What makes a memoir different from an autobiography, and why do some personal stories resonate so deeply with readers? This week on Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with memoir coach Ally Berthiaume to explore the power of personal storytelling. From uncovering the deeper meaning behind life's defining moments to understanding why memoirs so often focus on resilience, adversity, and growth, Ally explains what separates a memoir from a simple retelling of events.

As a memoir coach, Ally understands both the practical and emotional realities of writing about your own life and shares her insights on navigating difficult memories, overcoming emotional roadblocks, and balancing honesty with the challenges of writing about the real people who are part of our stories. Whether you're considering telling your own story or simply curious about the memoir genre, this conversation highlights why memoirs matter and how they create meaningful connections between writers and readers.

Ally Berthiaume

https://thewriteplacerighttime.com/

Hidden Gems

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When writing historical fiction, research can be challenging enough. But what happens when some of the most important details simply don't exist? In this week's episode of Fully Booked, bestselling author Randy Overbeck returns to discuss the unique process of filling in the gaps, as he did while writing his latest novel, which centers on a Revolutionary War spy whose true identity remains one of history's enduring mysteries.

Drawing on years of research experience, Randy shares his typical process of uncovering elusive details by digging into primary source documents, following unexpected trails through archives and historical records, and piecing together clues from related events and stories. Along the way, he reveals some of the surprising discoveries he made about the American Revolution and explains how authors can blend fact and fiction while still remaining true to the spirit of the historical record. Whether you're writing historical fiction, researching nonfiction, or simply looking for ways to make your stories feel richer and more authentic, this episode offers plenty of practical insights for your writing journey.

Randy Overbeck

https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/

Hidden Gems

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How do you turn real life into fiction when the truth is actually harder to believe than anything you could invent?

This week we explore exactly that question with guest Sandy Malone, whose Caribbean wedding planning business provided an endless stream of unforgettable stories that eventually became both a reality television show and the inspiration for her novels. From real life bridezillas and wedding disasters to couples so outrageous that their stories had to be split across multiple fictional characters to seem believable, Sandy shares how lived experiences can be transformed into compelling fiction.

Along the way, we discuss the balance between authenticity and storytelling, including when to create composite characters, when to simplify real events, and why preserving emotional truth often matters more than preserving every fact. Sandy offers a fascinating look at the challenges of adapting real life for the page while keeping stories engaging, relatable, and believable. For authors looking to draw inspiration from their own experiences, this episode is packed with practical insights, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

Sandy Malone

https://sandymalone.com

Hidden Gems

Need our help publishing or marketing your book?

https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/

All episode details and links:

https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast