LegaciesandMemories.com
1. Determine the primary purpose for writing the book. Are you writing it to preserve the story for your family and future generations? For personal healing and coping — and not to be read by anyone else? Preserving the story of your business? Are you writing your story to publish and sell? Whatever your reason, you should have a clear purpose to keep in mind as you write. Also, the story should be written differently if it is to be published and sold to a general audience as opposed to writing for family members.
2. Determine the scope of the book. Is it a complete life history or will you cover only one aspect of your life, your family or your career? Will you be writing about a specific event or series of events in your life? For example, your time in the military. Focusing on one aspect of your life would mean you are writing a memoir rather than an autobiography. Regardless, it’s a good idea to think about the scope of the book before you begin.
3. Determine whether you will interview others. Do you want your book to be only about your remembrances, reflections and thoughts? Or, do you want to ask other family members or associates about stories and events they shared with you?
4. Determine whether you will conduct research. Will you write strictly from memory or do you need to research some of the places, events and people in your story?
5. Add historical context to your story. Relate your life and your family’s life within the context of historical events or changes. For example, the Great Depression; wars; changes in technology; social, cultural, and economic changes, etc. Write about how the way of life was affected by these changes.
6. Make your story more than just a list of facts. Think about — and describe — places, people and personalities. Include your feelings, emotions and attitudes. Also, include dialogue when possible.
7. Be sure your story has a strong beginning, middle and end. Any good story grabs attention early and pulls the reader into it so he or she will want to read more. You don’t have to write your life story in chronological order. Write so the story flows and so the beginning, middle and end are tied together.
8. Think of including items other than photos. Recipes, awards, report cards, resumes, excerpts of newspaper articles about you and your family, and letters you have written are all examples that could be included in your book if they add to or help tell the story. The purpose for writing the story, for family or business or to publish and sell, will help determine items to be included.
9. Have a professional edit your manuscript. Every writer, whether inexperienced or professional, needs an editor.
10. Be aware of the lifespan of your story. Make sure the paper on which you print your life story or memoir is acid-free and archival quality. Be sure the type of printing method used will stand the test of time. A life story is usually written so it can be passed down to children, grandchildren and future generations. Also, be sure the cover and type of binding you use will last, whether the back is bound as a paperback, in hardcover, or in leather.
