Create a Road Map for Your Memoir
You're ready to write your memoir but are feeling overwhelmed. How do you approach such a big project? And how do you create a compelling narrative from your life?
There are so many logistical questions to consider, such as:
How do you start?
How do you write about the tender events from your life?
What do you do when you get stuck?
Memoir Mastery will help you get your arms around your project and create a clear road map for your memoir. You’ll know exactly what you're writing about and how to follow through.
In this 7-week program, we'll help you discern what belongs in your book and what doesn't. We'll help you build your structure as well as identify your character's transformation. Plus, we'll show you how to follow through in a healthy and sustainable manner – with support for your mind, body and spirit.
If you're stuck in the mucky middle, these are also the pieces that will help you move forward.
Memoir Mastery will help you create (or strengthen) your road map so you can write (and revise) your memoir as easily and efficiently as possible.
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 trauma-informed writer and teacher.
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.
You’ve read other memoirs and know real lives aren’t neat or tidy -- so how do you uncover the arc in your own?
This is a huge question for so many of us. And it's not something we can figure out by writing our way into our memoir.
(The books that are written that way have so many structural issues that they often need to be rewritten.)
That's why we start by helping you build a powerful foundation for your memoir.
From there, we'll show you how to map out your memoir -- ALL of it.
We'll take the guesswork out of it, so you know exactly what you need to write (or revise) next.
And we'll do it while staying true to YOUR vision for your book, not mine or anyone else's.
Plus, I'll teach you my best mind, body and spirit tools to support yourself as you write.
Because if you're working with challenging personal material, it's essential you stay grounded, healthy and whole while you're writing.
And we'll do it all in a kind, compassionate and supportive community of writers who have your back.
These are the tools you need to reach the finish line.
About Tanja Pajevic, Your Guide
Hi, I'm Tanja, a writer and trauma-informed memoir book coach with 20+ years of teaching experience, and 30 years of writing experience. I created the Memoir Mastery system because it was everything I needed to learn for myself despite having written and taught creative writing for years.
The other reason I created this program is because of life-changing power of memoir. Writing memoir is deep spiritual work, and it allows us to step in a more empowered sense of self. That's a gift I want to share with as many women as I can.
A big part of my mission is to empower women and help them reclaim their story. Writing memoir can be particularly challenging, though, especially for those working with sensitive material.
After having struggled for years to write a book that's aligned with my vision AND stay healthy, happy and whole while writing it, I want to share what I've learned with you.
Here's My Official Bio:
The author of The Secret Life of Grief: A Memoir and 9 Steps to Heal Your Resentment and Reboot Your Marriage, Tanja 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 memoir The Secret Life of Grief: A Memoir 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, and a faculty award from CU Denver for her project “Writing as Healing.” She lives in Boulder, CO, with her family.
How Memoir Mastery Works
Video Trainings
Memoir Mastery is a hybrid program with a mix of videos trainings and live calls.
Each week, you'll receive new video trainings covering our core concepts. You'll have a week to review them before we discuss the concepts and apply them to your memoir on our calls. This allows us to spend the majority of our time focused on your memoir in order to provide you with a deeper level of support.
The teachings are broken into bite-sized steps, with video trainings and supporting PDFs available to you for the lifetime of the program.
Strategy Aligned with YOUR Vision
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.
Live Weekly Discussions
Once you've had a chance to review the teaching materials, we'll come together for live weekly discussions on Zoom. During these calls, we apply the concepts to your memoir, and roll up our sleeves to help and support you.
Our calls quickly become sacred spaces where you can share your challenges and get logistical and technical (as well as heart and soul) support for moving forward. In other words, this is where the magic happens :)
We meet for 7 consecutive weeks, with many of our writers continuing on together after the program ends.
Kind, Compassionate Support
Our cohorts are comprised of kind, wise and compassionate writers who show up for themselves and each other.
I'm often blown away by the insight and wisdom that come through our conversations.
Plus, laughter and inspiration.
Because we have a lot of fun, too :)
Expert Guidance
One of the reasons I keep the cohorts so small is so I can give you lots of support. The live calls are where I can answer your questions in real time as well as get into the weeds of where you're at with your project and what you're needing.
Many of our alumni have shared that their favorite part of the program was the live calls.
It's my favorite part, too :)
The video teachings provide the foundation for our work together, but the live calls are where it all comes together.
Bonuses to Ensure Your Success
The Memoir Mastery program includes a bonus training addressing common concerns we face when writing about our lives, such as "What will my family think?" and "Can so-and-so sue me? "
I've also included a training to help you set up a writing schedule that works for your real, full, human-scale life (instead of some idealized version of yourself).
Plus an additional bonus for those joining the fall 2025 cohort:
$250 off The Collective Mastermind tuition, our 6-month program to help you write forward and finish your memoir.
Praise
"Thank you! I was so alone as a writer - the community and having a place to ask questions of other writers (not just friends and family) was so helpful. Your input and experience was so valuable. I'm so glad I found the course!"
"I came to the class knowing I needed to learn about structure. I was at the beginning of putting all these pieces together, so your class was invaluable .... Being privy to the processes that the others in the group were going through with their writing was also instructive. It was good being in the group with people who were in various stages of the process ... To another person considering the course, I would emphasize the structure you provided, the safety and kindness of the experience, and your helpful and specific responses to our questions." KH
"The lessons were excellent and the feedback from Tanja was incredibly helpful."
"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!"
"I'm so glad I found the course! It was worth every penny! Thank you."
"Thank you so much for this wonderful class! It has not only helped me shape my story and helped me to see in my mind's eye how it will unfold, but it has really motivated me to get it written and out there. I really needed both the instruction and the motivational push to do it. Thank you!"
Sandi Phinney York
"I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge, experience and skills with us. I think you did a fantastic job with the videos too ... Really well done. I'm so glad I took this course. Thank you."
"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
"I really enjoyed the live support. I don't think I would have stayed on track if it hadn't been for having calls to check in. This is one of the few courses that I have signed up for lately that I participated in so fully."
"This amazing course has given me the courage and inspiration to get on with my memoir. The whole set up is unique, especially since there are videos for each segment (which you can review for 2 years) and then you get to ask questions in a group setting for each module. The use of wonderful examples from other memoirs, got me steeped in the literature. Tanja is a wonderful teacher!" AMH
"Tanja and her Memoir Mastery program have helped, in a profound way, guide me in structuring my memoir writing and teaching me to use my experiences to clearly describe my personal transformation during my Peace Corps experience."
Larry Janicki
"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
Why We Start with a Road Map
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 has structural problems and has 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 -- as well as saves you oodles of time, money and frustration.
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.
And 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 from this dynamic, 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, especially if we want to make it to the finish line.
If this calls to you, I invite you to join us for Memoir Mastery!
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.
At the end of this program you will:
Leave with a map of your memoir. You’ll have built a strong foundation for a memoir people want to read and will have a clear set of next steps so that you know exactly what you need to write (or revise) in order to finish your memoir.
Have the mind and body tools to get there.
Have a warm and supportive community of writers.
Who should take this program:
Folks who will show up for themselves and their fellow writers.
People who are interested in creating a kind, inclusive and compassionate community.
Those who will benefit from guidance, accountability and support to help them cut through the overwhelm and confusion.
Please note: This is not a traditional writing workshop where we review pages.
See the FAQs below for more info.
We're doing this work together, in a kind, supportive and inclusive community.
You don't need to go it alone.
If this calls to you, I invite you to join us!
We start on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
12:00 pm MT/ 2:00 pm ET
Each cohort is limited to 8 writers.
Once those seats fill up, registration closes.
$725 Pay in full
OR
$365 x 2 months
$185 x 4 months
You'll receive:
All video training
All supporting PDFs & downloads
Private community for accountability & support
7 live group coaching calls
All bonuses
Frequently Asked Questions
Memoir Mastery is for those who are starting their memoir, are stuck somewhere in the messy middle or are looking to strengthen their materials.
This offering is for those who are willing to show up, be present, and support themselves and their fellow writers (even if you don't feel comfortable calling yourself a writer yet!).
Although I'm here to guide you, I don’t have all the answers. Writing memoir is sacred work, and the process often includes everything from play and exploration to tears and laughter.
Please note: This isn't a good fit if you're looking for a traditional writing workshop (where writers workshop a chunk of pages) OR if you're interested in a generative writing course. Although we have exercises designed to pinpoint the heart of your story, the bulk of our time will not be devoted to writing prompts and free writes.
Memoir Mastery is a hybrid offering, with a mix of live and recorded elements. The teachings will be available to you in video, audio and PDF format in our private learning platform. Each week, you'll receive a new module with exercises to help you build and structure your memoir.
Once you've had a chance to review the materials, we'll meet on Zoom each week in order to work through your book's logistics and challenges in real time. If you're unable to join us live, you can always send me your question in advance.
All calls will be recorded and available to you within 24 hours.
Our focus in this program is on the deep, structural work of building a compelling memoir. It's essential that we start there before editing pages. Giving and getting manuscript feedback too early in the process leads to additional work and frustration, as does trying to do them both at the same time.
However, we do review the exercises together in order to help you clarify your book's vision. Everything is optional, and discussions are centered around the type of feedback you prefer. For many writers, this is one of the most powerful aspects of the program. In addition to learning from each other, we help hold each other's vision. That's important (and sacred) work.
We'll meet on Thursdays from 12:00 - 1:00 pm MT/ 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET. All calls are on Zoom.
Our first call will be on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and our final call will be on November 5, 2025. We won't have a call on October 9 -- that will be an integration week.
Each cohort is limited to 8 writers. Once those seats fill, registration closes.
I intentionally keep these groups small so that everyone will have a hands-on experience.
Yes! Once you've taken Memoir Mastery, you're invited to join us in the The Collective Mastermind, a 6-month container to help you write forward and finish your memoir.
Memoir Mastery is a pre-requisite for that program.
I offer refunds up to one week before the start of the program, minus processing fees.
A few thoughts if you're trying to decide if this program is right for you:
First off, it's common for fear to arise when we consider committing (or recommitting) to our memoir. If you're unsure whether or not this offering is for you, take a few minutes to check in with your inner wisdom.
Once the program starts, I ask that everyone stays for the duration of the program. Part of our work together will be to create a safe container for ourselves and our projects, so please consider your commitment level before registering.
Still unsure?
If you engage with the materials, I think you'll find the program quite helpful. However, some folks simply want to dip a toe in. This isn't that kind of program.
Your success in this program also depends on your commitment to your project and your willingness to show up and engage with the materials.
As such, if you join the program, show up to every live session, do the exercises, submit your completed materials and worksheets, and still feel like you haven't made progress with your memoir, you'll receive a full refund. Requests must be submitted within 5 days of the completion of the program.
This is meant to help encourage you to make a clear-eyed decision vs. hoping for a magic bullet.
Over the years, I've found that simply committing to a course or program can bring up some fear or uncomfortable feelings. Please know that's completely normal.
Writing about challenging events from your life can trigger uncomfortable emotions -- that's why I place such a heavy emphasis on safety and self-care in all of my offerings.
Although I offer trauma-informed teachings to help make this a safe process, I’m a writer and teacher, not a trained therapist.
If you find yourself needing additional support during our time together, please reach out to a therapist or other trained professional.
Yes, of course!You can figure it out on your own through trial and error, learning from others as you go. That's what I did for years.
You can also ask for help. You can work with an expert who can teach you what you don't know, and be supported by someone who's committed to your success.
There's no perfect way. What matters is that you tell your story!
If Memoir Mastery feels like the right fit, I'd be honored to be your guide.
If you have any additional questions, please me at info@tanjapajevic.com and I'll get back to you within 48 business hours.
If this calls to you, please join us.
© Tanja Pajevic, Inc.