When we’re stuck, these three elements can make all the difference:

1. Architect from the 10,000 foot view.

Whether or not you write your way into a book, you'll eventually have to do the big picture structural work of ensuring you've created a cohesive (and compelling) book.

Some folks try to do this while working at the sentence level. But crystallizing the structure of your memoir is a completely different kind of work. And it's hard to do both at the same time.

I encourage folks to address structure sooner than later because it'll make the writing and editing process much easier.

2. Step into the reader's shoes.

When you're working with material from your life, it's hard to see the forest for the trees. Everything feels important! But we can't do your book justice is we try to cram in too much.

That's why it's important to step back and look at your materials through the eyes of your reader.

Once we can do that, discerning what to include (and how to shape those stories) becomes much easier.

3. Support your mind, body and heart as you write.

When we're working with tender material from our lives, it's easy to inadvertently shut ourselves down. Maybe we find ourselves procrastinating, or ready to giving up.

That’s why creating a safe container for our writing is so important.

Supporting our minds, bodies and souls will make the process much easier, as will creating a safe container for our writing.