6 Beliefs That Might Be Holding You Back from Writing Your Memoir

Writing a memoir is one of the most courageous creative acts you can undertake. It asks you to look inward, to hold up the threads of your life and decide what to weave into the story you’ll tell the world. It’s vulnerable work. Sacred work. And it’s easy to talk yourself out of doing it, especially if you’ve internalized a few common (and sneaky) beliefs that whisper, “You’re not ready. You’re not worthy. Your story doesn’t matter.”

Let’s gently name those beliefs and start dismantling them together.

1. “My story doesn’t matter.”

This is likely the most common (and heartbreaking) belief I hear from aspiring memoir writers.

Maybe you weren’t famous. Maybe you didn’t survive something sensational. Maybe you were just a quiet kid growing up in an ordinary place, trying to make sense of the world. But that doesn’t make your story any less valuable.

Memoir isn’t about fame or flash. It’s about truth. It’s about sharing your lived experience in a way that resonates with others. Your story might be the mirror someone else needs to see themselves more clearly. That alone makes it worth telling.

2. “I’m not a good enough writer.”

I believed the same thing before I wrote my memoir. I was the kid who struggled to make my essays long enough in school. How would I write an entire book? The truth is, you do not need a degree in literature or decades of experience to write a powerful memoir. You need curiosity. Honesty. A willingness to show up and do the work.

Memoir is not about literary perfection. It’s about connection. If your goal is to tell your story with heart and integrity, the writing will follow. And if you're feeling lost in structure or storytelling, that’s exactly where a coach comes in. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

3. “What if I hurt someone?”

This is a valid and tender fear. A memoir often involves writing about people we love, people who’ve harmed us, or people who may not see events the same way we do.

Here’s the truth: a memoir isn’t about revenge or blame. It’s about your perspective, your healing, your voice. In coaching, we explore how to write with both courage and care, telling your truth without betraying your values.

You’re allowed to tell your story. That includes the hard parts.

4. “I don’t remember enough.”

You might be surprised by what surfaces once you begin writing. Memories live not just in our minds, but in our senses—smells, songs, photos, textures. Through guided prompts and memory-mining exercises, we can begin to unlock the scenes that shaped you.

And here’s an important reminder: your memoir doesn’t need to account for every moment of your life. It’s not an autobiography. It’s a curated narrative focused on a theme, season, or transformation. The gaps don’t disqualify you. They’re simply part of the process.

5. “I never finish anything.”

Maybe you have notebooks full of half-starts or a hard drive littered with drafts. Maybe you’re afraid to start because you’re convinced you won’t stick with it.

That’s not a flaw. It’s a signal. Writing your story is a big task, and trying to do it all on your own can feel overwhelming. With coaching, we break your project down into manageable pieces. We create momentum with rituals, routines, and gentle accountability. You don’t need discipline as much as you need support.

You’ve finished more than you think. And this could be the project that reminds you just how capable you are.

6. “It’s too overwhelming.”

Of course, it feels overwhelming. You’re holding a lifetime of emotion, memory, and meaning and trying to translate that into something coherent and beautiful. That’s a lot to carry.

But overwhelm doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write. It just means you need a safer container for the process.

In my coaching programs, we start slow. We write in small, intentional sessions. We prioritize care and reflection over productivity. We find your rhythm, your ritual, your reason.

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re right on time.

You Don’t Have to Believe Everything Your Brain Tells You

These beliefs? They’re stories too. And like any story, they can be rewritten.

You can believe your story matters.
You can believe you’re capable of telling it.
You can believe that writing can be healing, not harmful.

If you’re ready to quiet the noise and come home to your voice, I’d love to support you. Memoir coaching is not just about writing; it’s about reclaiming. Reframing. Remembering. It’s a sacred return to self, one page at a time.

✨ Let writing be your ritual.
Explore my 1:1 memoir coaching sessions.

Let your words be a way home,
Sharla