What You Get as a NAMW Member
Memoir writing is one of the most meaningful things you can do. In my 35+ years of coaching memoir writers, I have watched people transform — from scared and overwhelmed to feeling more centered and healed, confident in their writing, and many published their work. The writing itself is the journey. At NAMW, we are here to join you on your journey.
Whether you are just beginning to write your story or working on your third book, NAMW gives you expert guidance, a warm community, and the practical tools to write the memoir only you can write.
Your Membership Includes
Monthly Live Member Events on Zoom
Every month, you join a live Zoom event with a memoir writing expert. Past guests have included celebrated authors, publishing professionals, and specialists in the psychology and healing that writing a memoir can offer. Topics range from plot and structure to writing the truth without alienating your family — to the deep healing that memoir can bring.
All events are recorded, and members have access to our full library of 60+ recordings — available anytime, on demand.
Monthly Group Coaching with Linda Joy Myers
This is one of the most valuable things NAMW offers — and one of the most personal. Each month, members join me in a small-group laser coaching session. We work on real manuscripts, real questions. Topics include titles, structure, theme, plot, and characterization. And importantly, the psychological challenges of writing a memoir — the exposure, questions about truth, and how to handle the family.
Every session is recorded so you can revisit the insights. You can be at any stage of writing to benefit — and often the questions other members ask are the ones you needed to hear.
Group coaching with a 35-year memoir veteran is a rare and valuable opportunity — and it is included in your membership.
Virtual Book Club
Each month we read and discuss a recently published memoir together — exploring craft, story, and the choices the authors made. It’s one of the best ways to grow as a writer: reading deeply and talking about what works and why with regular people who, like you, found the courage to write, then publish, their memoir.
Members-Only Facebook Community
Writing memoir can feel lonely. Our private Facebook group is a warm, supportive space where members share progress, ask questions, celebrate milestones, and encourage each other. Only NAMW members have access.
Featured Member Spotlight
Each month, one member is featured on the NAMW website and in our newsletter — a chance to share your project, build your platform, and connect with readers and fellow writers. To be considered, simply fill out the Featured Member Application in your member area.
Member Discounts on Upcoming Classes
Members receive exclusive discounts on all NAMW workshops and online classes. Upcoming classes include:
Writing the Danger Draft — with Helen Fremont and Linda Joy Myers
How do you write the raw, unguarded first draft — the one where you tell the truth without flinching? Helen Fremont, author of the celebrated memoirs After Long Silence and The Escape Artist, joins Linda Joy for this deep dive into courage and craft. [ DATE TBD ]
The Storyteller and Scenes: The Craft of Writing Your Memoir — with Sands Hall and Linda Joy Myers
Scene is where memoir comes alive on the page. Author and writing teacher Sands Hall joins Linda Joy to explore how to build vivid, fully realized scenes that carry your story forward. [ DATE TBD ]
The Challenge of Beginnings — with Linda Joy Myers
Where do you start? How do you find the opening that pulls readers in and sets the emotional tone for your whole memoir? Linda Joy guides you through one of the most essential — and most daunting — decisions every memoirist faces. [ DATE TBD ]
Monthly Newsletter
Stay connected with the memoir world through our monthly email newsletter — featuring member news, articles, upcoming events, and inspiration to keep you writing.
I loved Linda Joy’s two-hour workshop on memoir writing! She gave us such terrific information–all of which was helpful no matter what stage of memoir writing we were in. She has such an embracing style–this was not like most teleseminars I have taken, in that Linda Joy encouraged participation of the audience (she did not mute us), and no matter what participants said or asked, she always made everyone feel like their contribution or question was valued.
As a pioneer in the field of legacy journaling, discovering the National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW) had a profound impact on my writing journey. As a member for several years, I have fully taken advantage of the many offerings that have greatly enriched my work.
Linda Joy Myers, founder and president of NAMW, is an exceptional teacher, guide, and legend in the field. Her monthly group coaching sessions are invaluable, providing insights on everything from writing craft to publishing and navigating the profoundly personal journey of memoir. Her wisdom, warmth, and clarity have shaped countless writers, including me.
NAMW provides a wealth of resources: expert-led monthly member events, a vibrant book club where Linda Joy interviews notable authors, and a rich archive of newsletters, articles, and videos. These tools are thoughtfully curated and immensely supportive.
When writing my legacy journals, the insight and encouragement I received through NAMW gave me the confidence to share them with the world. I have also formed meaningful connections with fellow writers who continue to inspire me. NAMW has been a true gift to my writing life.
About Your Guide
Dr. Linda Joy Myers is the founder and president of NAMW and the author of five books: the prize-winning memoirs Don’t Call Me Mother and Song of the Plains; the prize-winning novel The Forger of Marseille; and two guides for writers: The Power of Memoir and Journey of Memoir. Her forthcoming book, The Heart and Craft of Writing a Healing Memoir, brings together 35 years of coaching wisdom.
Ready to Begin?
Join thousands of memoir writers who have found community, craft, and courage at NAMW.
Annual membership: $199/year
Monthly membership: $19.99/month
Lifetime membership: $725
Membership fees are non-refundable. Please review all benefits before joining.
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