I asked for ideas on memoir writing a little while ago and received some excellent tips.
Even so, getting started was still a problem. I decided to do a mind map/brain storm and see where that took me. I looked at it from the following angles:
- why do I want to do it?
- how am I going to do it?
- what do I need to do it?
- when is this going to happen?
I then put a table together with those headings and answered the questions honestly. Once I had the first three thoroughly considered I set a time-frame.
At the conclusion I committed myself to write just two pages for each different period in my life:
- 60+ (where I am at right now)
- 50-60 years
- 40-50 years
- 30-40 years
- life in remote communities in my 20s and 30s
- 20-30 years (when my children were born)
- teenage years
- primary school years
My commitment is to do two pages for each of the above before the 30th June 2016. I have a whiteboard where I tick off the days that I write so it is quite visual.
I am really enjoying the process. I don’t have a goal beyond 30 June but I will consider that when the time comes. Whether it ever comes to print doesn’t seem important. I am enjoying reflecting on the BIG PICTURE of my life – the good and not so good!
I am also collecting (in one place) other bits and pieces that I may merge at a later date.
Just thought I would share the process I developed as it may be useful to someone else 🙂
Welcome to allaboutwordswa! 
Enjoy the journey, Rainee! Making a list of “anecdotes” to share from each the time period may help too.
Good idea Nancy 🙂
Journey in Visuals like Photographs, some paintings, some graphics, information in terms of numbers and many more may add beauty to that. If you need any help please ask. Wish you great luck and more joy in this assignment! Thanks for sharing Ms. Watts!
Thanks for your ideas and good wishes! Have a great weekend!
Thanks and welcome always Ms. Watts!
It’s a good idea Rainee. 🙂
Thanks Ranu 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Have fun as you focus on the various phases of your life journey. It sounds like a fascinating exercise. I wonder how easy or difficult it is to stick to just two pages per phase?
Thanks Ruth. It has been quite easy to do the two pages (around 1200 words). It is good to give it a limit as I have to prioritise what I include. This is only a starting point and these pages may be the foundation that i build upon. It is just good to make a start rather than just thinking about it. 🙂
Mostly… have fun! 😉
PS – If you get stuck… pick up a random photo and write the first thoughts that come to mind… you’ll fill twenty pages without realising you’ve passed the two page limit! 😛
Thanks Vossie! I am getting quite a few pages done without too much hassle at the moment. There is lots stories to tell 🙂
I’m sure there are! The Outback alone should keep you going for a few years!! 😉