How to Begin Writing Your Life Stories: Putting Memories on the Page

Are family members asking you to write down your stories?

Do people say you should write a book about your life experiences?

Do you have life stories you want to get from your heart onto the page?

Are you an aspiring memoirist who doesn’t know where to start?

Would you like support as you begin writing a life review or an ethical will?

Are you ready to unleash your creative spirit and begin writing the stories of your life?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then I wrote How to Begin Writing Your Life Stories: Putting Memories on the Page for you. Over the book’s eighty pages, I guide aspiring memoirists and life story writers through the basics, such as:

* Life story and memoir formats

* Where to conduct research on your own life

* How to write to your intended audience

* How to generate story ideas

* The difference between honesty and fact

* How to show, not tell

* How to incorporate photos into your stories

* How to organize your stories once you’ve written them

But my intention is for it to be more than just a how-to manual. I also dig into my emotional toolbox and my own life experiences to offer tips on how to write lovingly but honestly about difficult people, how to manage the big emotions that can arise when we reflect on our lives, and—most importantly—how to keep writing.

In the final chapter, I offer six extensive writing prompts to get you started on your own life story writing journey.

Remember: YOU are the only person who can tell your story.

Published in 2024 by Demitasse Press

“I highly recommend this book! Insightful, detailed, funny and easy to read. Practical and easy-to-follow get-started tips and techniques for anyone wanting to write their own story . . . I’m not one who would usually enjoy a book of instruction, but Sara speaks in plain English and explains her teachings in everyday language. You’ll get a kick out of her spam casserole lesson.” - Scott T

“A succinct guide that still includes so many options and examples . . . Really helpful, inspiring, and encouraging to any blooming or more weathered writers.” - Donna A

“What a delight! Sara is so encouraging and makes it all sound very doable.” - Dian D