Notes from James:
Here’s the truth: if my great-great-great grandfather had written anything—just 10 pages about his daily life—I’d treasure it like gold. And I promise, your great-grandkids will feel the same about your story.
You don’t need to be a celebrity to write something that matters. You just need to be honest. Whether you're sharing how you survived grief, learned to say no, built new habits, or rebuilt your life after failure—your story could help someone else. And it could help you just as much.
Episode Description:
In this part one of a two-part episode, I walk you through the frameworks I’ve used in books like Choose Yourself and The Power of No, and show you how other authors—AJ Jacobs, Annie Duke, Susan Cain—infused autobiography into books that went on to change people’s lives.
I also break down the different types of autobiographical books—from traditional memoirs and mini-memoirs, to autobiographical fiction and nonfiction hybrids—and I explain how bestselling books like Atomic Habits, The Puzzler, and Man’s Search for Meaning are all, at heart, autobiographies.
This episode is part motivation, part masterclass in storytelling, and part therapy. If you’ve been sitting on a life story, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for.
Oh, and yes, I’ll even give you writing prompts and reflection questions to help you actually start.
I also created a book-writing course: How to write and publish a book in 30 days.
If this episode gets you thinking, share it with someone who has a story to tell.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why writing a memoir isn’t about being famous—it’s about being authentic
- How to turn life events, trauma, and setbacks into powerful narrative fuel
- The 5+ major types of autobiographical books (and how to pick yours)
- Why adding personal stories makes your writing more marketable, memorable, and meaningful
- The exact questions to ask yourself before you start writing
Time Stamps
00:00 Why Write an Autobiography?
00:47 The Value of Personal History
02:46 Memoirs and Mini Memoirs
10:21 AI and Autobiographical Writing
17:14 Unique Perspectives and Philosophies
21:07 Opportunities Through Writing
28:03 Defining Your Mission and Purpose
30:22 Reflecting on Life's Important Events
38:52 Overcoming Adversity and Difficult Situations
45:16 Crafting Your Unique Autobiography
Additional Resources
How to write and publish a book in 30 days.
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