Did you do it? Did you say it out loud or just think it? Is this the first time you’ve told yourself that it’s time? You are not alone. There are lots of people out there that would like to write their memoirs or autobiographies and it sometimes lingers in the back of their minds until finally, one day they get started. Others let it linger too long and unfortunately, it never happens.
What roadblocks do you need to clear to get moving on your memoir project?
Not enough TIME!
This may be the top reason that people give for not getting around to preserving their life stories. You will get no argument from me that creating new stories worth telling is more important than writing about stories gone by. However, I will challenge you to look at where you spend your discretionary time. See if there aren’t some things you are using your precious time for, that are not really important to you or that could be put on a back burner for a few months. Maybe it’s watching one of those cable channels where the news is sliced and diced over and over again. Or maybe you would be willing to give up that daily crossword puzzle a few times a week for a few months. If you make a commitment to write you memoir or autobiography, remember that it’s not going to be a permanent obligation. In fact, treating it like a work project with a deadline might be helpful.
I don’t know where to start…
As far as the writing goes, it doesn’t matter where you start, but I suggest starting with the stories that have the most meaning to you. That’s the best way to build momentum. Having structure for your memoir writing project can also be very helpful. I suggest downloading our report Preparing to Write Your Memoir or reading our five part series on this website to get some ideas for staying organized and focused.
You might also consider using MemoirWorkbook.com. It has hundreds of questions to prompt your memories, so you could just commit to answering a certain number of questions each week.
Is my story worth telling?
If there is anyone in your life who you love or who loves you, then your story is worth telling. Just turn it around and ask yourself if you would like to read a memoir by someone special to you. The question is not IF you have stories worth telling, but rather how do you decide which stories to include and how to best capture them. There are plenty of articles on this website and around the Web to help you with that question, so don’t sweat it at the beginning.
So Happy New Year! Make that resolution to write your memoir or autobiography a real priority and find ways to over come your roadblocks and get it done!
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