Welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
Regularly I get queries about creating life stories for family and friends.
Today’s Ask Nicola question is:
Help, I’m not a natural-born writer! What are some positive traits and qualities of a good writer that I can learn from?
So let’s dive into 5 top characteristics…
Continue reading Qualities of a good writer: Positive characteristics and habits
The solstice is nearly upon us marking the halfway point of the year.
So it is timely to reflect on what life-story goals we have achieved and want to pursue during the back half of the year.
Therefore I’ve been on the hunt to share with you motivational quotes and writing quotes from famous identities.
Certainly they will get you inspired to end this year with a writing bang!
Continue reading Writing quotes: Inspirational quotes + motivational quotes to conquer a midyear hump
Staying organised when undertaking a life-story project is an important consideration.
Indeed it can seem overwhelming to most when starting an autobiography, memoir, biography or some other life-story project.
But there is a way to tame the creative chaos and flow of memories!
So keep reading to find out my top suggestions for effortless organisation …
Continue reading Staying organised: How to stay organised when creating a life story
Have you had your DNA analysed to discover your family history?
Certainly the results can confirm ancestors’ origins or come as a surprise (as was my case)!
Indeed results often prompt questions and conversations with older generations.
Undeniably these chats uncover family history but they also have surprising benefits…
Continue reading Family stories: Bonus reasons to talk about family history and ancestry
Going to the beach before dawn is one of my favourite things to do.
Firstly there is the sound of crashing waves but also a magical orange glow of what the day may bring.
Similarly the dawn of a new year offers many opportunities.
So today let’s wander down a virtual beach path and set new year’s resolutions for life-story projects …
Continue reading New year’s resolutions: 3 steps to set life-story dreams and goals
Are you lucky to have little people in your life?
Certainly children make us smile and bring us joy as we watch them grow.
But is it actually possible to write productively and be creative when kids are about?
Indeed as a life-story writing mum I’ve found a few family life tricks to help you do just that …
Continue reading Family life: How to fast track life stories while raising family
How did it get to be the middle of the year so fast!
Certainly those New Year’s writing goals seem a long time ago and need re-examining.
But the beauty of being halfway through this year is there is still one half to go for life-story recording and creating.
So here is a dose of positive quotes to get your inspiration fired up again …
Continue reading Positive quotes: Motivational thoughts to lift your life-story creating
It was fantastic to be a guest on The Athena Wellness Podcast recently!
Host, coach, wellness expert and author Kathy Robinson kindly invited me to appear on two episodes.
First we talked about Storytelling as a Wellness Practice.
And on the second, shorter episode, How to Organize Your Family Stories.
So keep reading as I highlight some key takeaways from the shows …
Continue reading The Athena Wellness Podcast: Talking storytelling with wellness expert Kathy Robinson
It was my birthday recently!
And it was special this year because it didn’t get derailed by COVID-19 restrictions.
Also I managed to catch up with family who I haven’t seen for ages.
Certainly we shared some great times and many stories.
So to celebrate I want to share my top your family stories tips for interviewing loved ones about their lives.
Plus keep reading because I have a super Your Family Stories System birthday deal for you at the end!
Continue reading Your family stories tips: Don’t do your family stories before reading this!
It’s lockdown again in our state and my children are getting back into homeschooling.
Certainly coronavirus restrictions mean there is a lot to juggle between work and family.
Indeed, sometimes I don’t know where to start!
Similarly planning a life-story project can feel overwhelming.
You have a whole life to sit down and record, which can be daunting.
But just like surviving any hectic season of life, you need a plan.
So today I’m going to show you the power of creating a story outline.
Continue reading Story outline: What is an outline and having life-story topics to write about