About

HI, I’M TANJA,

AND I HELP FOLKS WRITE POWERFUL MEMOIRS SO THEY CAN SHARE THEIR WISDOM WITH THE WORLD.

Over the years, I’ve learned that structure, safety and support are the fastest and most enjoyable path to writing a book that your reader can’t put down.

1. Support makes all the difference. It’s much easier to write a full-length memoir with the right support. Having a kind, supportive and knowledgeable mentor and/or community can make all the difference in getting you to the finish line.

2. Self-care is key. Having a safe container is crucial to writing your memoir. Increasing your level of self-care is also key. Compassion and kindness are what will get you to the finish line, not perfectionism.

3. Structure will help you write your book more easily, effectively and efficiently. Because writing a full-length book is a marathon, not a sprint.

Writing a book seems easy until we try it. And then we realize that it's a lot more complex than it looks.

That's because writing a full-length book is a completely different process than writing a shorter piece. There are a lot of moving parts to creating a compelling book your reader wants to read.

Despite that, most writing courses focus on short stories or essays. They don't teach you how to structure a full-length book, much less provide the additional support you’ll need to get to the finish line.

I can't tell you how many folks have written their way into their book, then hired me for a manuscript review, thinking their manuscript was essentially done. It was heartbreaking to have to point out structural issues, then teach them how to restructure and rebuild their books.

I want to save you from that pain and frustration!

That’s why we take the time to discern the parameters of this specific story when we start working together.

We get clear on what belongs as well as what doesn’t, shaping your manuscript in a way that captures your reader.

BECAUSE IF YOUR READER DOESN’T KEEP TURNING THE PAGES, YOU’VE LOST YOUR CHANCE AT MAKING AN IMPACT.

From there, we create a plan to get you to the finish line, using simple techniques to help you organize, plan and create.

We also dive into the craft and technique of memoir and nonfiction, grounding our teachings in examples from contemporary books.

After writing for 30 years (and teaching for 20+ years), I've created the system I wish I had when I wrote my first book.

Because I don't want you to have to struggle alone, like I did.

It's so much easier to write a book when a) you're learning from someone who's gone before and b) you're supported by someone committed to your success

My goal is to help you finish your book so you can get it out into the world, where it can do its magic!

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR HELP WRITING YOUR BOOK, I’D BE HONORED TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS.

I created my Memoir Mastery system to help you write a compelling memoir at an affordable price, with the support you need to reach the finish line.

Information on private coaching below.

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT

I also offer private writing coaching for a handful of clients.

These slots fill quickly.

Although I primarily focus on memoir these days, I also support folks with essays and nonfiction.

If you're working on a novel or an academic book, I'm not the best writing coach for you.

Unless you're writing thinly-veiled fiction. Then let's talk :)

If you'd like to meet and see if we're a good fit for working together, please grab a slot on my calendar here.

PRIVATE WRITING COACHING

Individual writing coaching is tailored to your needs and expertise level and typically includes a mix of the following:

• Clarifying your book's focus.

• Identifying your book's audience and goals.

• Defining your book's structure and organization.

• Creating a road map for your book.

• Guidance for navigating the messy middle.

• Teachings on craft and technique to address story structure, pacing, character development, conflict, setting, dialogue, perspective and/or point of view (POV), tone/voice, showing vs. telling and narrative style.

• Setting up a consistent writing schedule that works for you.

• Coaching for writer’s block and the inner critic.

• Accountability and support.

We meet for one hour appointments by phone or Zoom.

I offer a variety of packages depending on where you're at and the level of support you're needing.

Please consider your level of commitment as well as your financial resources before requesting individual coaching.

I’m only able to take on a few private clients, and often refer writers to my Memoir Mastery program as a cost- and time-effective alternative.

To discuss options and see if we're a good fit for working together, please grab a slot on my calendar here.

OFFICIAL BIO

Tanja Pajevic is the author of The Secret Life of Grief: A Memoir and 9 Steps to Heal Your Resentment and Reboot Your Marriage. She is on the faculty of Lighthouse Writers Workshop and has taught creative writing and professional writing at the University of Colorado Denver, the Community College of Denver and Indiana University, where she earned her M.F.A.

Tanja’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, mindbodygreen, and Huffington Post, among other outlets. Her memoir The Secret Life of Grief received the Nautilus Silver Book Award, an award honoring “books that inspire and connect our lives as individuals, communities, and global citizens.” Tanja is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship, Hemingway Fellowship, Kraft Fellowship, and a faculty award from the University of Colorado Denver for her project “Writing as Healing.” She lives in Boulder, CO, with her family.

WRITER, MOTHER, TEACHER, DANCER, WANNA-BE SINGER, FIERCE AND TENDER-HEARTER

Remember Wristbands

I’VE CREATED BLACK “REMEMBER” WRISTBANDS TO HONOR THE GRIEVING PROCESS AND REMEMBER OUR LOVED ONES WHO’VE PASSED.

GET IT NOW

The Story Starter Kit will teach you how to :

Clarify your story

Shape your story

Start writing today

ABOUT TANJA

I help women write powerful memoirs so they can share their wisdom with the world.

RECENT POSTS

RECENT BOOKS

© 2024 Tanja Pajevic