Workshops for Women Writing Memoir and Nonfiction
- Before You Write a Single Word Workshop
A 90-minute workshop for the woman who feels pulled to write her story and wants to answer the hard questions before she begins. - How Can This Be Easy? Workshop
Use AI as your executive assistant so you have more time to write — as only you can. - Write It Out Handout (in-person session for teens)
Writing to feel better, think more clearly, and stay grounded. Designed for a high school audience.
More from Valerie
Media & Podcasts
The Next Chapter with Lauren by Lauren Berlin
The Gist: Valerie knew what her “Happily Ever After” was supposed to look like. And none of it went to plan. This is the story of her life, marriage and parenting.
The Verdict: 
Couldn’t put it down
The Format: I read this in paperback!
The Fine Print: This book is raw, and real, and heart-breaking, and beautiful. In particular, I love the quotes that Valerie wove into each chapter. As stand-alones, each hits home for any wife, parent, or person who has experienced the ups and downs of life, but here, they connect so deeply to the story that I found them particularly moving.
“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come” - Joseph Campbell
And then there was the moment I came across a line she wrote about our work together: “I was grateful this person was leading the way, and I didn’t have to be in charge.” I’ve been thinking about that line ever since.
She Means Business with Sara Caputo
One of the things I love most about writing She Means Business is the opportunity to shine a light on some of the incredibly talented women doing meaningful work right here in our own community.
Valerie Cantella is one of those women.
Valerie and I crossed paths years ago, and I’ve continued to be aware of her work—and she strikes me as one of those wonderful “hidden gems” we have here in Santa Barbara. The kind of person quietly building deep expertise, doing really thoughtful work, and offering a service that you may not even realize you need until you discover her. Read the rest.
It's Time to Finally Start Writing Your Story
Transition Bridge Podcast with Debi Ronca
In this episode, Debi Ronca sits down with certified memoir coach and author Valerie Cantella to talk about why so many women feel called to write during seasons of transition, and what's really stopping them from beginning.
Spoiler: It's rarely about being a "good enough writer."
As Valerie explains, some of the most powerful books are written by everyday people who choose to share what they've learned through life's challenges. Whether you've walked through divorce, loss, reinvention, caregiving, faith shifts, or simply midlife awakening—your story holds something someone else desperately needs.
You'll hear how to tell the truth without being reckless, what changes when you finally give yourself permission to write, and why your lived experience matters more than perfect prose.
If you've ever wondered, "Is my story worth telling?"—this episode has your answer.
Communication in an Automated World
HeartWired podcast with Dr. MJ Vignone, MBA, PhD, ACC
AI can organize, research, and open up additional avenues to explore. But it cannot replace the words, the unique character of an organization, and the voice only you have. Leaders who outsource their judgment to a chatbot aren't leading—they're prompting. And those who are paying attention know the difference. The full conversation with Dr. MJ covers what actually matters: emotional intelligence, decision-making, and where the line is between using a tool and giving your responsibility as a leader to it.
AI-Related Writing Resources for Memoir and Nonfiction Writers
Helpful References on AI for Writers
Here are some references on AI that may be helpful as you decide if, and how, to include AI in your writing journey.
Commentary from Jane Friedman's blog
AI Best Practices for Authors from the Author's Guild
How AI is changing book writing and what it means for you (Kelly Notares)