All the writing advice you need to write a life story today
If starting a life-story project has you feeling worried or anxious you need some lifesaving writing tips.
This week I’ve prepared the ultimate guide of writing tips for new writers.
It aims to equip you to confidently put pen to paper today!
This guide is part two in the ‘ultimate series’, which includes the ultimate guide about planning to write life stories, the ultimate guide to polishing your writing and the ultimate guide to publishing a life story.
I felt nervous too recently when given a secondhand surfboard, much lighter and flightier than I’m used to.
I procrastinated by getting its dings repaired, adding fins and buying a leg-rope.
Finally I could not escape the fact: I needed to take it for a surf no matter the embarrassing consequences!
Similarly you can plan all you like to write an autobiography, biography, memoir or life-story project.
But there comes a time when you just have to jump in!
Use this guide to help you take the plunge. Let’s do this…
Writing tips: Consider format first
Life-story format ideas
In today’s digital age it has never been easier to record family stories. Simply record with video or audio, consider transcribing and turning into an article, book or other creative project.
Related article – Life-story format ideas: See how easily you can record family stories or a life history
Make a scrapbook
More of a visual person than a writer? Why not try a photo series or scrapbook album instead? To create one: narrow your photo selection, give context with captions, and layer in extra detail.
Related article – Life in pictures: Make a life-story scrapbook album in 3 easy steps
Write a feature article
Pressed for time or want to build writing confidence? Start with a life-story feature article. Makes a great gift or student exercise.
Related article – Feature article guide: Helping you write a life story super fast!
Talk instead of write
Today there are many ways to get words on a page. Try online transcription services, speech-typing software, and DIY web browser apps.
Related article – Transcription: How to quickly create life stories using voice-typing tools
Magic of handwriting
Consider writing by hand for a personal touch. Handwriting boosts your brain, requires thought about pen and paper, and attention to technique.
Related article – Penmanship: What you should know about handwriting and how to improve handwriting
Writing tips: Writing concepts and techniques
Go with the flow
Make it easy for yourself to get words on the page. Help the writing flow by: using the fire-hose approach, a deadline, or take a conversational approach.
Related article – First draft: Don’t start writing a first draft before reading this!
Related article – How to start a book: 4 simple ways to start a book today
Put truth first
A life-story book must include life’s ups and downs. Being truthful: means you win your readers’ confidence, calls for curiosity and bravery, requires a confirmation of facts, and being mindful of others.
Related article – Tell the truth: The surefire way to out skeletons in the family closet
Have guiding themes
Believe it or not, all books have themes! There are many reasons why your book needs one, theme examples, and ways to find a theme.
Related article – What is theme? Get theme definition and theme examples without the work
Set the scene
Settings are crucial for a life-story project. Describe a setting’s location, mood and time.
Related article – Story setting: What is a story setting and setting examples
Create stand-out characters
Writing fully formed characters is possible. Give the facts (looks, pastimes and dialogue), describe settings and show personality through stories.
Related article – Writing characters: If you’ve already tried creating characters, don’t read this. It’ll break your heart
Don’t skip details
Put your reader in the moment with details. Find details by: talking to others, going through ‘treasures’, and head to libraries, schools, homes, and online.
Related article – Story detail: Identifying key details in a story to make your autobiography shine
Include birth stories
Birth stories have great reader appeal. A birth story should: introduce parents, include birth details, and end with a description of the baby with reflections.
Related article – Birth stories: How to write birth, baby and pregnancy stories
Go deep with life lessons
Reflecting on life lessons can help us and our readers. Know the importance of life stories, different types, and how to include them in your writing.
Related article – Lessons learnt: See how easily life lessons can be included in a life story
Be aware of genetic memory
You could discover genetic memory through your writing. It can help us see how our lives are tied together.
Related article – Genetic memory: Does your life story include genetic memory examples?
Writing tips: Advanced writing techniques
More writing ideas
Take your writing up a gear with extra writing techniques. These include: dialogue, descriptions and suspense.
Related article – What makes a good story: Dialogue writing, suspense writing and other writing techniques
Even more writing ideas
Write a book that shows life growth and change. Use techniques such as: flashbacks, dramatic structure and reflective writing.
Related article – How to write a good story: The flashback, parts of a story and reflective writing
Hone visual writing
Write to bridge the gap between memory and reader imagination. Writing visually means: describing settings, introducing characters, showing drama, and adding details.
Related article – Visual writing: Become a visual storyteller with visual writing techniques
Dealing with painful stories
Painful memories are hard to record but should not be overlooked entirely. It helps to remember: why you started writing, your readers are on your side, and pain takes privacy and time to work through.
Related article – Painful stories: How to write about sad memories and hard conversations
Dealing with death and dying
Know how to proceed when difficult conversations come up. This includes: knowing personalities, timing, and how people come to terms with death.
Related article – Death and dying: How to have hard conversations for your writing
Writing tips: Beating the blues
Try writing prompts
Use a quick writing prompt before a life-story writing session and have fun tapping into your creative side. Most importantly you can find ideas offline or online (many for free).
Related article – Writing prompts: Who else wants story prompts + writing topics in 5 minutes?
Connect with a critique partner
A writing critique partner can be a mega help to continue a successful life-story project. So find a writing buddy close to home or online.
Related article – Critique partner: Don’t find writing critique partners before reading this!
Use writing breaks
Taking a writing break can be a secret weapon. It will help you: divide writing steps, boost creativity, enhance revision and celebrate your writing progress.
Related article – Writing break: The secret weapon of writing tips
Keep an eye on your goals
Writing goals need to be tweaked as you write. Steps to keep you productive include: having fun, starting now, remembering why, buddying up, and making sure long-term targets have achievable parts.
Related article – Realign writing goals: 5 things to remember to reboot writing dreams
Positively writing
Use writing to get through life’s tough times. Writing at home can help you escape negativity, lift spirits, and reconnect us with loved ones.
Related article – Writing at home: Here’s to writing during coronavirus self-isolation
Final say
After planning to write the actual moment of writing can be nerve-racking for many people.
Like most things in life the best way is to shrug off your insecurities and give it a go.
But to make things easier try these writing tips: find your writing flow, having a grasp of writing techniques, and stay on track.
You will find your writing feet in no time and soon be looking forward to finishing your book.
Happy writing!
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Your say
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
Excellent post! I will save your blog and share this with some of my friends. This is one of the great tips. Thank you for sharing!