Memoir Writing - When

It is never too late to get started on your memoir.  "When" you are ready, just start writing.  You can begin with a person, place or event that had special significance in your life.  Or, think of a period that was life-changing for you.  In any case write about the impact on your life and those around you.  It may help to start with a journal where you record information about you life.  Then, let these memories become the basis for the different chapter of your memoir. It can be a lot of fun and very fulfilling to get your life on paper for others to share.

Memoir Writing - What

Legacy is "what" you are remembered for and "what" you leave behind.  However, legacy seems to be the elusive something that is always off in the distance.  Elusive because it is uncharted territory.  Off in the distance because the subject lies deep in the human psyche.  Your life consists of thousands of people, places and events that all add up to your legacy.

You begin your memoir by creating a road map of your life.  All your personal information and events will be the heart and soul of your story.  As you embark on your journey, you will bask in your early years with your family, progress through your education and career and relive experiences such as falling in love.  You will savor seeing a foreigh city for the first time and looking into the eyes of your newborn child.  By the time that you are done, you may have a very different perspective about your life than you did before beginning your journey.  Your journey is meant to be fun as you relive the memories of a lifetime.

Memoir Writing -Who, What, When, Why & Where

Wouldn't it turn the world upside down if everyone immediately answered the question, "How do I want to be remembered?"  When you read the question, do you feel a burden in every fiber of you being; does your heart palpitate?  Does it make you want to be a better person; do you want to right some wrongs?  If so, you are now ready to begin the long journey down memory lane to rediscover your life.  First, you are going to learn about your destiny.

Destiny is the life that you were born to live.  It provides the basis for your life and life's work.  Destiny plays a major role in your life, as it is the source of your wisdom, but also the source of many obstacles along the path of your life.

Over the next few weeks, let's consider the who, what, when, why and where of your life.  This will help to put the story of your life, your memoir, into perspective.