Your Life Story: In Six Word Chapters — This week, I wrote a memoir in six-word chapters. I was surprised by the response and the collective feedback by other writers who thought it would be something they’d also like to try — much like our 100-word memoirs. Honestly, I’m not sure what drove me to that particular format…

She was…a part of me, in a weird way. — “Olivvvvvvia,” my dad would tease with a grin. There was a good part of my young life when the nickname stuck. I was just the right age — born in 1970, her rise to fame hit me at the perfect moment. I idolized her. I was mesmerized by her. …

“She Cries…She Sleeps” — Chapter One: The Beginning I cry. I feed. I sleep. Chapter Two: The Toddler Pigtails flying. Mother Chases. Toddler Giggles. Chapter Three: The Move New town. Cool, kids next door! Chapter Four: My Baby Brother Baby broder, will you marry me? Chapter Five: The First Slumber Party Sleeping bags and dirty stories. Fun! Chapter Six: The Triumph Shiny red convertible. Mom’s last straw.

Spoiler: Being a writer. — I’ve had it. I’ve literally effing had it. No. Before you click off, this isn’t another stupid Medium rant. Mama Ki’s balls don’t hang that way. But. This is a rant about my chosen passion and whatever messed-up chip is in my brain that keeps me from moving forward and…

“Jesus, Edith!” — “My name is Cleola Pitherit. You may call me Miss Cleola.” She was a large woman. By large, I mean, large in stature and personality with a deep southern accent. …

“The poor woman’s Scary Mommy— salty as f*ck, fun, and geared toward millennial parents.” — Following my last pub stop, I received a siren’s call to come check out a new dive on the block. By new I mean, a brand spanking new — from what I can tell born in May. …

Memoirists, The response to this contest was extraordinary. We have 89 story submissions, not counting the ones we needed to eliminate for being editor submissions. I really didn’t anticipate the response we received, otherwise, I would have gone about things a little bit differently, but we learn a little more…

Entries must be submitted by 11:59 pm Pacific Time on Sunday, July 31st — There is still time to get your submissions in for our very first search to find the World’s First Memoirist Idol! Our Memoirist Idol will win $100 and the esteemed title of “Memoirist Idol.” Our runner-up will win $50 and the esteemed title of “Was Almost Memoirist Idol.” …

“Where is my friend when I need you most? Gone away.” — We haven’t changed our prompt yet, so I’m going to need to slap Christopher Robin on the wrist for that one. But, good thing! My daughter is returning home tonight from her summer visitation with her dad on the east coast. I’ve been busy trying to clean up her room…