What every memoir writer should know about finding details in a story
First published July 2017: This article has been updated and improved.
If I told you a story about a father helping to deliver his daughter in a hospital car park at night, you might think it an uncommon event.
It I then told you that it was Father’s Day and this dad had to hold the torch for the midwives while the baby was delivered in a matter of minutes, you might think it was pretty interesting.
Now what if I told you that this father was actually himself born on Father’s Day and that his last child was born on Mother’s Day, you might think I was making the whole story up!
But this event actually happened, coincidences and all.
I covered this story when I worked for a local daily newspaper.
The brief from my editor was simple: “It’s Father’s Day, let’s find out if any babies have been born at the local hospital.
“What started out as a quick picture story quickly turned into a front-page ripper after a few key interview questions – and the secret topping, DETAILS.
Story details are what flesh out your writing, add context, give meaning and much more.
They are essential for your autobiography and are not really all that hard to get your hands on…
Story details: Let’s talk about it
This may seem obvious but talking to other people who were there at different points of your life can provide you with bucket loads of anecdotes, forgotten memories, extra perspectives and perhaps even unravel a mystery that has been bugging you.
Don’t be shy or afraid to contact family members or friends to ask them some quick questions.
Just ring them up, take them out for coffee, or ask them over to look through an old photo album – WHATEVER!
They will most likely be flattered that you asked… and have a lot of fun doing it too.
Have a general idea of what you want to discuss and just let the conversation flow.
Older relatives, those who can remember the furthest back in time, are a gold mine waiting to be tapped.
Make these your priority before their memories are lost forever.
One word of caution: be aware some people might have an agenda to push and don’t always remember things accurately.
Crosscheck as many facts as you can before you commit them to your autobiography – it’s your story in the end!
Related article – Life story challenge: The quick and easy way to record a loved one’s legacy
Dive into your treasure trove
I don’t know about you but I have tubs and tubs of ‘treasures’ that I’ve carted between houses and countries over the years.
They take up a closet space and are very, very heavy.
I wouldn’t dare get rid of them and if there was a fire/ flood/ cyclone, I would try my best to jam them into my car – with my family! – to evacuate.
I’m sure you have your fair share of treasures too.
They are full of historical data and memories about our lives and families.
Set some time aside to go through the following list, noting any anecdotes that spring to mind or important story details you want to include in your memoir.
- Photo albums
- Personal diaries or journals
- Letters
- Travel diaries
- Scrapbooks
- School reports and yearbooks
- Baby books
- Newspaper clippings
- Mementos such as cards, old toys, ornaments, pictures, tickets
- Books and bibles
Welcome to the world
The final step is to go out into the wider world searching for story details.
It is best to have an idea of what you are looking for so you don’t go off on a tangent for hours and hours, which can be done very easily!
Libraries
Here you can find lots of old newspapers, reference books and autobiographies for time periods you are writing about.
These resources will be helpful for dates and facts of major events but can also illuminate prominent social issues of the times and therefore give you greater insight into why you or your family made various life choices.
Schools and homes
Another good tactic is to revisit schools or homes, if possible, where you grew up or spent significant time.
It’s amazing how sights, smells, and the touch say of an old balustrade can bring memories flooding back.
These places can still have period details too that will help you with setting descriptions.
Museums and antiques
There are lots of modern-history museums out there and different displays – household items, fashions, transport etc – will bring back memories you haven’t thought of for years and years.
The same can be said for antique shops or stalls.
Having a look through these might not help your wallet but is sure to spark you off on your writing journey.
The net
This is a never-ending source of information!
Dive in here and you can find so much, it’s amazing – from birth records to connecting with old friends and much more.
Your research will be more fruitful if you are checking facts or after more information about a specific event.
Remember to always consider the accuracy of a website before you include its information in your autobiography.
Related article –Everything you need to know about making characters sparkle in your memoir
Final say
So to summarise, there are three main places to begin mining life-story details – talking to others, investigating the backs of our closets for ‘treasures’, and going further afield to libraries, schools, homes, and online.
Research can be a timely exercise but it is full of rewards.
Details you uncover for your memoir will help place your reader in the moment, and ultimately create an autobiography that will be valued across the generations.
Happy writing!
A good next step is to review your autobiography structure by brainstorming, prioritising and organising what stories you want to include. I’ve recorded a short video on how to do this. Sign up here, it’s FREE.
I hope these writing tips will keep you moving steadily towards finishing your autobiography. I’d love to hear what is the most unique story details you have uncovered to include in your memoir. Drop me an email.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.