Courses

The Memoir Mastery System: One Year to Write Your Memoir

We start by creating (or rebuilding) a strong foundation for a compelling memoir in the Memoir Mastery program.

We teach you the mind-body tools you'll need to support yourself as you're writing, and we do it all in a kind, compassionate and supportive community of writers.

Memoir Mastery is a 7-week hybrid program, with a mix of recorded video trainings and live weekly calls.

Each cohort is limited to 8 writers.

This allows us to create a magical and supportive circle of writers who have your back.

Once you complete Memoir Mastery, you move into The Collective, a small group, six-month mastermind to help you write forward and finish your memoir.

If you'd like more time, you can stay here for an additional 3 months (or as long as you need).

Together, these two offerings form my Memoir Mastery program -- a year-long program to help you write (and complete!) your memoir.

The hallmarks of this program are:

expert teachings

deep care

weekly accountability

clear and compassionate guidance

a partner to help hold YOUR vision,

and a circle of kind, compassionate women who have your back.

There are a lot of moving parts to writing a full-length book.

Writing a memoir is even more complex because we're working with tender material from our lives.

That's why it's crucial you create support for your mind and body as you're writing. And that you do it in community, with people who have your back.

This is what makes the Memoir Mastery program rise above other writing programs.

This isn't another writing workshop, where you share pages but don't get any closer to a finished book.

And it isn't a writer's group, where you're constantly revising to hit feedback that's a moving target.

It isn't like working with an editor, where you receive feedback that's overwhelming and might not be aligned with your vision.

In Memoir Mastery, we take back your power.

Center YOUR vision for your book.

We partner with you to create a compelling memoir your reader wants to read, then give you the support you'll need to get to the finish line.

Yes, this is different from other programs. And that's exactly what makes it so effective.

Because taking the time to create (or rebuild) a strong foundation for your memoir will save you So. Much. Time. And frustration. And money.

Whether you're starting out OR are stuck in the mucky middle.

I created this system because it was what I had to learn for myself -- despite receiving an MFA, having written multiple books, and having taught creative writing for years.

There really is an easier way, and I want to share it with you.

Teaching memoir is heart work for me.

If I can help guide you, I'd be honored to have you join us.

MEMOIR MASTERY

Write Your Memoir with Guidance, Clarity and Support

In this program you will:

  • Learn how to create a compelling memoir.

  • Discern what belongs in your memoir and what doesn’t.

  • Create a structure that aligns with YOUR vision.

  • Map out that memoir’s structure.

  • Receive expert guidance and support to work through your sticking points.

  • Rekindle your excitement for your project.

  • Move forward with accountability.

  • Lean into community and support.

  • Leave with a clear set of next steps so you know exactly what you need to write (or review) to reach the finish line.

You’ll also:

  • Learn mind and body tools to create safety and support for yourself as you’re writing.

  • Gain wisdom and insight from a kind and supportive community of writers.

  • Receive guidance from a writer and teacher deeply experienced in navigating trauma, writing and grief.

  • Ground in safety and self-care (+ lean into laughter and joy) to balance the trickier parts of writing about your life.

  • Connect deeply with your own inner wisdom.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

Memoir Mastery is a hybrid program with a mix of recorded videos trainings and live calls. Each week, you'll receive a new batch of video trainings covering our core concepts. You'll have a week to review them before we discuss the concepts on our calls.

Once you've had a chance to review the teaching materials, we'll come together on Zoom. During these calls, we discuss the concepts, apply them to your book and answers your questions.

We meet for 7 consecutive weeks, with many of our writers continuing on together after the program ends.

Memoir Mastery is a unique blend of strategic support based on YOUR vision for your memoir and aligned with YOUR goals. And it's all grounded in mind and body tools to ensure you stay healthy and whole so you can reach the finish line.

Each cohort is limited to 8 writers to ensure you get plenty of hands-on support. Once those seats have been taken, registration closes. You can learn more about the program here.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS PROGRAM:

Many folks write their way into their book, figuring it out as they go. That approach can help you get started, but in the long run, it'll cost you unnecessary time, money and frustration. Memoirs that are written this way often need to be rewritten.

I can't tell you how many times I've been hired to review a manuscript, only to have to tell the writer that their book had structural problems and had to be rebuilt. It's heartbreaking for both of us!

That's why creating the right structure for your book is so important. It makes the writing and editing process SO much easier -- and it also saves you oodles of time, money and frustration.

Despite that, most writing workshops don't teach you how to structure your book. Nor are they designed to help you write a full-length book. Workshops can be helpful if you're looking for feedback on 25 pages, but an 8-week workshop won't teach you how to write a full-length book, much less provide you with the support you'll need to get to the finish line.

To complicate matters, memoir writers need more mind, body and heart support than other writers. Because it's dang tricky when you're working with tender material from your life.

Perhaps more importantly, if you don't support your mind and body as you're writing, you can inadvertently retraumatize yourself. (This can show up as procrastination, avoidance or an active inner critic, among other issues.) I've seen so many people get shut down along the way, and I don't want that to happen to you!

Memoir Mastery combines the structure you need to write a compelling memoir with the safety and self-care you need to write it. Because we need to support ALL of ourselves as we're writing.

Most programs don't focus on both parts of this equation. I created Memoir Mastery because of a very real need that wasn't being addressed. This was the program I wished I had when I was writing my first book. My clients tell me it's what they need as well.

One last note about other writing programs:

The book programs that do exist are pricey. Some outlets offer 2-year book programs that run between $7000-$18,000. Getting your MFA, meanwhile, will cost between $24,000 to $73,000 (and MFA programs aren't even designed to help you write a book!).

I don’t think you should have to spend that amount of time or money if you want to write a book. Memoir Mastery is offered at a much lower price because I want to make this as affordable to as many folks as I can.

A big part of my mission is to empower women and help them reclaim their story. Full stop.

If this feels like a good fit, I invite you to join us.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Memoir Mastery program.

THE COLLECTIVE

A 6-Month Small Group Mastermind to Finish Your Memoir

The Collective Mastermind is a 6-month container to help you write forward and finish your memoir. This is a small group offering with additional teachings and hot seat coaching (I'll give feedback on pages in a group setting, so we all learn from each other). Plus, dedicated writing time and an accountability system to help us meet our goals. We meet four times a month.

This offering includes:

• Monthly teachings on structure, mindset, the messy middle, publishing paths, etc.

• Hot seat coaching. Twice a month, folks share pages and I'll provide feedback on the call. In addition to getting feedback on your own pages, we'll learn from each other.

• Two 90-minute writing/ co-working calls with 20 minutes of Q&A.

• Weekly accountability check-ins and support.

• The Collective Starter Pack: a full set of on-demand teachings for when you need additional support.

Please note: Memoir Mastery is a prerequisite for this offering. Acceptance is by application only.

Click here to learn more.

PRAISE

"Tanja Pajevic’s Memoir Mastery has my highest recommendation. I’ve taken a wide variety of writing workshops over the past decade; this is the only workshop that has actually taught me how to compile my written material into a compelling book. Every step of the way, Tanja provides a clear and concise road map within a supportive setting, utilizing a wide variety of instructional materials. She provides examples and feedback to show what belongs (or doesn’t!) within a story, where it best serves the story and why, as well as opening a discussion into what might still be missing, and whether the narrative arc moves the story forward appropriately - in whatever form that narrative arc might take. Truly, this has been the most helpful writing workshop I’ve ever taken." Karen Terrell

"Tanja’s class was so incredibly helpful. The exercises helped me to get focused and clear on my mission, purpose, and the relevance of each scene I am considering for inclusion in my memoir. She addressed challenges and solutions (such as the inner critic and the inner mentor) clearly and in a helpful manner in her short, concise, and incredibly helpful videos. I love her direct, “real,” human-to-human approach, and her compassion with sensitive information. Her ability to meet us “where we are” was a true gift. I highly recommend any of her classes." Michele Bourgeois

"Tanja Pajevic's Memoir Mastery course has been a life changing experience for me. It has given me the tools, advice, instruction and inspiration to continue writing my memoir. Because Tanja is a true master, her teaching style is fun, comprehensive, intuitive, supportive and highly creative. Not to mention, she is a stellar human being and award winning author. If you have ever dreamed of writing a memoir, you have found your expert guide in Tanja. I highly recommend Tanja Pajevic and her wonderful Memoir Mastery Course!"

Grab your Story Starter Kit and learn how to write a compelling memoir.


Click here to start writing today!

The Story Starter Kit will teach you how to :

Clarify your story

Shape your story

Start writing today

ABOUT TANJA

I help heart-centered women who want to make a difference but are struggling to write their book.

RECENT BOOKS

© 2024 Tanja Pajevic