Mythic Memoir: Reclaiming Your Story Through Fairy Tales with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta {ep. 173}

In this energizing episode, Alexa chats with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta—author of 13 books and writing instructor at both Harvard and Oxford—about the concept of “mythic memoir.” If you've ever struggled to tell your story, especially one rooted in pain, Elisabeth offers a transformational framework: use fairy tales and myths to reframe your life experiences and write with courage and artistry.

Her approach helps writers find structure, reclaim voice, and protect the vulnerable parts of their stories. Whether you’re a seasoned memoirist or new to the page, this conversation will spark your creativity and show you how myth can make memoir not only more powerful, but also more healing.

In this podcast, Alexa and Elisabeth discuss:

What “mythic memoir” really means
How fairy tales and myths offer structure, insight, and emotional safety
Elisabeth’s incredible path from rejected undergrad writing classes to Harvard and Oxford professor
Why memoirs work best when focused on transformation, not chronology
The healing power of storytelling, and why “writers have a place to put things”
How using a familiar myth (like Cinderella or The Little Mermaid) can help shape your own story
A step-by-step framework for using mythic memoir in your writing
How fairy tales protect the writer while inviting the reader in
The universal, democratic nature of myth—and how readers become co-creators
Ideas for a potential mythic memoir retreat or collaboration on writing to heal

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta is the author of 13 books, including the memoir Awake, the creative writing guide Edit Your Life, and the writer’s workshop collection The Creative Year. She teaches writing for Harvard University and Oxford University and is the founder of the Book Year Writers Circle, a year-long writing mentorship program for authors working across all genres.

Elisabeth is known for her innovative approach to memoir, especially her concept of “mythic memoir,” which combines personal narrative with the structures and symbols of myths and fairy tales to provide emotional safety, narrative clarity, and creative freedom.

She holds a PhD on the intersections of fairy tales and memoir and has spent her career helping writers find meaning and healing through storytelling. Elisabeth is passionate about helping writers of all backgrounds claim their voice and tell their stories in ways that matter.

She is based online at https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com, where she shares writing resources, workshop opportunities, and her author news.

Resources & Books Mentioned

📖 Edit Your Life

A practical and poetic guide to reworking not just your writing—but your life.
Amazon aff link | More info on her site

📖 The Creative Year: 52 Workshops for Writers

A week-by-week writing guide featuring prompts for creativity, craft, and connecting your work to the world.
Amazon aff link | On her website

📖 Awake with Asashoryu and Other Essays

A lyrical memoir that incorporates mythic themes and explores identity, love, and personal transformation.
Amazon aff link | On her site

✍️ Workshops & Writing Circles

🌀 The Book Year Writers Circle

A year-long program to help writers of all genres draft, revise, and prepare their books for publication—featuring monthly guidance, community, and accountability.
👉 Learn more and apply

📚 Harvard Extension Writing Courses (Open Enrollment)

Elisabeth teaches creative writing courses (including Mythic Memoir) at Harvard’s extension program.
Search available courses: https://extension.harvard.edu