What a writing coach wants you to know about how to start a memoir or life story
Kids where I grew up would often visit an old water-filled quarry to swim.
Here we would scale the rock walls and jump, flip and dive for hours.
Certainly the first jump was scary but sooner or later we all faced our fears and took the plunge.
Indeed writing can also feel scary in the beginning but keep reading for my top four ways on how to start a book.
So let’s dive in!
Related article – Writing tips: The ultimate guide of life-story tips for new writers
How to start a book with pre-checks
Before putting pen to paper it is important to have a few key points clear in your mind.
Firstly, why do you want to write a life story? Or what is the motivation?
Second, who are you writing for? For example, immediate family, extended family, friends and/or the general public?
Finally, what type of book do you hope to write? For instance, is it a whole life or a section of a life?
Related article – Why write: Why is writing important and why do we write
From the past to the future
How to start a book can be easy when you begin with the prologue or epilogue.
Certainly this will set your mind in gear about your overall message or conclusion.
For example, think of it like writing an email or short letter to a close friend or relative.
And include topics like: your writing motivations, life highlights, themes, life lessons and what you hope readers will get out of the book.
Related article – Lessons learnt: See how easily life lessons can be included in a life story
Go with the flow
Another ‘how to start a book idea is to begin writing about a set time in a life.
Indeed some life periods are more attractive to write than others.
Because each has its own vibe or energy.
But if you start somewhere happy or exciting, you will be reminiscing and typing away with a smile on your face in no time.
Related article – First draft: Don’t start writing a first draft before reading this!
Piece by piece
How to start a book successfully might actually be to not start at all.
In short, a bit of reverse psychology can make a big difference.
So tell yourself to write a collection of short stories or memories instead of writing about an entire life.
Because over time these brief anecdotes will stack up to tell a full life story.
Related article – Motivational quotes: Blitz writing blues with inspirational quotes
Final say: How to start a book
How to start a book about a life can be daunting to us all.
But there are tricks for getting those first few words and stories down.
For example: know why, who and what you are writing; start with a prologue or epilogue; write about exciting times; and use reverse psychology.
So pick a tip and jump off that writing cliff today.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Discover how you too can record a loved one’s life story using the step-by-step Your Family Stories System. Get free sections by signing up here today.
Your say
Have you started a life-story project yet? I’d love to hear about it! Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Have you hit a roadblock planning, creating, polishing or finishing your life story? Let me know here so I can help!
Don’t miss an article
Sign up here to get instant notifications when new material is published.
First published March 14, 2019: This article has been updated and improved.