JanYourStory

You've heard about the importance of personal storytelling in writing memorable applications. Has reflecting on the past year got you started writing about your life? Does "writing" figure on your list of New Year's resolutions?

You may think that all I do at the keyboard is edit my students’ work or publish articles on admissions. In fact, I have published many short stories. I know what it’s like to grapple with writing. I sympathize with students who are struggling.

I also applaud those of you who might be finding that you actually like to write! Do you know about Memoir Nation? This year, they ran a free program called “JanYourStory,” in which participants aimed to write 500 words per day. I joined.

I've written 1,900+ words in the last 3 days. My word for that is "relieved." Yes, I'm tired of thinking, “I want to write more."

It's not too late to join 250+ writers in JanYourStory. And if you’re reading this after January 2026, you might still find something of interest, such as a masterclass on memoir or a group writing meeting. Check out the extremely cool website of Memoir Nation.