Meet Christine Wolf, Writing Coach & Founder of The Write-to-Heal Retreat
All in Inspiration
How To Start a Memoir
As a memoir coach, clients regularly ask me questions like, “How do I even get started?” and “How do I work through the overwhelm of so much material?” and “How do I manage all the various bits of writing I’ve amassed through the years?” and “How do I string everything together in a way that makes sense to readers?” and “How does the publishing world even work?”
WHEW!
When writing memoir, the overwhelm is REAL. I’ve worked with more than 100 memoir clients and, after writing two books of my own, I’m currently writing my own memoir (and fwiw, I’m working with a coach). Believe me, I totally know the struggle.
If you’ve ever considered writing your life story but don’t know where to begin, worry not. I see you, and I’ll try to address all your pressing queries.
I’ve grouped the questions into 5 sections:
How Do I Get Started Writing A Memoir?
What Are The Craft Essentials of Memoir?
Are There “Rules” & “Best Practices” for Memoir?
What Happens After I Complete the First Draft of My Memoir? and
What Do I Need To Know About the World of Publishing?
The Gift of Hearing From Readers
I love hearing from readers! Not everything I write lands well, but sometimes, when my writing resonates with readers, they take the time to reach out. I cherish this generosity as much as the comments themselves.
I Can't Believe It! I'm A Moth StorySLAM Champion!
I can’t believe it. I just won a Moth StorySLAM!
Writers' Haven Reopens In Time for Women's History Month
Writers’ Haven Evanston, a cooperative workspace for women writers, reopens after two years, just in time for Women’s History Month.
No Joke: I Pulled In Over $50k in 9 Months as a Freelancer. Here’s How.
Growing up, I was taught never to talk about money or — especially — salaries. If I asked, I’d hear words like, “rude”, “none of your business,” and “that’s information for grownups.” Well, it’s now 2021, and times have certainly changed.
Here’s a piece I wrote about how I got into freelancing, including how much I make doing it.
Hope this helps anyone looking for information and inspiration. Let’s just hope I don’t get spanked for sharing.
How To Craft Your Artist's Statement
Why is it so overwhelming to write an artist’s statement? How long should my artist’s statement be? What goes into an artist’s statement? What’s the difference between an artist’s bio and an artist’s statement? In this August 2020 presentation to the members of Evanston Made (www.evanstonmade.org), I break down the process into manageable chunks so you can identify your unique strengths and describe them in a way to help you connect to your audience — and beyond.
How EMDR and CBT Can Help to Navigate Trauma and Its Impact
Trauma has a way of staying (& keeping us) stuck in our minds & bodies. An indepth look at how these life changing tools can help move us forward.
5 Things That Shocked Me Most as a COVID-19 Contact Tracer
I started on November 30th, 2020, and worked for 16 weeks. I had no idea I was about to step into the most uniquely stressful, intense and overwhelming job I’ve ever had.
As Featured in Runner's World
Notice that I’m the only one SITTING in this photo collage from Runner’s World! lol
How I Quadrupled My Writing Income On Medium.com
A funny thing happens when you stick with something. Rather than just tell you about about my path, I’ll show you my actual numbers as evidence it’s worth staying the course. I want you to see how I’ve (slowly) transformed some initial earnings into income (and learning) that I’m proud of. I don’t need to tell you how much work goes into the writing life, and my story won’t launch you into Medium’s stratosphere — but it may offer some reasons to keep going.
What I Learned While In Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
I’d suffered from anxiety my entire life, but wasn’t diagnosed until my 40s. Learning how to recognize the signs and use new skills to manage my anxiety changed everything. This is my journey. I hope this piece reminds you that you’re not alone.
A Podcast Interview with Christine Wolf
I discuss my writing life in The Check Out, a podcast series produced by the Evanston Public Library.
As Featured in The Daily Northwestern
When the 2020 Chicago Marathon was cancelled due to the global pandemic, I created a course for myself. Here’s how I trained for and completed a 26.2-mile marathon through my own community, and helped to raise $10,000 for an organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women.
How I Launched My Writing Career From Scratch
You find yourself asking questions like,
“How do I get started?”
“What does it take to write for a living?”
“How do I know if I’m doing things right?”
When I launched my writing career more than 10 years ago, I had those same questions — and more. Through the years, I’ve picked up a ton of tiny tips along the way. Now I’m sharing these tips with you, since a community of writers is better when we all lift each other up.
Family's Fierce Love Brightens COVID's Darkest Days
For years, Jill Greenman and John Fervoy knew May 2020 would be an epic month. All three of their kids were graduating — from college, high school, and middle school.
Then, news of the global pandemic hit, grinding life to a surreal halt. As Jill and John did everything to hold on to their jobs, all three sons’ commencement ceremonies were cancelled.
8 Provocative Images: This Is What Depression Can Feel Like
Through the 8 images in photographer Suzanne Rothmeyer’s conceptual series Melancholia, we can visually explore — through this virtual art exhibit — the layers of pain depression brings, and perhaps use them as tools to increase dialogue and understanding.
How To Conquer Your First Marathon
I documented as much as I could during 9 months of training for the Chicago Marathon. Hope you’ll find some inspiration of your own in here.
You Are Not Alone
It might feel like no one notices you, but rest assured, that’s just not true. I see you and you are not alone.
Read This When You Want To Chuck It All
I see you and I know how much you’re hurting. Please — hold on for just a few more minutes and read this.