Writing Your Memoir In The Age Of AI

“Wise, practical, encouraging, and packed with valuable information . . . highlights every writer's advantages against the current fad for AI-generated text: imagination, individual voice, and the talent to create life through words.” – George Witte, Editor in Chief, St. Martin's Press

“Comprehensive and entertainingly written . . . . offers valuable insights, tips, and good, solid boots on the ground wisdom.” — Beverly Donofrio, author of Riding in Cars with Boys and Astonished

“Memoirs aren't easy. After teaching alongside Dave, I know he's the mentor a beginning writer needs if they want straight talk, firm guidance, and the most effective path forward to the goal they seek.” – Kaylie Jones, author of A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries and Lies My Mother Never Told Me

“Poyer combines editorial precision with exceptional skill as both a guide and editor, drawing out clarity, structure, and authentic voice to strengthen every page.” — MGEN Arnold Punaro USMC (Ret), author of On War and Politics

“A sobering and enlightening guide, in David's tough-love voice, to guide the first-time memoir writer through the bumps and joys . . . keep it on your desk!” — Susan Mailer, author of In Another Place

“Your soul is not a machine! Poyer explains how AI can be useful for the mechanics of writing, but that it can never put the ‘me’ in “memoir.” — Martina Clark, author of My Unexpected Life

Writing and publishing are in a state of rapid evolution. Drawing on David Poyer’s many years of writing, publishing, and teaching, Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI updates experienced writers and introduces beginners to the most effective techniques. It answers such questions as, How can I best access my memories? How do I plan my memoir? How do I turn reminiscences into finished prose? How do I avoid writer’s block? How does editing work? What are the legal and ethical pitfalls and how can I skirt them? When and how can I most wisely and effectively use AI? The book covers both traditional and emergent means of editing. Finally, it addresses the most effective way forward to publication. If you’re thinking of writing a memoir, you need this book!

Nearly fifty of David Poyer’s books are in print with major publishers. His work has been translated into Japanese, Dutch, Italian, Hungarian, and Serbo-Croatian, and rights have been sold for films. He taught creative writing at the MA/MFA level for many years. Writers he's mentored have been taken on by major agencies, published by major houses, appeared on New York Times Top Ten bestseller lists, won the International Latino Book award and other prizes, and become college teachers. His latest: The Academy, St. Martin's/Macmillan, and Writing in the Age of AI. More at www.poyer.com.