This month I’m honored to have as a guest distinguished author Gail Ingis.
Formerly, a student of mine at Westport Writers’ Workshop, Gail is an accomplished raconteur, including of historical fiction. Here she tells about writing More Than One Life: A Memoir, on her many successful careers and her foray into ballroom dancing at age 80 and winning the waltz competition at 81. Aspiring and established memoirists and writers of all genres will appreciate Gail’s clear, candid and captivating style, not to mention her inspiring story.
What prompted you to write a memoir?
My journey into ballroom dancing at 80 sparked endless curiosity. People would ask, “How did you start? Why now? How did you win first prize in a dance competition?” But it wasn’t just dancing. Throughout my life, I’ve had successful careers in art, design, teaching, and writing. Friends and acquaintances often wondered how I navigated these transitions and achieved so many milestones. Many encouraged me with the same advice: “Write about your life.” Eventually, I realized my story could inspire others to embrace new adventures, regardless of age.
In what ways was writing a memoir different for you from writing a novel?
Writing a memoir required a different vulnerability. In fiction, I could create characters and control their outcomes, but a memoir demanded honesty and reflection. It was cathartic and challenging to revisit personal memories, especially moments of struggle and loss. In contrast, fiction allowed me to weave stories freely, whereas the memoir required careful balancing of truth, perspective, and storytelling. Capturing my own voice authentically—without embellishment—was both freeing and demanding in a way fiction never was.
What was the primary obstacle you encountered, and how did you address it?
Memory can be a tricky thing. I never kept journals or diaries, so recalling specific events and timelines was challenging. However, once I started writing, one memory would spark another, unlocking doors I hadn’t opened in years. I also struggled with self-doubt, questioning whether my story was worth telling. To overcome that, I reminded myself why I started: to inspire others. I focused on writing honestly and leaned into my natural storytelling voice, allowing the narrative to unfold organically.
What did you find most rewarding about the project and why?
The most rewarding part was recognizing the full tapestry of my life—the joys, the challenges, and the resilience that carried me through. Seeing how each chapter of my life, from founding a school to gliding across a ballroom floor woven together, was deeply fulfilling. Knowing that my story might encourage someone else to take a leap into something new, regardless of age or circumstance, made every moment of writing worthwhile.
For fiction writers transitioning to memoir, remember that your storytelling skills are invaluable. Use them to bring your experiences to life, but stay grounded in truth. Be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable—that’s where the real connection with readers happens. Also, don’t worry if your memories feel fragmented at first. Start writing, and you’ll be surprised how the pieces come together. Most importantly, give yourself grace. It isn’t easy to turn inward and reflect, but it’s gratifying.
Gail Ingis is an artist, interior designer, teacher, and author with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Her latest work, a memoir, chronicles her extraordinary journey through multiple successful careers and her adventurous leap into ballroom dancing at 80, culminating in winning first place in a dance competition at 81. Gail brings humor, heart, and vibrant energy to every page, inspiring readers to embrace life’s possibilities at any age.
Gail's memoir is More Than One Life: A Memoir.
