresh ideas.

tremendous help to to identify a structure, and for tactical, 21 Feb 2005
it could be a matter of timing, however, i have found this book absolutely marvellous. the advice provided therein is critical. I would not look back.

this is a manual more than a book. i have read most of it several times over, and some of the ideas only hit me after four or five 'revisions' of a topic.
i like the style and there are enough anecdotes and illustrations to bring the topic to life. for instance: there are numerous examples of sample titles, both of the good and bad type. Second, JM Stine uses the fact that self-help can be broken down in several categories to bring several examples every time. So, from the bird house contruction to the cure for ailment, the message about the structure comes through.

More than the titles et the styles, it is the 'other' advice that brings the benefits. The exercises that realkly challenges my perception. JM Stine in many places asks questions which i have found tough to provide an answer to. However tough tough questions are homing in on the flaws of my preparation. The questions do what a top consultant would do and spot the gaps. Hard emotionally at times, but great value added.

I feel a lot more confident now about my work, even though there are challenges ahead. The advice by another reviewer "If you follow only one third of the advice in this book, you will have a success" seems the best description.

capturing those memorable moments, 20 May 2006
I have often been told I should write about things that happen in ones life - but wherever would one begin. Look no further than this compact book; it guides you through the process of organising your thoughts and ideas, simplifying what is a complex journey and making it look achievable. No longer is it such a daunting task but an exercise in arranging what to include and how to sort this into the whole story. Easy to read and full of encouragement. A must for anyone serious about writing an autobiography.

The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

A grown-up book about journals/sketchbooks, 18 Sep 2008
This is the best book of journals I've seen - journals actually logging ideas rather than just prettified pages. Not that there isn't a place for that, but this is like getting to leaf through other artists' sketchbooks. Quite different from all the scrapbooking/journalling books.

inspiration aplenty, 02 Dec 2007
I liked this book very much. Essentially, it is a collection of samples of the journals of a wide range of different kinds of people, some who use journals professionally, some as recreation. Therefore, the styles and contents vary widely. For me it is an invaluable source of reference material and ideas to try out in my own journals.

stunning, 29 Aug 2005
This book is absolutely stunning. It's a collection journals and notebooks from people of varying professions and interests. The book is broken down into 4 sections: observation, reflection, exploration and creation. Each section headed with introductory text with further text on the individual "journalists". The journals themselves vary widely in styles, from scribbled notes to pages that have been rigourously worked on. If you want to see some images then you should visit www.pergl.net/jennifernew. The shape of the book resembles a traditional journal, the paper is of good quality and the layout is clean and easy to enjoy. Drawing from life is truly inspirational.

Helpful information for aspiring travel writers., 27 Mar 2006
A collection of interviews with established and well-known travel writers in magazines and newspapers. As usual from Lonely Planet it is very high quality and a welcome addition to those trying to break into this very difficult field of writing. I highly recommend this book as a guide to approaching your writing with fresh ideas.

tremendous help to to identify a structure, and for tactical, 21 Feb 2005
it could be a matter of timing, however, i have found this book absolutely marvellous. the advice provided therein is critical. I would not look back.

this is a manual more than a book. i have read most of it several times over, and some of the ideas only hit me after four or five 'revisions' of a topic.
i like the style and there are enough anecdotes and illustrations to bring the topic to life. for instance: there are numerous examples of sample titles, both of the good and bad type. Second, JM Stine uses the fact that self-help can be broken down in several categories to bring several examples every time. So, from the bird house contruction to the cure for ailment, the message about the structure comes through.

More than the titles et the styles, it is the 'other' advice that brings the benefits. The exercises that realkly challenges my perception. JM Stine in many places asks questions which i have found tough to provide an answer to. However tough tough questions are homing in on the flaws of my preparation. The questions do what a top consultant would do and spot the gaps. Hard emotionally at times, but great value added.

I feel a lot more confident now about my work, even though there are challenges ahead. The advice by another reviewer "If you follow only one third of the advice in this book, you will have a success" seems the best description.

capturing those memorable moments, 20 May 2006
I have often been told I should write about things that happen in ones life - but wherever would one begin. Look no further than this compact book; it guides you through the process of organising your thoughts and ideas, simplifying what is a complex journey and making it look achievable. No longer is it such a daunting task but an exercise in arranging what to include and how to sort this into the whole story. Easy to read and full of encouragement. A must for anyone serious about writing an autobiography.

Essential for the memoirist!, 14 Aug 1999
The author of The New Diary brings you this compelling new source for those interested in turning their life stories into a literary memoir. Whether you choose to use a "window" of your life as a novel or develop your life story into an exciting adventure, Your Life as Story will give you the practical information to sort out the boring stuff.

A one-book bible for the writer of memoir or fiction., 12 Jul 1999
Rainer has done a terrific job of making the structure of the scene comprehensible and do-able, and that's applicable to fiction or nonfiction. She also gives help in figuring out just what it is you want to say. One smart lady.

A great tool for composing your life., 03 Jan 1999
Ms. Rainer provides practical, useful tips and excercises for creating you memoir, whatever your motivation, be it for personal satisfaction, a legacy for your children or for publication.

The author dispells the myth that only the "rich and infamous" can publish autobiographies. She challenges us to find the pieces of our lives which are truly unique and to present them as literature.

In summary, this book is an excellent tool not only for autobiographers but also for aspiring (or accomplished) writers and for those struggling with some aspect of their life.

Get it, work it, and share it!

Highly readable, full of useful tips for memoirists., 16 Jul 1998
Rainer has done it again -- captured the current trend in autobiographical writing and added depth and inspiration. In her former book, The New Diary, she gave tips and examples for journal keepers. Here, she captures the memoir wave and tells how to write your life story with a novelist's grace and style. Guaranteed to give you fresh ideas and motivation to get on with your own reminiscences.

The classic memoir writing book: a grandmother of them all., 18 Oct 1998
I have taught memoir courses from this book, so examined most others in the field of writing one's own life story. This was the first, and I think, the best. Author makes the task manageable with "get started" topics that trigger memories, inspiring samples from her real-life writing classes, and helpful tips. Perfect if you have an elderly parent or grand- who should record his/her life for family archives...or if you want to do it yourself.

A grown-up book about journals/sketchbooks, 18 Sep 2008
This is the best book of journals I've seen - journals actually logging ideas rather than just prettified pages. Not that there isn't a place for that, but this is like getting to leaf through other artists' sketchbooks. Quite different from all the scrapbooking/journalling books.

inspiration aplenty, 02 Dec 2007
I liked this book very much. Essentially, it is a collection of samples of the journals of a wide range of different kinds of people, some who use journals professionally, some as recreation. Therefore, the styles and contents vary widely. For me it is an invaluable source of reference material and ideas to try out in my own journals.

stunning, 29 Aug 2005
This book is absolutely stunning. It's a collection journals and notebooks from people of varying professions and interests. The book is broken down into 4 sections: observation, reflection, exploration and creation. Each section headed with introductory text with further text on the individual "journalists". The journals themselves vary widely in styles, from scribbled notes to pages that have been rigourously worked on. If you want to see some images then you should visit www.pergl.net/jennifernew. The shape of the book resembles a traditional journal, the paper is of good quality and the layout is clean and easy to enjoy. Drawing from life is truly inspirational.

Helpful information for aspiring travel writers., 27 Mar 2006
A collection of interviews with established and well-known travel writers in magazines and newspapers. As usual from Lonely Planet it is very high quality and a welcome addition to those trying to break into this very difficult field of writing. I highly recommend this book as a guide to approaching your writing with fresh ideas.

tremendous help to to identify a structure, and for tactical, 21 Feb 2005
it could be a matter of timing, however, i have found this book absolutely marvellous. the advice provided therein is critical. I would not look back.

this is a manual more than a book. i have read most of it several times over, and some of the ideas only hit me after four or five 'revisions' of a topic.
i like the style and there are enough anecdotes and illustrations to bring the topic to life. for instance: there are numerous examples of sample titles, both of the good and bad type. Second, JM Stine uses the fact that self-help can be broken down in several categories to bring several examples every time. So, from the bird house contruction to the cure for ailment, the message about the structure comes through.

More than the titles et the styles, it is the 'other' advice that brings the benefits. The exercises that realkly challenges my perception. JM Stine in many places asks questions which i have found tough to provide an answer to. However tough tough questions are homing in on the flaws of my preparation. The questions do what a top consultant would do and spot the gaps. Hard emotionally at times, but great value added.

I feel a lot more confident now about my work, even though there are challenges ahead. The advice by another reviewer "If you follow only one third of the advice in this book, you will have a success" seems the best description.

capturing those memorable moments, 20 May 2006
I have often been told I should write about things that happen in ones life - but wherever would one begin. Look no further than this compact book; it guides you through the process of organising your thoughts and ideas, simplifying what is a complex journey and making it look achievable. No longer is it such a daunting task but an exercise in arranging what to include and how to sort this into the whole story. Easy to read and full of encouragement. A must for anyone serious about writing an autobiography.

Essential for the memoirist!, 14 Aug 1999
The author of The New Diary brings you this compelling new source for those interested in turning their life stories into a literary memoir. Whether you choose to use a "window" of your life as a novel or develop your life story into an exciting adventure, Your Life as Story will give you the practical information to sort out the boring stuff.

A one-book bible for the writer of memoir or fiction., 12 Jul 1999
Rainer has done a terrific job of making the structure of the scene comprehensible and do-able, and that's applicable to fiction or nonfiction. She also gives help in figuring out just what it is you want to say. One smart lady.

A great tool for composing your life., 03 Jan 1999
Ms. Rainer provides practical, useful tips and excercises for creating you memoir, whatever your motivation, be it for personal satisfaction, a legacy for your children or for publication.

The author dispells the myth that only the "rich and infamous" can publish autobiographies. She challenges us to find the pieces of our lives which are truly unique and to present them as literature.

In summary, this book is an excellent tool not only for autobiographers but also for aspiring (or accomplished) writers and for those struggling with some aspect of their life.

Get it, work it, and share it!

Highly readable, full of useful tips for memoirists., 16 Jul 1998
Rainer has done it again -- captured the current trend in autobiographical writing and added depth and inspiration. In her former book, The New Diary, she gave tips and examples for journal keepers. Here, she captures the memoir wave and tells how to write your life story with a novelist's grace and style. Guaranteed to give you fresh ideas and motivation to get on with your own reminiscences.

This book is amazing..., 28 Jun 1999
I decided that I wanted to write a memoir and then sought out to find books on how to write one. I read three before I got to this one, and I must say, that by far this is the best collection of writing insights, advice and encouragement I have come across. Every one of my questions and concerns were dealt with in this book. I began writing my memoir even before I finished reading "Writing the Memoir" and I did so with total confidence. I can't say enough about how helpful this book was.