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Each person has a story to tell, but not everyone believes that – or even wants to tell theirs. However, others have the drive to share their story because of a particular experience, one that perhaps scarred them but left them with an important life lesson as well.

If you seek to write your story but don't know where to begin or how to accomplish it, then this episode of The Delicious Story is for you. Here you'll meet Stormi Lewis, the published author of several books and a story-sharing coach. Stormi works as a muse and coach to help others find their writer's voice and turn the book's concept into reality.

In this interview, we'll delve into how she became a writer and storytelling expert. Then we'll explore some tips for those who wish to write their story (both fiction and nonfiction) and how to publish it. We will also chat about the most significant publishing hurdles, which can make the writing challenge pale by comparison.

WHAT DOESN'T KILLS YOU SHOULD BE WRITTEN

During the podcast, Stormi explains her backstory and what compelled her to write books, especially her memoir. There is inspiration through her experience that will resonate for many and offer encouragement for anyone who doesn't think they can write a book.

I was thinking about memoirs and looking at a list of titles via a quick Google search: what do you think is the #1 circumstance for writing memoirs? It turns out – per the New York Book Editors post – that life's transformation and transitions are the primary impetus for writing most memoirs.

Something significant occurs in someone's life, forever changing them, and they want to write the story to share it and perhaps bolster others. So, understanding the lesson of your story is key to knowing how to start writing it.

We also chat with Stormi about the distinctions between autobiography and memoirs and fiction contrasted with nonfiction. Stormi is all about both fiction and nonfiction in her writing and dives into the value of each.

But when it comes to memoir, the driving force is when something significant transpires in our lives, and instead of losing oneself, the storyteller finds their way through to another side. We all seek those stories, especially in times when we struggle, because they provide hope. It's like the saying that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger – when it comes to memoir, what doesn't kill you, is worth turning into a book!

HOW TO STOP STALLING AND GET TO WRITING

Stormi understands what holds many writers back from being productive. During our interview, she offers up tips for feeling stalled in the writing process while navigating complications in life. And there is always that stubborn internal voice that can sabotage writing and publishing a book.

You'll discover why Stormi brings an understanding to her coaching, too, because she has had her struggles and managed the process while holding down a full-time job. She understands busy. So, if doing your writing is the essential piece for your memoir experience, instead of hiring a ghostwriter such as Storied Gifts, it makes good sense to have such a coach in your corner.

MARKETING IS THE ELEPHANT

Stormi walks through an overview of the differences between self-publishing versus working with a publisher. Either way, you choose to go, it's essential to have the full picture of what awaits you once you complete your memoir. Then there's the next step, marketing!

Marketing is not for the weak of heart. It's the enormous elephant muscling its way out of the corner and taking up nearly the entire space in the room after you publish a book.

Once you write your story, craft it, take hours editing it, and see it finally realized into print, your book has become your baby. Your newborn needs your entire investment and hard work, physically and emotionally, to share it. Stormi shares some of the considerations involved in that whole process.

FOOD IS LOVE

We finish up by the podcast talking about memorable meals, which is the driver for every interview here at Storied Gifts. Stormi's meal story is about connection more than the food, which is often the case with the meal experiences closest to our hearts.

The power of food stories is immersive and visceral. We can all relate to the touch, smell, and taste of good food, plus it is essential to our survival. Eating at its best is something to be savored. And when you mix eating with time shared with others, you have the makings of rich memory.

For those who can talk and dream about the food, I found the history of fettuccine Alfredo interesting and worth chatting up here since Stormi referred to it in her story. It will make for a good foodie factoid the next time you want to impress a dinner party!

It turns out variations of the dish hail back as far as the 15th century. However, the recipe of butter, parmesan cheese, and pasta is documented to have been invented by a restaurant owner in Rome named Alfredo di Lelto in 1892.

Alfredo's version is the recipe at its purist, but of course, today, we mostly think of it as a mix of cheese and cream. The family legend is that he concocted the dish to entice his wife to eat after giving birth to their child. Imagine having to induce (pun intended) anyone to eat Fettucine Alfredo!

Postscript: When things seem out of control like it feels these days, acting where we have control is a comfort. Cleaning up your stuff is within your power! If you need help getting going on organizing your home check out Get Organized Gal’s courses for support.

I used her course to organize my office, and it is in pretty good shape these days. Success in one space has lead to cleaning channels to other rooms and photos as well. Check out he courses here. 

Sherry is the founder of Storied Gifts a personal publishing service of family and company histories. She and her team help clients curate and craft their stories into books. When not writing or interviewing, Sherry spends loads of time with her grandchildren and lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

STORIED GIFTS SHOP

Need a beautiful infusion of inspiration for your storied life? Please check out the Storied Gifts Shop where the theme is Words of Encouragement.

The shop is a mother and daughter venture for Sherry and Alexandra Borzo of Content In Motion. They both work to help their client's stories sing. The shop is their effort to inspire a focus on healthy minds for everyone through positive thought.

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