Archive - Open Secrets Magazine

How to Write More Compelling Memoirs and Personal Essays by Embracing Messy Middles

‘SLIP’ author Mallary Tenore Tarpley on not simplifying your story

18 hrs ago •

Mallary Tenore Tarpley

How Hurricane Katrina Upended My Family’s Life

I’ve had to learn how to talk to my son about the next potential hurricane

Sep 15 •

Ashley Peterson

Object-ives #2: Art That Toasts to a Friendship Beyond Most

Art is not my forte, but one drawing means the world to me

Sep 12 •

In the Patriarchy, No One Can Hear You Scream

My ex claimed he was freeing me from oppression, but it took years for me to begin my financial escape

Sep 10 •

Sphynx Cat: How I Learned to Appreciate Having Alopecia

What I gained from losing my hair

Sep 8 •

The Reality of Being a Flight Attendant

It’s not always so glam working in the skies

Sep 6 •

September 2025 Open Secrets Book Club Pick: 'The Loneliness Files' by Athena Dixon

Join us as we explore loneliness as we read Athena Dixon's memoir

Sep 5 •

From Dropout to Journalist…In Prison

How I found my voice as a storyteller while incarcerated and now help others become prison journalists

Sep 4 •

How Firefighting Saved My Life

One of the most dangerous jobs became a refuge from my grief

Sep 3 •

River Selby (they/them)

I Was a Bigoted Speech Therapist

As my views on gender evolved, so did how I taught kids about pronouns

Sep 2 •

Judith Lam Tang

Is ADHD Why I Have Trouble Taking Real Vacations?

I loved being away from my laptop, but not the guilt that accompanied it

Sep 1 •

Rachel Kramer Bussel

August 2025

Watch: Q&A with Brenden O’Donnell on Dating a Gay Catholic Celibate Man, Relationships, and Spirituality

Our first Substack Live Q&A

Aug 29 •

and

Brenden O'Donnell

18:17

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