https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8473/essays-that-echo-crafting-personal-essays-that-resonateWed, 18 Mar 2026 19:47:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:0f0d2815-76e3-4b74-b2ae-1720ced49c91Julie Ryan McGueDiscover how to transform real-life experiences into powerful, polished personal essays that resonate with readers. In this engaging webinar, award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue breaks down the essential elements of standout nonfiction—from finding a meaningful story angle to shaping vivid scenes, weaving in reflection, and building a strong narrative arc. You’ll learn practical strategies for elevating everyday moments into artful, emotionally rich essays that connect on both personal and universal levels. Whether you’re new to creative nonfiction or looking to refine your craft, this session offers guidance and techniques to help you clarify your voice, sharpen your storytelling, and write with intention. Watch the recording and take the next step toward writing essays that linger in the minds—and hearts—of your readers. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Handout-_2D00_-Essays-that-Echo_5F00_McGue.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../EssaysThatEchoCraftingPersonalEssaysThatResonate.mp4 About the Presenter: Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. Her first memoir, "Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging" (She Writes Press), released in May 2021, won multiple awards. Her work has appeared in Writers Digest, Story Circle Network Journal, Brevity Nonfiction Blog, Imprint News, Adoption.com, Adopting.com, Lifetime Adoption Adoptive Families Blog, Adoption & Beyond, and Severance Magazine. Her personal essays have appeared in several anthologies, including "Real Women Write: Seeing Through Her Eyes" (Story Circle Network), "Real Women Write: The Power of Friendship" (Story Circle Network) and "Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis" (She Writes Press). Her collection of essays, "Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship" (Muse Literary) released in November 2023. She writes a bi-weekly blog and monthly column (The Beacher Newspapers), in which she explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it. Her third book, "Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood" (She Writes Press) released February 4, 2025. Julie splits her time between northwest Indiana and Sarasota, Florida.Self-HelpNonfictionSubscriberRecorded WebinarBiographies and Memoirshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoir?CommentId=ca83016f-5e92-4427-b256-a5a9e46bf964Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:42:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:ca83016f-5e92-4427-b256-a5a9e46bf964Author Learning CenterHello, when writing a true story and sharing it with the public, you always run the risk of individuals portrayed in the story not responding positively. There are legal risks that come with writing memoir. In memoir, you can change names and identifying characteristics to mitigate that risk. We always recommend consulting an attorney when questioning any legal risk with your writing. Here are some helpful resources: https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/legal-issues/7555/how-memoirists-can-mitigate-the-risk-of-violating-libel-laws https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/legal-issues/6900/how-authors-can-protect-themselves-from-liability-when-writing-nonfiction https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/legal-issues/6724/libel-basics-and-tips-for-avoiding-a-defamation-lawsuit-as-an-author---articlehttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoir?CommentId=b9695cb4-5008-4aca-b10f-5b8d782650bcThu, 19 Feb 2026 20:28:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:b9695cb4-5008-4aca-b10f-5b8d782650bcT. Diane NguyenI was the witness and investigator about a group who killed people but I will never have any court documents. I am even asking my readers to be the judges !https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoir?CommentId=0e9e43d9-2093-412e-ba8c-9fba44fe0beaThu, 19 Feb 2026 20:27:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:0e9e43d9-2093-412e-ba8c-9fba44fe0beaT. Diane NguyenYou say we can not make accusations, then you say an author accused her father of assaulting her for years. It's contradictory for me.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoir?CommentId=e0a039cc-7320-4533-bb4a-4b329de6437eThu, 19 Feb 2026 20:25:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:e0a039cc-7320-4533-bb4a-4b329de6437eT. Diane NguyenThen you talk about an author who was raped and wrote her story out of her experience. She had no court documents but she accused the person who assaulted her. Then, it means I can also write about a group who has stalked, tried to harm me. But I am a witness the group killed people, but no court has stopped and judged them yet. They control many courts who will never judge them.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoir?CommentId=98fea003-5b6d-49a4-b923-e51e35b01d01Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:22:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:98fea003-5b6d-49a4-b923-e51e35b01d01T. Diane NguyenThank You very much Jeanne Lyet Gassman. You are saying contradictory elements : you say we can not accuse people unless there are court documents.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoirThu, 12 Feb 2026 21:25:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:afe7c619-a301-469a-aabf-4a0842ddf54aJeanne Lyet GassmanIf you’ve ever considered writing a memoir, you probably have an important story to tell. So, what are you waiting for? Are you wondering where to start? Or, maybe you’ve tried to write it but have struggled to push through? In this recorded session with award-winning author Jeanne Lyet Gassman, you’ll learn everything it takes to write an engaging memoir including the basics of the genre, how to structure your story, how to tackle incomplete memories and liability concerns, and how to make your story compelling to others. No more fear. No more procrastination. With the help of Jeanne, you’ll get the guidance and knowledge you need to finally write the personal story you’ve been wanting to tell. Here are the handouts referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../2388.ALC-Crafting-Memoir-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../0676.ALC-Memoir-Reading-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../0537.ALC-Memoir-A_2D00_Z-Research-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../CraftinganEngagingMemoir26.mp4 About the Presenter: Jeanne Lyet Gassman lives in the mountains of New Mexico where she writes and teaches. Her debut novel, "Blood of a Stone" (Tuscany Press), received a Bronze 2015 Independent Publisher Book Award. Her short work has been nominated for Best Small Fictions and the Pushcart Prize. Other awards include fellowships from Ragdale and the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry have been published in numerous literary magazines and anthologies, including "45 Poems of Protest: The Pandemic", "Bosque7", "Dear America: Reflections on Race", "Debris & Detritus: The Lesser Greek Gods Running Amok", "The Manifest-Station", "Queen Mob's Tea House", and "Hippocampus Magazine", among many others. Jeanne recently received a New Mexico Writers Grant for her novel-in-progress, a story about a family of downwinders who were affected by the radioactive fallout from the atomic bomb tests in Nevada. You can learn more about Jeanne at her website: www.jeannelyetgassman.com or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeanneLyetGassman .Self-HelpNonfictionSubscriberRecorded WebinarBiographies and Memoirshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8087/using-fiction-elements-to-enrich-your-non-fiction-writingThu, 13 Nov 2025 13:39:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:1374b239-f1d1-4815-85b2-989d837d615fAllie PleiterWe all know stories have high impact. Great storytelling engages your reader and persuades your audience. Let bestselling fiction author Allie Pleiter show you how elements of fiction—dialogue, description, and characterization—can give your non-fiction writing power, sparkle, and the ability to stick with your reader. Writers will learn: • Where and when to use dialogue • How much description is too much? • Creating and using case-study characters • The power of storytelling in non-fiction Whether you write memoir, business, how-to, essay, or any other non-fiction, your work can have new vibrancy with techniques borrowed from your favorite novel. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../8585.Using-Fiction-Elements_5F00_Pleiter-ALC-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../UsingFictionElementstoEnrichYourNonFictionWriting25.mp4 About the Presenter: Award-winning bestselling author Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time. She teaches writers how to achieve the consistent, dependable productivity today’s market requires. The author of over 70 published titles, Allie has spent a decade in the publishing profession with over 1.9 million books sold worldwide. In addition to her own writing career, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on faith, the creative process, women’s issues, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management.Self-HelpNonfictionSubscriberRecorded WebinarBiographies and MemoirsEducation and TeachingBusiness and MoneyPolitics &Social Scienceshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/platform-and-credibility/5307/writing-the-difficult-parts---video?CommentId=011bba98-1b36-43fc-86c6-7730c196a3c1Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:22:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:011bba98-1b36-43fc-86c6-7730c196a3c1Steve BealThank you for sharing this. Most of what you said here could be the same words I would use to describe writing about my Dad's last years here on earth. I wish I saw this a year ago. It may have helped me get over the hurdles I found in every direction when it came to closing out my manuscript, with my Dad's end of days.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8196/writing-a-non-fiction-how-to-book-that-can-lead-to-a-successful-businessThu, 27 Feb 2025 21:37:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:16cdf4a2-2a87-4ba9-84a5-9adabaf9e066Russell NoheltyHow-to books continue to be a popular category in non-fiction, as reader enthusiasm for self-learning and self-improvement grows. Authors of how-to books have the unique opportunity to provide ongoing learning by taking their written knowledge and content and repurposing it. This can be in the form of courses, coaching, consulting, and more! In 2020, Russell Nohelty sold his non-fiction writing business to Monica Leonelle, vowing never to write non-fiction again. Now, he and Monica run a successful non-fiction business built upon the how-to books they wrote together. Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty as he breaks down how he and Monica built Writer MBA, and how he was able to turn his non-fiction failure into a six-figure success. If you are considering writing a how-to book or already have one published, you won't want to miss this recorded webinar! Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Nohelty_5F00_Nonfiction_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WritingaNonfictionHowtoBookthatCanLeadtoaSuccessfulBusiness25.mp4 About the Presenter: Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press ( www.wannabepress.com ) and is the Co-founder of Writer MBA and The Future of Publishing. Russell is also the host of The Author Ecosystem and Kickstart Your Book Sales podcasts. He is the author of many novels and graphic novels including 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter', and has exhibited at over 150 events during his career, and is the editor of The Author Stack online magazine.Fitness & DietingHealthSelf-HelpNonfictionSubscriberReligion & SpiritualityRecorded WebinarBiographies and MemoirsEducation and TeachingParenting & RelationshipsMedical Bookshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8426/takeaways-from-how-do-you-feelMon, 24 Feb 2025 18:48:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:74efcd33-4784-49f4-9e57-f7f55fd655b2Dr. Jessi GoldDr. Jessi Gold discusses what she hopes readers of all kinds (healthcare workers and not!) will take away from her book, How Do You Feel? How Do You Feel? follows one psychiatrist and four of her patients as they deal with the unspoken physical and mental health costs of caregiving. For more on psychiatrist and author Dr. Jessi Gold, visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Jessi-Gold/189756064 . www.youtube.com/watchNonfictionBiographies and MemoirsvideoMedical Bookshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8405/two-questions-first-time-authors-should-ask-themselves-when-facing-self-doubt?CommentId=6a34e408-a0eb-402c-9a18-3761d906ec5bMon, 24 Feb 2025 13:24:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:6a34e408-a0eb-402c-9a18-3761d906ec5bAuthor Learning CenterHi Christine, we have a lot of helpful resources on Memoir on the ALC, here are a few to get you started: https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-want-to-write-a-memoir-but-i-m-not-sure-where-to-start-how-can-i-tell-a-personal-story-that-others-will-care-about-and-want-to-read https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8300/crafting-an-engaging-memoir https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8393/making-your-memoir-marketable-tips-for-writing-and-publishing-a-memoir-that-will-attract-readershttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8405/two-questions-first-time-authors-should-ask-themselves-when-facing-self-doubt?CommentId=0e7082f8-1709-435c-a7be-5f0a5d79c180Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:0e7082f8-1709-435c-a7be-5f0a5d79c180Christine LeeThank you for sharing. I commenced my book about 3 years ago, after the loss of my parents, 4 days apart. My book is a memoir with tips to help others through loss and grief.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8420/how-sondheim-can-change-your-lifeMon, 13 Jan 2025 16:10:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:7272052b-9c64-4445-8269-19a0db70d121Richard SchochAuthor Richard Schoch gives insight into his new book How Sondheim Can Change Your Life! Discover the powerful and universal lessons from the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, the genius behind such musical theater masterworks as Company, West Side Story, and Into the Woods . For more on this author and professor, visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Richard-Schoch/36789088 . www.youtube.com/watchNonfictionBiographies and Memoirsvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8418/what-is-the-big-book-of-breadMon, 16 Dec 2024 14:47:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:464ea816-7d41-440a-9fae-d36d7eded757David TamarkinKing Arthur Baking Company's Editorial Director, David Tamarkin, shares a brief look at the company's new (and first!) bread book: The Big Book of Bread . For more on this cookbook and the company, visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/King-Arthur-Baking-Company/194930639 . www.youtube.com/watchCookbooks – Food – WineNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8409/a-behind-the-scenes-memoir-from-a-former-met-guardMon, 02 Dec 2024 16:19:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:48cc74c8-530f-48d2-a33f-46b6fe6cd067Patrick BringleyFor a decade, Patrick Bringley worked as a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In his memoir, All the Beauty in the World , he discusses his insights on art and life he gleaned from this period. For more on this author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Patrick-Bringley/175194142 . www.youtube.com/watchNonfictionBiographies and MemoirsvideoArts & Photographyhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/reason-for-writing/8405/two-questions-first-time-authors-should-ask-themselves-when-facing-self-doubtWed, 13 Nov 2024 16:03:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:4fcdcf4c-f4f3-45b1-a698-43d57d4ad433Gregg GonzalesThere are many reasons or obstacles that keep writers from starting or finishing a book. Some of the more common include not having enough time, not feeling confident in their writing abilities, and wondering if their story even matters. When Gregg Gonzales, the founder of The SpeakEasy Method, hears writers express these obstacles or concerns, he asks them two questions: 1) Why does this story or book matter to you? 2) Is there one person you can think of that would benefit from you telling your story? He's never met a writer that says "No" to question number two. He believes if you can think of at least one person that will benefit from your book, you are obligated to share it. Through The SpeakEasy Method, Gonzales provides the motivation or inspiration needed to help writers bring the story out and finish a first draft. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TwoQuestionsFirstTimeAuthorsShouldAskThemselvesWhenFacingSelfDoubt.mp4fictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/finding-your-voice/8404/the-writer-s-voice-and-how-to-develop-that-voice-authenticallyWed, 13 Nov 2024 15:59:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:380ab8e2-8a69-492d-a3f5-04064a837db7Gregg GonzalesGregg Gonzales, the founder of The SpeakEasy Method, sees many writers struggle with finding their voice as a writer. They are either trying too hard to sound like someone they are not, or they come across as inauthentic. His mission with The SpeakEasy Method is to teach individuals and writers how to connect more authentically with the story they have to tell. During the planning, recording, and listening sessions that are a part of his method, he and his team work to create an energy, vulnerability, and authenticity that pulls out the writer's true voice. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheWritersVoiceandHowtoDevelopThatVoiceAuthentically.mp4fictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/common-mistakes/7873/10-logical-fallacies-nonfiction-authors-should-avoid?CommentId=d5e4cec5-2d62-4aae-b952-80a09a444228Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:39:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:d5e4cec5-2d62-4aae-b952-80a09a444228Keith OgorekGlad you found this helpful. Lots more great advice for you to access as an ALC member. Write on!https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/common-mistakes/7873/10-logical-fallacies-nonfiction-authors-should-avoid?CommentId=4f80a618-8043-4065-ba5f-741321788009Sat, 26 Oct 2024 03:42:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:4f80a618-8043-4065-ba5f-741321788009Donald J. BouldenThat's a lot to learn. Good incite. Looking forward to avoiding each aspect. Keep the information flowing. DJB.