Month: April 2019

Surefire tips to end feeling overwhelmed about writing your life story

Surefire tips to end feeling overwhelmed about writing your life story. Silhouetted person walks at sunset or sunrise on a beach with boats in the distance. Photo Pexels.

Easy ways to stop procrastinating and re-ignite your writing

First published August 2017: This article has been updated and improved.

Amy had great intentions about writing her life story.

The first few months were full of ideas, excitement and writing!

She prepared her chapter structure and went to the state library to get more details for her family tree.

One thing led to another and she disappeared down a family-history rabbit hole.

After three months, she had discovered a lot of information dating back to convicts in Tasmania.

But unfortunately she had been sidetracked and now felt overwhelmed to do more autobiography writing.

While the historical records were interesting to her children and grandchildren, they were definitely not as interesting as her memories and life story would have been!

Does this sound like a familiar story?

In this article I offer tips to help you stop being overwhelmed and get that memoir finished.

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How to beat memoir writer’s block in 8 simple steps

How to beat memoir writer's block in 8 simple steps. Man in striped t-shirt ready to blow out lit candles on white, circular cake decorated with coloured lollies in a dark room. Photo by Pexels.

House tour tips for writing an autobiography

First published July 2017: This article has been updated and improved.

Ever since I was in primary school, my grandmother, ‘nanny’, taught me to bake.

She liked to cook ‘quickly’ and get it out of the way early, first thing in the morning.

Even though we worked swiftly, she would tell me stories about her family and life growing up on a dairy farm.

Looking back now, I realise that many of these anecdotes were inspired by the food we were cooking, the way we were preparing it and even the utensils we were using.

Continue reading How to beat memoir writer’s block in 8 simple steps

Case study: Scientist’s memoir inspired by next generations

Case study: Scientist's memoir inspired by next generations. Left to right; black and white photo of Alan on his first day of school outside in school uniform posing with a salute of his left hand and a leather bag strung across his shoulder, the cover of his memoir, Alan and Gay as they are today pictured at the beach. Photos contributed

From left: Retired agricultural scientist Dr Alan Bell on his first day of school, Alan’s memoir, Alan and wife Gay. Photos: Contributed

Historian’s research helps supercharge husband’s life story 

A desire not to repeat regrets spurred retired agricultural scientist Dr Alan Bell to write his memoir.

The 71-year-old recently published his book for family and friends.

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve regretted that I didn’t take the trouble to learn more about the lives of my parents and grandparents before they died,” Alan said.

“My writings are intended for my immediate family in case they feel the same way some day.”

Alan’s book is interesting for many reasons, especially because he joined forces with his wife Gay, a keen historian.

She researched and compiled a brief family history for Alan that prefaces the book.

Keep reading to find out more about how the project unfolded and tips Alan has for fellow autobiography writers.

Continue reading Case study: Scientist’s memoir inspired by next generations