Helping Writers Find Their Voice: Jen Braaksma on Memoir and Meaning

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"Writing is work. It’s challenging, it’s hard—but it’s a skill, and it takes time. If you have patience with yourself, you’ll get there." — Jen Braaksma

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with Jen Braaksma—former journalist, high school English teacher, and now full-time book coach—to talk about her journey from writing fiction to embracing memoir. Jen shares how her love of storytelling began in childhood, why she pivoted careers during the pandemic, and what she learned about vulnerability while writing her latest book, Befriending Betsy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to write a memoir or how a book coach can transform your writing, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

The power of persistence: Jen’s advice to her younger self—and to all writers—is simple: keep at it, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Memoir vs. biography: Memoir isn’t just a timeline of events; it’s about introspection and writing from the scar, not the wound. The role of a book coach: Coaching isn’t just about editing words—it’s about guiding the person behind the story. Vulnerability matters: Writing Befriending Betsy taught Jen to embrace authenticity and share her own story. Healing through writing: Every memoirist Jen has worked with has experienced unexpected catharsis during the process. Writing is a skill: Like any craft, it takes time, patience, and practice—don’t expect perfection right away. Everyone’s story matters: You don’t need to be a celebrity to write a memoir that resonates.