Memoir Writing - Who & Where

To understand where you are today, it helps to spend some time thinking about your family-grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters.  Much has been writer about family and the early environmental impact on us.  Our early years form our experience and knowledge.  It shapes our behavior-either negatively or positively.  It also prepares each of us to take part and become an economically productive member of society.  It is interesting to note that families create generations-each gaining in maturity and self-sufficiency-to create and provide for subsequent generations.

Memoir Writing - What

You begin your memoir by creating a road map of your life.  All your personal information and events will be the heart and soul of your story.  As you embark on your journey, you will bask in your early years with your family, progress through your education and career and relive experiences such as falling in love.  You will savor seeing a foreign city for the first time and looking into the eyes of your newborn child.  By the time that you are done, you may have a very different perspective about your life than you did before beginning your journey.  Your journey is meant to be fun as you relive the memories of a lifetime.

Memoir Writing - Why

"Why" write the story of your life?  During your lifetime, you were striving to make a difference.  In return you wanted your life to matter.  Writing the story of your life is your opportunity to matter.  Your story is a wonderful gift for your family and friends.   

As you write your memoir, the path that you took over your lifetime will unfold.  You will learn more about yourself-your beliefs, values and the meaning of your life.  You have a wonderful opportunity to tell about the memories and experiences that shaped your life.

Initially, just start writing as you want to get as much on paper as possible.  Details are important but do not go overboard.  You will know that you are on the right track when your words have special energy and touch you deeply.  You will have flashes of emotion.