1. Write the way you talk. It’s your story and it should sound like you. Forget about style. Worrying about style is one of the surest ways to develop writer’s block.
2. Your story is more than places and events. Make sure you share your insights, feelings and beliefs about the people and events that you’ve encountered. This will give your life story depth and warmth.
3. Remember the details. It is the details that enrich your story. While they may seem uninteresting to you, they will most certainly be of interest to your descendants.
4. Start your story wherever you want. You don’t have to begin with your birth and then work through the years chronologically. You could begin with a key event or the most significant person in your life.
5. Don’t forget the tears and laughter. Our lives are not all sweetness and light. Leaving out the struggles, conflicts, disappointments, pratfalls and humour will create a life story with little reality or interest. Be as candid as you can without hurting or embarrassing someone.
6. Make a date with yourself. When are you the most relaxed and reflective? In the early morning, during a mid-afternoon tea break or late in the evening before bed? Pick a time that works best for you, mark it in your calendar and make a practice of using this time on a regular basis to work on your writing.
7. Put your Gremlins on hold. Our inner critics love to sabotage any new venture. So beware of the Gremlins telling you that, “No one’s interested in your story.” “Who said you could write?” “This is boring.” Tell your Gremlins to get lost and continue writing.
8. Bring historical events into your life story. References to historical events will provide your readers with a better sense of the time and place of your story.
If you feel that you really don’t have the knowledge or skill to begin interviewing a family member about their life, don’t worry. You can find a number of web sites that will give you some useful resources. One of the best that I’ve found is Public Radio’s Transom website. They have great information and reviews of various voice recorders, editing and mixing software, and tips on conducting an interview.
