When Elizabeth Wilson first set out to write her memoir, she envisioned a hybrid self-help book packed with life lessons. But after three complete rewrites, a divorce, and deep introspection, she emerged with Lonely Girl, a raw and emotionally honest memoir that connects on a deeply human level.

In her recent interview with Project Seed Money, Elizabeth shared the winding path of writing a memoir that captures not just the events of her life, but the emotional growth that came with them. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and the courage to keep going—even when the writing feels overwhelming.

“I needed to be honest with myself,” she explained. “I couldn’t keep telling a sanitized version of my life if I wanted the book to matter.”

Journaling played a huge role in her process. While Elizabeth admits she often avoided journaling during the darkest moments, the entries she did keep became invaluable windows into her mindset at the time. She even includes direct excerpts in the manuscript to bring readers into those vulnerable places.

Throughout the interview, she stressed the importance of community—not just for accountability, but for emotional support. “Writing is often framed as solitary,” she says, “but I really thrive knowing someone else is writing too.”

Elizabeth co-works with her podcast co-host, uses a body doubling model to stay on task, and hosts a memoir-writing program to help others navigate the same terrain. She’s also releasing cut chapters from earlier drafts in her monthly newsletter, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process.

Perhaps most moving was her reason for continuing to write. After her divorce, Elizabeth realized she was no longer writing for herself. “I felt alone,” she said. “And if my story can help someone else feel seen, then it has to be told.”

To aspiring memoirists, Elizabeth offers a simple, powerful piece of advice: Take the next step. Don’t get caught up in what happens five chapters from now. Just show up for the writing—again and again—and trust that the message will find its way through.

You can listen to the full interview on the Project Seed Money podcast and connect with Elizabeth on her website or Instagram.