The Story Frame Newsletter

The Story Frame

Lessons and Inspiration to Write Your Memoir

Every writer I've talked to manages their commonplace or archive of drafts differently. But they all have one. And there is a reason for the nonlinear system behind it. I was writing a story about my wife and some of the existential questions she was thinking about as she was facing another birth...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 22, 2026 editing memoir storytelling writing

When You Don't Feel Like Writing

There are days when I open my laptop, stare at the blinking cursor, and think, Absolutely not. No inspiration. No clever opening line. Just me and a vague sense of guilt for not being "consistent." In almost every other area in my life, I'd just give myself a break. Recharge. Go for a walk. When ...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 21, 2026 editing storytelling writing

Don't Write for That Person, Write for This Person

I was crushed by the feedback. I had written a heartwarming piece about my sister and how we didn't get along as kids, but how we became very close because we were the only friends we had when we first moved to the US together. I loved that piece, but more than that, it was intimately personal. I...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 21, 2026 editing personal stories storytelling writing

Oooops, I Wish I Had Not Published That

A few years back, I wrote a surreal satirical piece that was published through my newspaper column. The piece was a funny take on how God was probably a hoarder. But my way into the piece was by talking about my wife and me organizing our garage.Organizing your garage with your spouse is the wors...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 20, 2026 editing storytelling writing

How to Make a Boring Topic Interesting

Numbers, strategies, frameworks—they wake up the moment a human walks into the room. A person turns information into meaning. A story turns data into connection. A small moment of tension turns a dry idea into something you actually want to read. And if you can't find a person? Use yourself. Your...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 18, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

If You Want to Write More, You Gotta Lower the Bar

I knew I wanted to write since my early teens. I'd give it a shot, and when I realized it looked nothing like the things I'd love to read, I'd move to start working on something else--never actually finishing anything. When I had my first daughter, that changed. I started hauling A*$, lowering ...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 17, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

The Best Stories Are Made of "Insignificant" Moments

When people start contemplating writing about their lives and the pivotal moments that changed them, they first think of BIG events--cue walking away from the explosion in the background. In reality, some of the best stories are about the little moments that change it all. That one person you sai...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 17, 2026 memoir writing storytelling writing

The Structure I Stole From Debate (and Still Use Today)

I learned a simple structure to form paragraphs and arguments during my time debating competitively. Then I bastardized it to use as my own. If you are looking for a quick way to express your opinion or expertise, just follow this structure: Short statement (your thesis or opinion) Add the facts...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 16, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

Most Stories are Imperfect Memories

You don't need to remember all the details of a story; just a handful. But you do need to remember the emotional landscape associated with it. People want to know how that anecdote you want to tell made you feel. Instead of trying to smash every small detail into a story, make it simple. What is...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 14, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

Writing is a Poweful Exploration Tool

I'll be honest, I could be wrong about this. I do believe that writing is for everyone. However, not everyone takes advantage of it. Writing is not just a means to become a writer, a published author, or a novelist. Writing is one of the most powerful, most humane tools at our disposal. It helps ...

Jan 13, 2026 journaling memoir writing storytelling

Writing Your Story Starts with Typing, Not Talking

Some people harbor a desire to write, but they wait for a "big" story before they start. Personal storytelling isn't about drama—it's about both grand and mundane events that create tension. Stories about off-roading in the middle of a plaza in Isla Mujeres are cool. But so are the little anecdot...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 12, 2026 storytelling

Parenting Books are Sales Books in Disguise

Parenting Books are Sales Books in Disguise The thing is not the thing... (also, I'm back!) My youngest daughter called for me a little before six. She has a scheduled light that turns on when they can get out of the room. (It sounds horrible as I write it down, but really, it is the most humane...

by Carlos Garbiras — Nov 06, 2025 communication storytelling writing

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The Story Frame

Lessons and Inspiration to Write Your Memoir

The Story Frame

Lessons and Inspiration to Write Your Memoir

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