This is not a judgment. It is not a question designed to make you feel guilty, so please don't. The reason I'm asking what is stopping you from writing 15 minutes today, is to get you to think about and answer it honestly. Most of you will say you were too busy. That's a legitimate reason. However, when was the last time you weren't busy? I ... Read More
Write a Letter Instead of a Memoir
Are you one of those people who thinks it's just "too much" to write a memoir? Or maybe you just don't see yourself as a memoirist. How about writing a letter? Does that seem overwhelming or like something that's not you? I doubt it. A letter is a manageable project. Recently in the Critic's Notebook in the New York Times, Parul Sehgal wrote ... Read More
Thinking About Writing a Memoir or an Autobiography?
Whether you're thinking of writing your own memoir or autobiography, or just looking for ideas on ways to share your stories, your advice, or the history of your family, MemoirHelper.com is a great place to start. Our goal is to provide you with tips, tools, and resources to help you find the best way to accomplish your goals. The resources on ... Read More
FREE – One Chapter Challenge
Be sure to check out our One Chapter Challenge! It's FREE and aims to help YOU get one chapter written in 28 short sessions. It includes a private Facebook Group so you can get help and support from our team and others on the same journey. Learn More ... Read More
Overcoming “Photo Overwhelm”
This post is for anyone who is overwhelmed by photos—by the thought of a collection that is so large and disorganized that it's hard to see how you can ever get through it. It doesn't matter whether you have prints, slides, negatives, or digital photos, make sure you know what you want to accomplish. ... Read More
Capture Stories About a Shared Experience
I recently listened to an episode of the Snap Judgement, a podcast that captures true stories from ordinary people. This episode was about the day the ballistic missile alert was accidentally sent to the residents of Hawaii. It was was a compilation of stories from people who experienced those 38 minutes believing the worst was about to happen. ... Read More
Everyone Should Write a Thanksgiving Memoir
Really? A Thanksgiving memoir? Yes, really... In fact, I think it's the perfect starter memoir. So, here is my recipe for a Thanksgiving Memoir. Ingredients: A bunch of Thanksgiving memories - This can include traditions, as well as other stories. Several ladlefuls of gratitude - for people, events, and things that have made your life ... Read More
Writing About Family and Friends
In any life stories project, writing about family and friends can be one of the most challenging issues. Of course, you want the stories to be truthful and complete, but there are all sorts of worries and concerns that may arise when you start writing about your own family and friends. Here are some common concerns... Fear of making someone ... Read More
Shadow Box of Memories
Last week I was visiting my parents and my Mom asked me to carry a few things from the garage to the basement. One of the items was a shadow box loaded with keepsakes that had belonged to my grandmother and my aunt. I had seen this box before and remembered there were other shadow boxes that my mother and other family members had put together ... Read More
Digitize Your Slides
If you were born after 1980, the phrase "digitize your slides" may seem strange. Maybe you have never even seen or touched a photographic slide. However, for those of us a little older, digital cameras and smartphones were once the stuff of science fiction. Years ago, we actually had to wait sometimes weeks or months to see the images captured on ... Read More