Values

I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORY.

As the daughter of Yugoslav immigrants, I knew that my parents were haunted by the past, but it would take me years to uncover the story of how my mother and her family were set free from a concentration camp in the former Yugoslavia the night before they were to be murdered. My paternal grandmother, meanwhile, was killed by bomb shrapnel when my father was just a young boy.

I became a writer because I wanted to unearth the secrets that caused so much trauma in my family.

Since then, I've spent 30 years writing about my family stories . At times, the work has been difficult, but it's also been incredibly freeing.

I believe deeply in the power of story.

Stories help us make sense of life. They show us we're not alone.

The right story can also show us a way out. Forward. Through.

Writing our stories is an incredibly powerful act.

It's also deeply radical.

Regardless of whether we finish our books, much less publish them.

This is why I do this work.

YOUR story matters.

And it deserves to be told.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My teaching philosophy is built on safety, kindness and compassion.

As a first generation Serbian American, it took me years to see my experience mirrored in the books I was reading. As an adult, I worked to change that dynamic. Since then, I’ve published two books, hearing from hundreds of readers how much my writing has helped them. That’s the power of storytelling.

I believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table, and I’ll show you how to get there with powerful storytelling, whether you’ve been working on your memoir for years or have always dreamt about writing a book.

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO KNOW

I’m fascinated by people, by what makes us tick. And I’m drawn to transformation. Who are we? How did we get here? Where do we want to go? And how do we get there?

I love learning–I have way too many books and am constantly picking up more. My teenagers have inspired me to learn how to snowboard, mountain bike, play ultimate frisbee and shoot a decent free throw. Although I’m still pretty terrible at most of those, I love the laughter and connection that come from trying.

A few of my favorite writers are Stephanie Foo, Diana Abu-Jaber, Kiese Laymon, Joy Harjo, Mary Oliver, Elizabeth Alexander, Saeed Jones, Martha Beck, Brene Brown, Chanel Miller and many others.

MY VALUES ARE AUTHENTICITY, EXPRESSION, CONNECTION, GROWTH, KINDNESS AND JOY.

AND DANCING 🙂

The Story Starter Kit will teach you how to :

Clarify your story

Shape your story

Start writing today

ABOUT TANJA

I help women write their memoir with safety and support.

RECENT BOOKS

© 2026 Tanja Pajevic