How to find your reasons to write and finish a powerful life story
We are surrounded by other people’s stories our whole lives.
I especially noticed this when I started working as a print journalist, exposed to dozens of life stories every shift: tragic, happy, dramatic or miraculous.
Now, as a mother of two young children, I find myself reflecting on the lives of my parents, grandparents and others.
I look to their lives for inspiration, wisdom and a heart-warming or entertaining story!
These were some of the ‘why write’ reasons that prompted me to help my dad’s mum write her life story.
Identifying your own whys can similarly inspire you to start, write and finish an autobiography.
Here are three top ‘why write’ reasons to help focus your mind and expectations before sitting down to begin a life-story project.
Why write: What’s the story?
An obvious ‘why write’ reason is to clearly spell out key information such as: ancestors, birth, childhood, early working life, family, retirement and more.
A life story can also explain how living or working conditions have changed over time.
An extraordinary story, however, will show how someone has grown, changed, made it through challenges and learnt life lessons.
It will be enriching for readers with intimate first-hand accounts that offer emotional wisdom, touching memories, and unique insights.
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Related article – Lessons learnt: Writing memoirs full of your best life lessons
The heart of the matter
A second ‘why write’ reason is that writing is good for the soul.
Many who have recorded a life story say the process was cathartic, healing and very rewarding.
I also believe getting your memories down is an act of love and can be an enormously enriching experience!
Indeed I experienced this firsthand helping my grandmother write her story.
Recounting stories of her early life during our interviews clearly energised her and filled her with joy.
And I also felt the project brought us closer together as I got a deeper understanding of her life and character.
Related article – Case study: Helping to write the story of grandmother Bonnie, 99
Leave a legacy
A final life story ‘why write’ reason is peace of mind.
It can be a huge relief to record memories before they start to fade or are forgotten.
This can be especially important for memories of others, say a spouse or child, who have passed away.
A good story is also an investment in the future.
Other generations and those to come will be grateful for a record that clearly shows how our lives are tied together.
And of course, a life story has the potential to unite families and become a wonderful heirloom.
Related article – How to write about painful memoir stories in three simple steps
Final say: why write
The need to tell stories is in our DNA.
Many would argue this is what makes us human!
We are social animals and are drawn to storytelling for entertainment and deeper messages.
Therefore recording a life story for yourself or a loved one is important for many reasons including: conveying basic information, satisfying for the soul, and leaving a lasting legacy.
So pinpoint your ‘why write’ reasons and get motivated today.
Happy writing!
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Let me help you come up with your ‘why write’ reasons plus key memories to include in your book chapters with my free structure success video training. Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
Why do you want to write a life-story book for yourself or a loved one? I’d love to hear! Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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Have you hit a roadblock planning, writing or finishing your autobiography? Let me know here so I can help!
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First published November 15, 2017: This article has been updated and improved.
