Writing Life Story

Writer's come in all shapes and sizes. We write because we can't not write. Some write the fiction stories that crowd their mind and fight for their need to be told. Others write non-fiction, reporting about the world around us or how to do, become or improve something. All writing is important, but I think one of the most important genres is writing life story - memoir.

Our experiences in life -- whether it be in travel, education, marriage/divorce, victories or disappointments -- deserve a venue. After all, what would life be like without the written history of personal growth, setbacks and triumphs recorded for future generations?

While most of us are not famous outside our families, it is still important to leave a piece of ourselves behind so that those we will never meet, can meet us. No one can tell your story like you. Your voice, personality and character shines through in your writing. Your life is a virtual treasure trove of possible stories.

• Remember the day you decided to ask her to marry you? How did you feel?
• What about the time you were passed over for promotion at work? Were you angry, sad, complacent?
• Did you spend your childhood in one place with roots, or did you move a lot? What was good or bad about that?
• Think of the teacher, friend or family member that influenced you most. Why? What changes did you make due to that influence? Write about that.
• What is the single most important event that changed your life or the way you look at life?

So many times, I have wished my grandparents had left a journal or book chronicling the stories of their lives.Times where so different back then. I want to relate to and understand the way they looked at life. How did they meet? Was it love at first sight? Did they plan to have 9 children? These are things I will never know about them because they are gone.

Before it's too late, start writing your life stories. If they are worth remembering, they are worth writing.

The format is up to you; you are the author. Maybe it is a collection of independent stories of important events in your life. Or, perhaps it is more of a family history -- birth to present -- chronicling your view of the characters that inhabit your life. Maybe you have a universal theme that defines your life that others could relate to or learn from. Or, it could be you have lived through a tramatic or exceptional experience and you will write your story about that.

The final appearance your memoir offers many options -- handwritten journals, online journaling (blogging), self published books or a traditionally published book through a publisher. It is not important to know this now. It is important to start writing.

Your level of education, intelligence or place in society have no relavance in deciding to write. You are the subject matter and you are they only expert on your life. Writing your story will ensure, generations from now, your voice will still be heard by those that read the stories of your life.

For more information about memoir writing, please visit Writing Life Story