Surefire ways to keep organised when starting a life-story project
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 …
Related article – How to start writing: The ultimate guide about planning to write life stories
Staying organised with a notebook
A good first step to staying organised is to start a memory notebook.
That is, a handy place to quickly jot down dot points about memories that come to you during the day or night.
In addition, some people have a couple of notebooks: one in their bag, car, beside the bed or digitally in their mobile phone.
Certainly you can organise this notebook with sections for different types of memories or stages of life.
But the important thing is to record flitting memories in basic form as they come to you.
Related article – How to beat memoir writer’s block in 8 simple steps
Create in one location
A second step for staying organised is to have one place to record life stories.
For example, expand on the notebook memories in one digital file such as an MS Word or a Google Docs document.
Alternatively, if you prefer to work offline, use a larger notebook, ringbinder or folder.
Ultimately, over time this file or folder will be fleshed out to become a first and subsequent drafts.
Related article – How to make a timeline: What is a timeline + timeline example (plus free printable!)
Related article – Story outline: What is an outline and having life-story topics to write about
Staying organised with navigation
My final step for staying organised is to divide a first draft file into sections.
For instance, if you write a memoir in an MS Word file or a Google Doc, use the Heading 1 style for working chapter names and Heading 2 for working memory or story names.
Then they will be clearly ordered at the left of the screen in the Navigation Pane or Document Outline.
From there, some programs allow you to reorder whole sections by dragging and dropping headings.
Alternatively, cut and paste sections or stories to where you want them.
Related article – Writing time: How to schedule time for writing
Final say
Staying organised when creating a life-story project can be a big challenge.
But a little bit of organising can pay dividends in how smoothly and quickly memories, stories, recordings and more come together.
So to stay organised: start a memory notebook, save your work in one place, and divide stories by working headings, chapters or sections.
Indeed living life can often be chaotic and unplanned but your life-story creating doesn’t have to be.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Want to help a loved one record their life stories? I show you how in four steps in the Your Family Stories System. Sign up here to try the first few sections for free!
Your say
Have you got a life-story organisation tip to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts. 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 so I can help!
Don’t miss an article
Know when new material is published. Sign up here.
