#36: Writing Through Grief: How Loss Fuels Stories with Meghan Riordan Jarvis
Have you ever felt like your story deserves to be shared but don’t know where to start?
Allison Lane sits down with Meghan Riordan Jarvis—a psychotherapist, two-time TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of two powerful books, The End of the Hour and Can Anyone Tell Me? Meghan shares her personal journey of navigating profound grief and how it became the driving force behind her writing.
From coping with the unexpected loss of her parents to using writing as a tool for healing, Meghan explains how grief can transform into creativity and purpose. Whether you’re a writer, an aspiring author, or someone trying to process loss, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement.
What You’ll Learn:
- How grief impacts the brain, body, and creative process.
- Meghan’s experience of writing a memoir and nonfiction book while grieving.
- Why writing is a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
- The importance of community and connection in authorship.
π§ Hit play now to discover how YOU can bring your book to life, no matter where you’re starting!
Resources Mentioned:
- Meghan Riordan Jarvis: https://meghanriordanjarvis.com/
- The End of the Hour by Meghan Riordan Jarvis: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781958506202
- Can Anyone Tell Me? by Meghan Riordan Jarvis: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781649632593
- Zibby Owens Book Club: https://www.zibbyowens.com/
- The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780062946249
- Allison Lane’s NEXT Chapter Membership for Authors: https://www.lanelit.com/offers/bzACbCjB/checkout
Timestamps:
- [00:02:00] What led Meghan to write her first book during a life-altering grief experience?
- [00:09:30] How an email from Zibby Owens changed Meghan’s publishing journey.
- [00:16:20] Why understanding grief is essential for memoir writing and beyond.
- [00:28:45] Meghan’s advice for first-time authors struggling to find their path.
Meghan is a psychotherapist and grief specialist who helps people understand and process trauma, loss, and grief. She’s a podcast host (Grief is My Side Hustle), a speaker, and a published author whose works have touched thousands of lives.
