Everyone has a story to tell, and why your memoir matters, with Grant Faulkner

Everyone has a story to tell, and why your memoir matters, with Grant Faulkner

From Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. by QuickAndDirtyTips.com

May 28, 2026 · 26 min · Episode 1189

About this episode

Grant Faulkner discusses the unique aspects of writing a memoir compared to fiction and shares insights on storytelling and memory.

1189. This week, we talk to Grant Faulkner, co-founder of Memoir Nation and former executive director of NaNoWriMo, about what makes writing a memoir different from writing fiction. We look at why memory is more story than recording, how trauma fragments the way people use language and narrative structure, and why you don't need an extraordinary life to write a compelling memoir. Grant also explains what a flash novel is and why the form is taking off, and he shares his advice for anyone ready to sit down and start writing their story.  GrantFaulkner.com 🔗  Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗  Share your familect recording in  Speakpipe  or by leaving a voicemail at 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗  Watch my  LinkedIn Learning writing courses . 🔗  Subscribe to the  newsletter . 🔗  Take  our advertising survey . 🔗  Get the edited  transcript here . 🔗  Get  Grammar Girl books . | HOST: Mignon Fogarty | Grammar Girl is part of  the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network . Audio Engineer: Dan Feierabend Director of Podcast: Holly Hutchings Advertising Operations Specialist: Morgan Christianson Marketing…

People in this episode

Host: Mignon Fogarty

Guest: Grant Faulkner

Topics covered

  • memoir writing
  • storytelling
  • memory
  • narrative structure
  • trauma
  • flash novel

Keywords

  • memoir
  • writing advice
  • storytelling
  • narrative
  • trauma
  • flash novel
  • Grant Faulkner

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Memoir Nation, NaNoWriMo, QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Grammar Girl

More episodes of Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers.

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. podcast page.