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Unlock Your Story: Get Monthly Inspiration from Modern Memoirs

Stay connected and inspired! Launched in 2021, the free Modern Memoirs Newsletter delivers monthly insights, tips, and author stories to your inbox. Explore our archive below for a rich collection of past issues, where each month a central theme, introduced by President Megan St. Marie, weaves together insightful client interviews, staff perspectives, a featured book, and curated writing inspiration to fuel your creativity and publishing journey. Join our community—sign up today!

SEPTEMBER 2025

“What Is Your Calling?”—Motivated by both a new doctoral course and a client's suggestion that her work is a "calling," author Megan St. Marie defines her core purpose as "Story Sharer," emphasizing that helping others share their narratives is the passion that drives her career at Modern Memoirs.

“5 Questions” author interview: Author Margaret Marcus published her memoir, Windows Aglow and Other Stories from My Mother's Life, using her mother's journals and photos to construct a meaningful collage of her life that deepened Marcus's own understanding and strengthened her family bonds.
Staff blog: When a client's great-grandfather was incorrectly transcribed on Ancestry.com as a "Capitalist Bender" instead of "Carpenter & Builder," it highlighted the crucial lesson for genealogy researchers to always verify derivative records by checking the original source images to avoid errors and construct an accurate family history.
Featured book: Calling June Shatken's and Tamar Stern's book of watercolors and poems "mesmerizing" and an "invitation," the author encourages readers to create their own "soul bejeweled" book of writings and art by filling their pages with the "breathings of their heart."

August 2025

“Books as “Soul Teachers” and Mentor Texts”—Megan St. Marie, powerfully recommends Viktor E. Frankl’s memoir Man’s Search for Meaning, calling it both a "soul teacher" for its wisdom on human suffering and resilience, and a "mentor text" that demonstrates how memoirists can write about trauma to find and share profound human meaning.

“5 Questions” author interview: The Musoff brothers created a "breathtaking" custom book of their father's prominent legal career as a 90th birthday gift, transforming his court cases and family stories into a treasured legacy that continues to comfort them after his passing.
Staff blog: Inspired by a long-ago family history detailing their "Pennsylvania Dutch" origins, the author undertook a deeply moving pilgrimage to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, culminating in the discovery of the overgrown Denlinger Cemetery, which reinforced the urgent call to "Write it down!" so that genealogy is not lost to time.
Featured book: Inspired by the lifelong reading habits of a 97-year-old and featuring the essays of nonagenarian author Mary Alice Dillman, this reflection highlights her book, Thoughts in Motion, which chronicles her reading life and illuminates her worldview, proving it's never too late to pick up or write a book.

JUly 2025

“Remember the Ladies”—For too long, the incredible stories of women have been overlooked, but inspired by Abigail Adams's timeless plea to "Remember the Ladies," it's time to shine a light on their vital contributions, especially as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

“5 Questions” author interview: For readers interested in capturing their own life stories, Stanley R. Clemens's experience with his book, An Unexpected Life, highlights how a collaborative "as-told-to" memoir process can authentically preserve personal reflections for generations to come.

Staff blog: For those grappling with loss, this blog explores how memoir writing can be a profoundly transformative tool for processing grief, turning overwhelming emotions into a powerful act of remembrance and love.
Featured book: For those curious about everyday history, "A Line A Day: The Diary of Louise Clisby Wise Lewis, 1914–1919" (published in 2012) offers a fascinating look into a life captured in a unique 5-year diary format, where brief daily entries over half a decade create a remarkably personal and manageable window into the past.

JUNE 2025

Custom Work Is Our Custom—At Modern Memoirs, Inc., customization is paramount, from Nicole Miller's bespoke book designs that transform manuscripts into art, to the team's personalized editorial approach that polishes client stories while preserving their unique voices and intentions.

“5 Questions” author interview: Andrew H. Stephens collaborated with Modern Memoirs to posthumously publish his father Eugene E. Stephens' Blue Collar Rage, transforming decades of personal writings into a professionally designed hardcover that honored his father's intellectual legacy and personal craftsmanship.
Staff blog: Ali de Groot, a writer who dislikes gardening, recounts her chaotic attempt to cultivate a backyard garden, drawing a parallel between the processes of writing and gardening.
Featured book: Joe Garrett's book, Eighteen Letters from a father to a daughter, preserves his annual birthday letters to his young daughter and ultimately serving as a cherished record for both of them, especially now that his daughter has a child of her own.

May 2025

To Be Known—A recent visit to a friend on a Maine island sparked the author's desire for an idyllic, connected retirement, reinforcing her belief—and the mission of Modern Memoirs—that being truly "known" is a profound human desire fulfilled by sharing one's life story.

“5 Questions” author interview: In Breaking New Ground on the Global Stage: Memoirs of Kuwait’s First Woman Ambassador, Nabeela Al Mulla reflects on her 4-decade diplomatic career, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and perseverance in shaping global history and inspiring future generations.
Staff blog: Megan St. Marie's personal reflection on her premature adopted daughter's time in the NICU highlights the importance of parental presence and connection, a core message echoed in a new Modern Memoirs book, Being With You Is Everything: Discovering Your Baby’s Voice.
Staff blog: Embracing "slow living" during a sabbatical, Ali de Groot discovered that deliberately slowing down—through practices like limiting plans and extending conversations—can profoundly alter one's perception of time and unlock rich memories.

April 2025

Grand Acknowledgments—Reflecting on Emma Lazarus and national identity, Megan St. Marie suggests "grand acknowledgments"—personal ancestral reflections alongside land acknowledgments—for a richer understanding of our collective past and duties.

“5 Questions” author interview: Bill Simon reflects on his book of letters to his grandchildren, All My Love Always, Your Gampy, sharing his inspiration, the unexpected impact on his wife, and how his artwork enriches his reflections on family and home.
Staff blog: In "Don't Try This at Home," Ali de Groot humorously recounts her challenging yet satisfying solo creation of an art book, advising memoir clients to rely on the professional publishing support of experts.
Featured book: "The Music of Memoirs" explores how symbolic cover design, like a cello representing a author's passion, can offer insight and inspire personal reflection on one’s meaningful objects.

March 2025

One Is Silver and the Other Gold—Megan St. Marie discusses the value Modern Memoirs places on both new ("silver") and returning ("gold") clients, inspired by familiar verses and a recent referral-based publication.

“5 Questions” author interview: Hilde Adler discusses her decision to create a free Digital Book edition of her memoir, The Way It Was, to reach a wider audience, highlighting its improved accessibility and the positive reception, particularly from readers in Germany.
“5 Questions” author interview: Kevin and Mary Albert discuss their commissioned memoir, Work Hard, Get Lucky—how the process facilitated Kevin's storytelling, the enriching impact of professional genealogical research, and Mary's newfound understanding of Kevin's past.
Featured books: In celebration of Women's History Month, this article highlights several memoirs of inspiring women and their stories available for purchase through Modern Memoirs' online shop, Memory Lane Books & Gifts.

February 2025

Ho’oponopono: Writing to Make Things Right—Inspired by The Pitt and Ho'oponopono, Megan St. Marie suggests using memoir writing and its core phrases—I love you, Thank you, I forgive you, Please forgive me—as prompts to heal and strengthen relationships throughout life.

Staff blog: During Black History Month, Liz Sonnenberg's article celebrates historian Cliff McCarthy, whose research sheds light on African American history in Western Massachusetts and whose own family history reveals a hidden mixed-race heritage, inspiring fellow genealogists.
Staff blog: Lily Fitzgerald's "When in Rome, Find Time to Write!" describes how a student’s trip to Italy turned into a creative writing opportunity sparked by a professor's inspiring assignment.
Featured book: Ali de Groot's piece examines the memoir Wearing Out Pickups, noting how the book's title and gold-foiled cover image of a 1953 Ford illustrate the author's life as a farm owner.

January 2025

Hope as a Practice in the New Year—Reflecting on the California wildfires, Megan St. Marie distinguishes hope from optimism, promoting hope as an active practice involving learning, action, connection, and writing for resilience and positive intentions in the new year.

“5 Questions” author interview: Veteran journalist Marvin Kalb discusses his latest memoir, A Different Russia, which covers his Cold War experiences in Moscow under Khrushchev, contrasts journalistic freedoms then and now under Putin, and underscores the vital role of truth in today's media landscape.
Staff blog: Liz Sonnenberg's "Building William's Farm" highlights her successful in-person research at the National Archives for her great-great-grandfather's homestead records, demonstrating the value of traditional methods over solely online genealogy research.
Featured book: In "From OK to Far Better," Ali de Groot describes the experience of elevating a client’s manuscript from a basic copy-shop version to a professionally designed and enduring hardcover book, emphasizing the positive difference quality design and production can make.

2024

December 2024

Memoir Lessons from the Barefoot Contessa—Megan St. Marie shares memoir writing lessons from Ina Garten's book Be Ready When the Luck Happens, emphasizing anecdotes, emergent themes, manageable writing, and hopeful, candid storytelling.

Staff blog: Ali de Groot's "A Modern Memoirs Sabbatical" shares her anticipation for a sabbatical celebrating her 20 years with the company, during which she plans to explore her own memoir writing, drawing inspiration from clients and diverse literary styles.
“5 Questions” author interview: Brian L. Dunsirn recounts preserving his father's stories in the as-told-to memoir I Dunno, and how his own memoir, The Sky's the Limit, elicits his wife's input and his motivational philosophy, including why he moved from Storyworth to Modern Memoirs for deeper storytelling and an heirloom quality book.

November 2024

Thanksgiving Tears—Megan St. Marie highlights the value of family gatherings and shared stories in connecting generations and honoring ancestors, recalling her grandfather's heartfelt blessings as a testament to love and gratitude.

Staff blog: Lily Fitzgerald's blog post, "Meeting My Grandparents Through Family Stories," illustrates how family stories and memories fostered a connection with her deceased maternal grandparents, highlighting the power of narratives to bridge generations and honor family.
“5 Questions” author interview: Douglas Campbell discusses his genealogy, detailing his research, collaboration with Modern Memoirs, the debunking of a claim to royalty, and his motivation to preserve his family's compelling history.
Featured book: Ali de Groot announces her book The Deep Dark Light—a compilation of her reflective poems and artist’s Michele Théberge's meditative paintings—born from a long-distance friendship and the mutual desire to “ponder.”

October 2024

Your “Paper Toasts”: One Chapter in a Forthcoming Company History—Megan St. Marie reflects on the heartwarming "paper toasts" received for Modern Memoirs' 30th anniversary, announcing their inclusion in a forthcoming company history, Cheers to 30 Years, and highlighting how working on this project provides valuable insight by putting the staff in their clients' shoes.

“5 Questions” author interview: Boswell Carnegie, Esq. discusses his fictionalized book Rabbit-Hole Journey, explaining his choice to dramatize a true event, the insights gained through creative writing from a first-person perspective, and his view that fictionalized recollections convey the essence of the writer's perception.
Featured book: Ali de Groot showcases this book designer's "magic" in turning author photos into evocative book covers, as seen with The Story of Us, incorporating Lithuanian flag colors from the author’s vintage postcard, emphasizing the superiority of custom, in-house design with attention to nuance.

September 2024

Toasts to the Team!—Megan St. Marie shares toasts from Modern Memoirs' 30th-anniversary dinner honoring their founder and team, including Ali's 20 years, and thanks clients for their "paper toasts," promising more anniversary updates.

Staff blog: For her 20th anniversary, Ali de Groot reflects on her Bereavement Book, Learning to Speak, written 20 years after her mother's death through a writing group led by Modern Memoirs' founder, and sharing how it broke her silence, rekindled dormant memories, and inspired her career in helping others share their stories.
Staff blog: In Part 2 of her anniversary reflection, Ali de Groot discusses The Reader's Chair, an anthology from her long-running readers’ group, emphasizing memoir's diverse forms, the power of writing to "taste life twice," the value of reading aloud unedited writing, and encouraging writers to find community to foster abundant writing.
Featured books: Ali de Groot recounts her volunteer work with the American Tribute Center, interviewing bereaved families and creating free keepsake books to honor those lost in the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the heartfelt efforts of many volunteers in this singular project.

August 2024

Home Sweet Home—Returning home after a trip, Megan St. Marie contrasts the comfort of her familiar surroundings with the idea of being "everywhere at home," appreciating her present stability while embracing life's unexpected changes.

“5 Questions” author interview: Gail Reimer reflects on her friendship with Evelyn Fox Keller and on her role in publishing Keller's memoir, Making Sense of My Life in Science, before Keller's death, emphasizing Keller's wish to share her life, her challenges as a woman scientist in the late 20th century, and her joys in this final book.
Featured book: Ali de Groot reflects on Liane Lunny's memoir, Keep Smiling, highlighting Lunny's experiences in WWII Germany and her resilience, contrasted with her personal "Favorite Sayings," including "Keep smiling" and "I am everywhere at home."

July 2024

Reasons and Purposes for Writing Memoirs—Megan St. Marie's outlines positive motivations for memoir writing, addresses her initial concerns about negative ones, and concludes that the core purpose is the desire for authentic visibility and audibility.

Staff blog: Megan St. Marie reflects on her family's 51st annual reunion at their ancestral homestead in Vermont, highlighting her father's heartfelt list of "reasons and purposes" for these gatherings—reconnection, refreshment, and remembrance—and emphasizing the enduring importance of this special place for their family.
Staff blog: Ali de Groot explores why some memoir authors struggle to complete their books, citing reasons such as continuous overflow of memories, perfectionism, fear of audience, and the disruptive impact of premature feedback, emphasizing that striving for "good" often wins over the pursuit of an unattainable "perfect."
Featured book: Robert M. Kaufman's memoir, Paying Back: A Refugee Kid’s “Thank You” to America, recounts his rescue from Nazi Austria via Kindertransport to England, his eventual arrival in the US, and his accomplished legal career, underscoring his profound gratitude for the impact of selfless individuals who "do good."

June 2024

What Can I Do?—Moved by her 9/11 Memorial visit but disturbed by some behavior, Megan St. Marie searched for her priest's name, found a tribute, and reflected on Modern Memoirs' past work honoring victims, prompting thoughts on future similar projects.

“5 Questions” author interview: Nien-Tszr “Tom” Tsai and his wife Elizabeth discuss his two-volume bilingual autobiography, Hiking on the Mountain and Start Your Engine!, highlighting his upbringing in China, his life in the US as a mechanical engineer and driving instructor (known for his encouraging "Keep going!" motto), his rewarding writing process, and Elizabeth's experience publishing his work with a special tête-bêche binding.
Staff blog: Modern Memoirs describes the use of tête-bêche binding for a bilingual autobiography, where two inverted books are bound as one, equally showcasing both languages and inspiring ideas for future projects using this unique method.

May 2024

Unexpected Gifts—Megan St. Marie reflects on her unexpected enjoyment of biking to work after participating in “Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day” with her son, drawing a parallel to the unexpected gifts and deeper understanding that memoir writing can offer to both the author and their readers.

“5 Questions” author interview: Photographer Stephen Rostand discusses his new collection, It's Okay to Play, his shift to more color, key lessons from 60 years of photography, how it enhances his perspective, and his view on intention in his art.
Featured book: Ali de Groot shares an excerpt from the memoir of André A. Crispin, a Belgian who, as a young man during WWII, worked at a flour mill and secretly assisted his uncle in the Belgian Resistance by milling grain at night to prevent its requisition by the occupying German forces.

April 2024

Endlessly Fascinating—Megan St. Marie reflects on her visit to a Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) event in Florida, where the recurring theme was the desire to share values and a legacy through memoirs, exemplified by several attendees’ wishes to publish late family members' poetry as tributes.

Staff blog: Megan St. Marie explores the history of a painting of a white horse passed down in her family, tracing its connection to her great-grandparents' farm with Percheron horses, and sparking genealogical discoveries linking them to Percheron-raising ancestors in France, making the painting a tangible portal to her family's past.
“5 Questions” author interview: During National Poetry Month, Marian Leibold discusses her second collection, Bridges: Visible and Invisible, exploring poetry as "map-making," the symbolism of bridges and her cover art, her aging perspective, and her newfound joy in sharing her poems with the world through publishing books.
Featured book: Emma Solis reports on a well-attended screening of the documentary "Old Lesbians" featuring Edie Daly, author of Old Lesbian Memory Quilt, highlighting the engaged, intergenerational audience and Daly's inspiring message about the importance telling one's story.