Letters, Portraits, Books: Which Format Is Right for You?
Think writing a memoir means a 300-page book and months of work? Not necessarily. There’s more than one way to share your story, and they all count.
In fact, one of the first things I help women decide is what kind of story they want to tell. Some come to me ready to write a full book. Others are trying to capture a specific memory, a relationship, or a turning point in their lives. And all of it matters.
So, what are your options? You have a lot of freedom to choose, but sometimes you need a bit of help to determine what’s right for you. Most of my memoir work falls into three categories:
Letters: Short and Meaningful
If you’ve ever wanted to write something to your daughter, granddaughter, or even your younger self, this is it.
A letter is a heartfelt message, usually just a few pages long. It might hold life advice, a memory, or simply words you never got to say. These are perfect if you’re looking for a meaningful gift or legacy message, something that says, “This is what I’ve learned, and I want you to have it.”
Examples:
A letter to my granddaughter about finding your way in life
A letter to my younger self before I got married
A letter to my sister on everything I never said
Life Portraits: A Chapter That Stands Alone
A Life Portrait is longer than a letter, but shorter than a memoir. Think of it as a snapshot. It’s a vivid look at one part of your life, like a career journey, motherhood, grief, or resilience.
These often end up being 8–20 pages, depending on the story. They’re especially powerful if you want to capture something specific with depth, but you’re not ready to tell your whole life story.
Great for:
Milestone birthdays or anniversaries
Honoring a specific theme or season in your life
Leaving something beautiful for your family to keep
Memoirs: The Full Story
A memoir is the full arc. It doesn’t have to start at birth, but it usually follows a significant thread across your life: the moments that shaped you, changed you, and taught you something lasting.
We can tell it chronologically, thematically, or as a series of connected stories. Memoirs give you space to reflect, go deep, and leave something powerful behind.
They take more time (and heart), but for many women, it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ll ever do.
How Do You Know Which One Is Right for You?
You don’t need to decide right now. But here are a few things to ask yourself:
What do I want this story to do?
Is there one moment I want to capture, or a lifetime?
Do I want to give this to someone now, or leave it behind later?
How much time and energy do I have to devote to a memoir right now?
Whatever you choose, just know this: You can always start small, and go bigger later. There’s no “right” place to begin, only the one that feels like you.
Let’s Talk
Whether you dream of writing your life story or just want to put one meaningful memory into words, I can help. Let’s have a simple conversation to figure out what format feels like home.
Schedule a call or explore my services, whichever step feels right.
