Eighteen Words. A Thousand Lives.
Ready to see what women over 50 can say in just 18 words?
Below, you’ll find minimoirs from our readers—bold, funny, and beautifully human. Read a few, then take the challenge yourself. Because your story deserves to be told, too.
To Share Your Life in 18 Words
Click HERE to submit your 18 word minimoir for a chance to have it featured here!
Complete the Challenge on your own, as part of a group or club you belong to (book club, game club, knitting group, or writing group, just to name a few), or offer the challenge to a group you work with.
The rules are simple: Submissions should be from women over 50, exactly 18 words, and biographical.
Looking for inspiration? Read the minimoirs below from our fabulous readers, and then let your personal story come to life.
Read this article for the origin story of our Minimoir™ Challenge.
We can’t wait to read your minimoir.
The Minimoir Collection
Funny, bold, authentic memoirs told in 18 words.
Get inspired, then take the challenge yourself.
Karen,
63,
Corvallis
OR
Trauma-filled, from self-destruction to wholeness and courage. A life I’m proud of—forward bound, living joyfully.
Heather,
72,
Langley
WA
I was always leaving – home, jobs, cities, husbands, the country. Writing my stories made me circle back home.
Eve,
58,
Los Angeles
CA
The youngest, a sensitive soul, she starved until she fed herself, and then doctored others toward their healing.
Heidi,
54,
Peoria
AZ
Son arrived with Down syndrome. Health scares, therapies, advocacy, love. He changed my path. He redefined my life.
Cari,
63,
Chippewa Falls
WI
Wild child. Daddy’s girl. Youngest sibling. Stubborn. Fiercely independent Harley rider. Found love late. Still chasing the wind.
Charlotte,
63,
Millington
MD
One of seven, mother, survivor. Divorced, broke, alone. Words became my bricks: building a house, work, hope, future.
Elizabeth,
74,
Pittsfield
MA
Being slightly odd made the difference in my life. I visualize colors that I have not created . . . yet.
Randye,
65,
Philadelphia
PA
Born with gifts I didn’t know I had. Now at 65 I understand, embrace, and use them all.
Donna,
75,
Rumson
NJ
My life has been an adventure. No regrets. Travel, family and friends. Much love. And more to come.
Elizabeth,
58,
Los Angeles
CA
DC kid – bad home, good school. Harvard, Russian launched. Masters, adventures shaped. Life handed me to social work.
Lou Anne,
70,
Prattville
AL
Free spirit born into a family that wasn’t. Became the mom that I deserved. My dream journey fulfilled.
Ellen,
69,
Ocean Isle Beach
NC
Only child, traveled world. Two kids, widowed. Family scarred by mental illness, estrangement. Now love, writing, Inspire me.
Vel,
59,
Harrisburg
Considered a freak when I was young. Now happy, found someone who loves me for who I am.
Victoria,
68,
USA
Marine vet, hockey gal, six children, lived good, bad, rich, and poor life and still enjoying it all!
Dhyana,
79,
Siesta Key
FL
I wrote. I laughed. I loved:
Me
Live
Living large
And sometimes small
Finding ways
To love
You
