Welcome to The Soul and Science of Great Writing, where the mastery of craft meets the mystery of creation—a weekly podcast that explores the transformative power of words, with equal parts awe and analysis.
I’m Mara Eller, a freelance editor, book coach, and writing teacher with over 16 years of experience. Each week (every other week during the summer) I share a new episode here on One True Sentence, along with links to listen, key takeaways, and transcripts or clips to go deeper.
I’m so glad you’re here!
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It took journalist Kara Kavensky nearly a decade to write her debut memoir. With over 1000 articles under her belt, she knew how to turn life into a story. She had the skill, the experience, and a killer hook.
What she didn’t have was any intention of being in it.
In this episode, Kara and I discuss the process behind her debut memoir Tell Me About Joy: A True Story of Love, Regret, and Second Chances (out September 8).
Somehow both unflinching and uplifting, the book portrays how Kara’s quest to reunite a WWII veteran with his high school sweetheart helps her find the courage to finally leave her emotionally abusive husband—and rediscover a life of purpose and joy.
We explore the soul and the science of memoir writing: from reconstructing scenes and handling difficult personal material to braiding multiple timelines into a compelling narrative.
Along the way, Kara reflects on the healing power of storytelling, the challenges of vulnerability, and the craft decisions that took nearly a decade to get right.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing your memoir or already wrestling with one, this conversation is full of practical craft insights and encouraging reminders that the stories we hesitate most to tell are often the ones readers need most.
Listen below or on your favorite podcast app!
And scroll down for a a couple of video excerpts.
Listen via Spotify:
Or click here to listen on Apple Podcasts
Mentioned in this episode:
The Fullness of Time by Cathy Haynes
Verb Your Enthusiasm by Sarah L. Kaufman
The Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (braided structure)
About Kara:
Kara Kavensky is a freelance journalist who’s written thousands of personal interest stories, op-eds, and features on fascinating people to local and national magazines and news outlets. Her debut memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY, is a result of one of her interviews.
She also has an experiential PhD in Narcissistic Abuse + Generational Trauma Recovery. Her latest podcast, Record Scratch with Kara, celebrates inspirational stories of resilience.
In her free time, she works as a strategic communications and public relations professional, soon launching Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass.
Connect with Kara:
Instagram: @karakavensky
Website: karakavensky.com
Substack: Finding Joy with Kara Kavensky
» (Pre)Order Kara’s book Tell Me About Joy!
“Where’s your story?”
“Sometimes you’re still living the story.”
“You are not alone.”
I’d love to hear from you!
What part of Kara’s story resonates most for you? Have you struggled to believe in love after being hurt?
And if you enjoyed this post/episode, please consider sharing it with a writer friend.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for interviewing me, Mara!