The 60-page guide is an expanded version of a Zoom talk I gave to the Society of Women Writers, on 23 February 2025, based on my experience writing my own memoir, CLEAVED – A story of loss, legs and finding family.
There are many wonderful memoir-writing resources on the internet, but it takes time and energy to find them.
There are also many expert and helpful courses available. This guide is for those who can’t afford them or are still considering whether to invest in one.
The guide includes:
Links to useful resources
Writing tips
Advice on editing and publication’
Fun exercises to get your started
The benefit of learning from an experienced memoir writer
History, as we know, has mostly been written by men, who have made themselves the protagonists of most of the world’s significant events.
Women, if mentioned at all, are minor characters.
Memoir is an opportunity for women to take centre stage: for their voices and stories to be heard at last.
Whether you want to write your story for family and friends, or you plan to pursue publication, writing about your life can be hugely challenging – and immensely satisfying.
However, writing can be a lonely task, and writing memoir can be especially emotionally stressful, so if you do decide to have a go, I highly recommend joining a group of supportive fellow writers, such as those at the Society. https://www.swwvic.org.au/about-us/
The Society recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with the publication of its history, Write On!
If you find this guide, useful, please let me know: jane.cafarella@janecafarella
Watch Toni Brooks, in London, perform Peachy, a 90-second monologue available on this site. Thank you very much Toni, for posting this wonderful performance of Peachy on your Spotlight profile page.
Creativity is alive and well in many places around the world, despite the current political turmoil.
As has happened throughout history, in difficult times, people turn to the arts for solace and inspiration.
As a writer, it’s the way I make sense of the world – which is always much more fun when you are collaborating with fellow artists.
Since I made my short plays and monologues free just over two years ago, I’ve had the privilege of hearing from and working with artists in 130 locations around the world – mostly the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
I’m especially grateful to all the artists – directors, actors and other creatives – who are currently using my plays and monologues to create their own shows, or for auditions, reels and showcases.
It always amazes me to hear how artists add their skills and ideas to create something special and new – such as the brand new show A Stitch in Time, created by USA director Theresa Puskar for the Theater of Western Springs in Chicago for the Director’s Spring Workshop.
The show will premiere this weekend (28-30 March 2025) at the TWS Cattell Theatre, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 8pm, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday.
The show features 12 of my monologues in a show that celebrates the experiences of women at all stages of life.
It’s been very exciting working via Zoom with Theresa, an experienced director, and meeting the talented and dedicated cast.
I’ve produced shows myself, so I know how work and courage goes into them. I’m also very excited to have a show at the Theater of Western Springs, which is highly respected.
At the same time, I’ve been lucky enough to work with Chris Hicks and her enthusiastic team of actors, The Narrators, more than 1000 miles (nearly 2000 km) south of Western Springs, Chicago, at Central Florida Community Arts in Orlando, Florida.
Chris and The Narrators, will also present a new show – On the Fly – Adventures in the Unknown – on April 5 2025, comprising improv/monologues and short plays, featuring five of my monologues, including Flowers, Quite a Sensation, Just a Minute and Taking the Plunge, written especially for this show. Many thanks to Sara Breitfelder for the fabulous photos.
Working with Theresa and Chris has been a highlight of my year so far – along with receiving a video of a beautiful interpretation of my monologue Sweet Bird of Youth from USA actor in Amsterdam Sabrina Culver. (See video below) along with the video (above) from London actress Toni Brooks of her wonderful performance of my monologue Peachy.
It’s been a busy start to the year, with lots of projects, including the 11th production of my most popular 10-minute play Members Only, and the seventh production of my one-act comedy Supersnout.
Here’s the full list of this year’s projects so far:
Current projects
Western Springs, Chicago, The Theatre of Western Springs, presents the premiere of A Stitch in Time, featuring 12 monologues, directed by Theresa Puskar.
Orlando, Florida USA, Central Florida Community Arts, The Narrators present On the Fly – Adventures in the Unknown on April 5 2025, comprising improv/monologues and short plays, and featuring five monologues, including Taking the Plunge, Flowers, Quite a Sensation and Just a Minute – April 5 2025
Bingara, NSW: North West Theatre Company performs Supersnout, a one-act comedy about a talking dog, 19-27 April, Roxy Theatre, Maitland St, Bingara, NSW.
Connecticut, USA: Theatre 308, Darien High School presents Oliver With a Twist, 10-mintue Dickens-inspired sizzling satire about our modern food culture, in May (date TBA). https://www.theatre308.org/aboutus
Salem, Oregon, North Salem High Schoolpresents Members Only, about a woman (recently deceased) who arrives at the Pearly Gates without the password with three performances in April (date TBA).
The photo above is of the performance of Members Only at Virginia Wesleyan University in the USA, directed by Erin Andrews, with Julia Logue playing Karen, Pauly Bolt playing the Concierge, and Lucas Gordon (not pictured) playing Gabriel.
‘Thank you so much for making your work available. It was a gift that kept on giving’ – Erin Andrews.
There are also many actresses currently using individual monologues for auditions, reels and showcases in various locations around the world, including an audition for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
Amy Martin Cole as the Writer and Jeff Milligan as the Friend in Just a Minute
More than 60 FREE monologues
I hope this will encourage and inspire you to have a rummage through my site.
If you’re an older female actor or a young emerging actor, you’ll find more than 60 contemporary and relevant monologues. If you’re a young theatre major or director, you’ll find lots of short FREE short plays.
Most of the monologues on this site are stand-alone monologues, with a few from my published plays e-baby, d-baby and Uked! The first play along musical, featuring strong roles for women of all ages, with a particular focus on older women.
My aim is to encourage female actors of all ages who are emerging or re-emerging and who want monologues that reflect their own life experiences.
As Chris Hicks said when she first contacted me:
“I am always looking for material that respects our age and experiences. I’m so tired of ‘cute’ plays that take place in nursing homes, featuring at least 10 jokes about incontinence and not driving at night. Thanks for writing for who we really are.”
The monologues are available for use for FREE on the condition that I am credited in full, there are no edits without my permission, and that you email me at jane.cafarella@gmail.com to let me know your location how and when they’ll be used, and provide any photos and feedback about your performance, where possible.
Your feedback helps me to improve my work and lets me know which monologues resonate the most.
To celebrate a great start to the year, here are three new monologues to add to the collection. Please let me know what you think!
While I believe all artists should be paid for their work, I have other work that is licensed with agents and for which I receive royalties, and so can afford to make these shorter works available for free as a service to women just like you.
I’m also available to write something especially for you if you can’t find something here.
I keep a little pinmap to keep track of where my work goes
Jane Cafarella’s writing radiates warmth and sincerity, and it’s very welcoming. Readers will feel connected from the beginning – as if the story is being shared over a coffee. – Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favourite
Cafarella’s writing is humbling and fearless…Fans of heartfelt memoirs will fall in love with this must-read from the very first page. – Makeda Cummings for Readers’ Favourite
…poignant and inspirational. …a must-read for readers looking for fortitude to overcome their deep-seated trauma and move out of the darkness into the light. – Richard Prause for Readers’ Favourite
I am thrilled to have received three five-star reviews from Readers’ Favourite – an international book review company especially for self-published authors.
I’ve been very fortunate to receive lots of unsolicited spontaneous reviews from readers via email and Facebook, but this is the first time I’ve actively sought a review from a review company – and paid for it.
So why pay? And arepaid reviews legitimate?
More than a million self-published books arrive on the market each year, with a plethora of companies to service them, providing everything from editing and book-cover design to full publishing services.
But the biggest problems for all self-published authors are marketing, distribution and exposure.
Few bookshops will take self-published books, as without the professional services of a traditional publishing company, the perception is that quality is not always guaranteed.
And self-published books are seldom reviewed in the traditional media.
These makes self-published authors vulnerable to scams and vanity schemes offering reviews and awards.
So what should you look for when considering a review service?
I looked at how long the company had been offering the service, author reviews, whether the company was endorsed by others in the industry and an accredited business, and what other services it offered to help market the review.
I also considered the price. Some services, such as Kirkus reviews (established in 1933), offer reviews by professionals, such as librarians and nationally published journalists – but at a higher price, starting at $450.
I considered various companies, including Kirkus, and Literary Titan, which offers one review for $59USD, five for $275 and 10 for $550, and which had many positive reviews from happy authors.
In the end I chose Readers Favourite because it is well established (17 years), is endorsed by traditional publishing companies, and primarily offers free reviews.
Reviewers are volunteers, but a small monetary “gift” is paid for “express reviews”. The paid reviews start at one for $59USD, three for $129 and five for $199.
I opted for the package that offered three reviews for $129USD, as I felt three reviews would be a better test of both my book and the service. I was curious to see what independent reviewers in a completely different market from Australia might say. This option also allowed me to enter the RF 2025 book award into two categories for free.
Of course, there is the question of whether reviewers who are paid even a small amount might feel more inclined to say something positive, but I was reassured by the fact that while the company only posts reviews from books that receive four or five-star reviews, that doesn’t mean a four or five-star review is guaranteed.
As it says on its website, if you receive a poor review, the reviewer will point out the problems to help you improve it. Authors can then resubmit the revised version for another free review.
You also get to review the reviewers, to ensure the review you receive is accurate. You can also read their bios. All are required to write well, and to provide a description of the plot, as well as a critique. Most are ordinary people from all walks of life who love to read, which in my view is the perfect reviewer, as it’s ordinary people who will be picking up your book in a bookshop.
The other attraction for me was that RF creates a “review page” for you on its site and on social media, broadening your exposure.
I found the service prompt and professional and the reviews thoughtful and insightful – even if the superlatives did make me blush and wonder why I hadn’t won the Pulitzer!! And, as you can see, they also provide digital award stickers for those who receive five-star reviews. (Authors can purchase print stickers).
Who knows whether this translates into sales?
That would be nice, but the benefit of a using a review service is not just in the possibility of finding another market for your book: it’s in the value of having an independent reader, who doesn’t know you, giving honest feedback – and, as an author, discovering whether your intention regarding the story you wanted to tell was realised.
Want to read CLEAVED? More information and purchasing options here:
Have you paid for a review? Comment here to share your experience.
Want to know more about me and how I wrote my memoir, CLEAVED? If you’re in Ballarat, Victoria, on Tuesday 18 February please join me at 6pm at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute (BMI), in conversation with Alisoun Downing for Northern Books.Can’t make it to Ballarat? Invite me to your book group or social group.
Are you craving a creative life, but fear it’s too late?
Here’s some inspiration.
In mid-November, 96-year-old Sylvia Kerckhoff, former Mayor of Durham, North Carolina, USA, will perform a two-minute monologue for Way Off Broadway, a drama group at The Forest at Duke retirement community in Durham, where she lives.
“Sylvia does one terrific job when you hand her a script in large type,” Way Off Broadway director Rosemary Kitchin said.
And here she is, delivering the monologue!
Sylvia, is proof that it’s never too late to start – or restart – your creative life.
Here’s further proof, closer to home.
The Acting Out Troupe, a community theatre group in Mt Barker, South Australia, comprised mostly of older women, will premiere Breaking Up is Hard to Do, a new short play about book clubs on November 26 and 27, as part of its show, Bookish, a humorous look at libraries, librarians and book clubs.
I’m proud to say I wrote Quite a Sensation, the monologue Sylvia will read, and the book club play Breaking Up is Hard to Do that the Acting Out Troupe will perform.
The play (which is no reflection on any book club I’ve been in, where everyone was lovely) was commissioned by Acting Out Troupe director Anne Marie Serrano, The monologue was inspired by an older woman who is anti-graffiti advocate in my town.
One of the fun parts of my own creative life is to provide 10 FREE short plays for people of all ages and more than 50 FREE contemporary monologues for older female actors, directors and drama students who want to enter or re-enter the world of theatre.
The plays and monologues are available free on my website on the condition that users credit me, let me know how and when the work will be performed and send photos and feedback.
In the three years since I made them available, these have been performed in 47 places around the world – including the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Most recently, permission has been sought from performers from all walks of life in Canada, Florida, Merseyside (UK) and Auckland NZ.
And Members Only, my most popular short play, which has been performed nine times in the USA, New Zealand and Australia by actors young and old, will have its 10th production at Virginia Wesleyan University in the USA on November 23.
To keep track of where my work goes, I plot them on a map through PinMaps, a custom map creator to pin multiple locations. Here’s a screenshot to give you an idea of what it looks like:
Many of the monologues are written particularly for older women, who often struggle to find relevant material.
As English actress Geraldine James, who played Queen Mary in Downton Abbey, told The Guardian on 16 August: “Diversity goes in every direction.”We’ve got to keep creating roles for older actresses, because we do represent more and more of society.”
However, the current fashion for age-blind casting can also provide opportunities, as James found when she made her debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company two years ago as Rosalind in As You Like Itat the age of 72.
The late Maggie Smith, who died this year on September 30, was a huge inspiration for older women in the theatre.
She was perhaps even better known for her later work as an older actor, with such roles as the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, and Miss Shepherd in The Lady with the Van, where she excelled.
It gives me great pleasure to write for older women in particular, who bring such rich life- experience to their work, and I’m always excited when I receive an email from someone who has found my work and wants to perform it.
Making a living in the theatre is always a struggle, made more so since Covid, and this is my way of helping. It also provides me with an opportunity to showcase my work, to learn and improve, and to be part of a worldwide community.
I have other work that is licensed with agents and for which I receive royalties (FULL LENGTH and ONE ACT plays) when they are produced.
For more inspiration about discovering your creativity in later life, read the story of UK actor Liz Jones, featured on the blog Late Bloomers, which champions late-bloomers of all genders and artistic persuasions. Late Bloomers is the initiative of Debra Eve – a late bloomer herself.
Here are six new FREE monologues on contemporary issues for women over 40.
They are available for FREE for actors, directors and drama teachers anywhere in the world – on the condition that you let me know when, where and how they will be used and send photos and feedback.
I have other work that is licensed with agents and for which I receive royalties (FULL LENGTH and ONE ACT plays) when they are produced, but I make these short works free as my way of reducing barriers for women in the theatre and, and as a way of getting my work performed.
Since I first made them available in June 2021, my monologues have been performed in 45 places around the world.
They are inspired by my own experiences, the women in my life, women I meet and those in the news. (Want to suggest a topic? Contact me here).
It’s an honor to have women who have lived full and rich lives bring that richness and fullness to my work. I always learn from your feedback.
So, please dive in – rummage around my site. There are more than 50 FREE monologues waiting for you to rekindle or start your career in the theatre.
Want to suggest a topic? Contact me here:
Looking for inspiration: Check out this excellent blog from US-musical theatre-maker Lauren Mayer, published on Maestra in 2022, titled Can you still be “emerging” in your 60s? Life as an Older Woman in the Theatre – https://maestramusic.org/blog/can-you-still-be-emerging-in-your-60s/
