I’m one of those people who believes everyone should write a memoir. Every life matters. Your experiences, the good and the bad, shape who you are. Our lives can, and should benefit others. How do you formulate and share your life story? Whether your goal is a book to share at the family reunion or market to publishers, here are some beginning steps to guide you through the process.
First, keep a journal. Record the day, store memories, work through stuff, vent, express feelings, reflections, thoughts and opinions. If you already keep a journal, read through previous entries. See how you’ve changed over time.
Second, set goals for writing. Write something every day whether it’s a journal entry, a chapter or even a memory that comes to mind. Develop a reasonable writing schedule and follow it. Decide when you want to complete your memoir and work towards reaching that goal. Consider this, if you write one page a day beginning on August 1, you’ll have a 153 page memoir by the end of the year.
Third, write a timeline for your memoir. Are you going to cover your entire life, your teens or just this past year? Divide into increments (years or months). Add significant events to your timeline: when you fell in/out of love, trauma and crisis, births/deaths, significant events, profound experiences, etc.
Fourth, research the past and memories. Find the facts through property records, court records, library archives, internet searches, newspapers, etc. Also research your family history through photos, journals, letters, scrapbooks, interviews.
I hope these four steps help you start your memoir. I find the biggest challenge is not beginning, but completing the memoir. For most people a lack of motivation prevents them from following through. If you find this is your blockage, e-mail me. I’ll be happy to encourage you through the process.
You might also consider hiring a writing coach. Here are some questions I ask my new memoir coaching clients. Why do you want to write a memoir? How much time can you devote to writing and marketing? What is your writing experience? What obstacles do you expect and how can I help you to overcome them? How will you reward yourself for achieving your goals? Answering these simple questions and following these four steps will help you write your life story.
Happy writing,
Angela Dion
Dion Communications, LLC
The right words at the right time.
PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021
301-645-9427
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