For someone as successful as Susannah Cahalan — she’s among a small pool of writers who actually once got to answer the question everyone always ponders, Who would play you in a movie? (Chloë Grace Moretz!) — she’s very humble. She’s this year’s Narratively Memoir Prize judge, and she’s not doing it merely as a favor — she genuinely can’t wait to read your memoir stories. Truly!
Susannah joined me in conversation for a live Open Book episode where she spoke openly about her experience writing her acclaimed memoir Brain on Fire, how it’s led to her illustrious career and subsequent books, what makes memoir stand out for her, plus what writers might do that will earn them bonus points. Don’t take my word for it — click play above to watch or listen to Susannah enthusiastically speak about what lights her up in memoir and answer audience questions to boot! (And then submit your essay to the 2025 Narratively Memoir Prize contest here by December 7!)
While we have you… Wednesday is just around the corner, and you know what that means: Writers’ Room! If you’re anything like us, you’ll need this writing session more than ever as a chance to get something done before jetting off for the long holiday weekend. East Coast team: You’re in luck this week, as multi-hyphenate writer-artist-poet-performer-filmmaker and longtime Narratively alum
will be bringing her unique pizazz as a guest host this week. And West Coast team, you’re in luck, too, because Narratively Academy editorial director Spiegel always brings his unique pizazz, which if you’ve ever joined, you know. 😉Reminder about the details: Writers’ Room is a virtual space for members of our community to meet up to share and write together, and it takes place every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. ET and again at 8 a.m. PT. You can choose to join whichever time works better for you — or even for both.
Click this Zoom link to join us for either session on Wednesday.
(If you are asked for a passcode, enter 824784)
Want to receive text message alerts each week when we’re about to begin Writers’ Room, or add this weekly event to your calendar?
8 a.m. ET Writers’ Room: head here to (very easily) sign up for text alerts, and here to add the 8 a.m. ET Writers’ Room to your calendar.
8 a.m. PT Writers’ Room: head here to sign up for text alerts and here to add the 8 a.m. PT Writers’ Room to your cal.
Click play above to watch the full conversation. Thank you for your support!
