We’re excited to welcome **Carlyn Montes De Oca** for a special **live Q&A** following our [July 31st book club discussion](https://www.meetup.com/memoir-mentors/events/307715012/) of her powerful memoir, *Junkyard Girl: A Memoir of Ancestry, Family Secrets, and Second Chances*.

Carlyn shares a story that doesn’t shy away from the big questions: identity, truth, family, and belonging. When she discovered at age 57 that she was adopted (a secret nearly everyone in her extended family had known), her life changed overnight. *Junkyard Girl* traces the emotional fallout and the extraordinary journey that followed.

Now’s your chance to meet the author behind the memoir and hear the story *behind the story*.

Plus! Carlyn is one of the rare writers who enjoys marketing her book. I'm looking forward to gleaning helpful tips on this aspect of being an author.

**We’ll explore:**

* How she approached writing about long-held family secrets
* What it meant to craft a “coming-of-age” memoir later in life
* The creative process of memoir writing
* How writing this book compared to her earlier books
* Practical tips on writing, publishing, and even marketing memoirs
* And more!

Bring your questions or just come to listen in on what’s sure to be a thoughtful and engaging conversation. Carlyn is a compelling speaker who brings warmth, clarity, and insight into her process as both an author and advocate.

***

**About Carlyn**
Carlyn Montes De Oca is a passionate animal advocate, international speaker, and multi-award-winning author of four books, including *Junkyard Girl*, which has won eight literary awards and became a #1 Amazon bestseller. She’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, Woman’s Day Magazine, and TEDx, and brings decades of experience in storytelling.

***

📖 If you haven’t read the book yet, there’s still time! As of the posting of this event (May 8), [her ebook](https://www.amazon.com/Junkyard-Girl-Ancestry-Secrets-Chances-ebook/dp/B0BLQNGF74) is on sale for 50% off at Amazon.com.

And if you'd like to join our **book discussion on July 31st** (without the author), RSVP here:
👉 [Memoir Mentors Book Club – July 31](https://www.meetup.com/memoir-mentors/events/307715012/)

Christina

Carlyn Montes De Oca

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