Autobiography, Personal History and Memoirs

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It's a common misconception that Autobiographies can only be written by celebrities, that only those in the public eye have led lives worthy of reading about. This is simply not true. In fact, most of the everyday people I meet have led far more interesting lives because they have had to deal with real issues in the real world. When we read about the struggles and triumphs of the famous we cannot identify with their experiences. When we read about the struggles and triumphs of 'ordinary people' we normally recognize experiences we have had ourselves and we take comfort from the fact we are not alone and there is a way forward.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in writing Personal Histories, Autobiographies and Memoirs. Not just from those in the public eye but from everyday people like us. It makes sense to examine the phenomenon a little closer.

What is a Personal History, Autobiography or Memoir? 

Quite simply it is a historical record of a person's life; the thoughts, feelings, events, people and places of an individual's past in detail. It is your very unique and personal contribution to your family's history and on a greater scale your contribution to the history of the world we live in.

Why write a Personal History? 

There are many reasons to write a Personal History. The main reason should be because you want to. Perhaps to share the experiences of your life with others; as a gift for your family; a desire to write; to try and understand your life and the forces that have shaped you; to gain a new insight into yourself; so that you are not forgotten or simply to have a story to go with those dozens of old photos you have kept in a box for years (see below).

What's interesting about my life? 

The story of your life is unique to you. What has happened in your life along with the people and places you have known have made you the person you are today. Even if you think your life is not important to anyone else it is important to you and for this reason it matters. Do not underestimate how interesting your history will be to your loved ones. There are things they don't know about you and would like to know. Your time in history is different to theirs. Ask yourself this; would you like to have had a written autobiography or personal history from your parents or grandparents? It would surely be one of your most prized possessions.

How do I begin to write? 

You don't have to be a great writer to write your Personal History. Your words written naturally are more important for this type of task. All I would say is find a quiet, comfortable place to sit, at a time of day when you won't be disturbed. Then decide which stage of your life you are most comfortable starting with.

What if I have forgotten? 

You may feel like some memories have gone from your head. Not so, they are still in there and just need a gentle push to the surface. Try and focus on a particular stage in your life i.e. Childhood. Try to find things you have kept from that time. Once you start to remember one or two incidents this will act as a trigger for remembering other things from that time. Before you know it things will soon start to flow. Use a notebook to record thoughts as you go along.

How long will it take to complete? 

There is no set time for finishing an Autobiography. While there is no rush, you also don't want to take years to complete this project. It's best to strive for a rough time scale and a certain number of pages a day or week. Set yourself achievable goals so that you will not lose interest or find other activities take priority.

And finally 

Enjoy yourself. Have fun reliving those old memories. Laugh at the funny ones, cry at the sad ones but most of all don't ever let yourself forget them again.

Writing your Autobiography Help 

Autobiography, Memoir & Personal History Writing Products
Find affordable, heirloom quality products which allow you to record your Life Story for family and future generations.
Free Downloads
These FREE! Downloads are packed with information and advice on writing your Autobiography, Memoirs and Personal History.
Discussion Group
Feel free to discuss at any length your experiences (good & not so good) with writing your Autobiography, Memoirs and Personal History.
Association of Personal Historians
The purpose of the Association is to advance the profession of assisting individuals, organizations and communities to preserve their histories, life stories and memories.

Examples of old photos you can use to trigger memories 

Marriage by stewartmiller1

Marriage

Great Grandmother by stewartmiller1

Great Great Grandmother

Family by stewartmiller1

Family

Four Generations by stewartmiller1

Four Generations

Daughter by stewartmiller1

Daughter

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Books that will help you with the writing process 

Writing Your Life Story (How to)

Writing Your Life Story (How to)

by: Michael Oke

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

The Everything Family Tree Book: Finding, Charting, and Preserving Your Family History (Everything Series)

The Everything Family Tree Book: Finding, Charting, and Preserving Your Family History (Everything Series)

by: William G. Hartley

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

How to Write Your Own Life Story: The Classic Guide for the Nonprofessional Writer

How to Write Your Own Life Story: The Classic Guide for the Nonprofessional Writer

by: Lois Daniel

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Writing Biographies and Getting Published (Teach Yourself)

Writing Biographies and Getting Published (Teach Yourself)

by: Ina Taylor

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

How to Write the Story of Your Life

How to Write the Story of Your Life

by: Frank Thomas

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

You Can Write a Memoir

You Can Write a Memoir

by: Susan Carol Hauser

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Writing Your Life: A Journey of Discovery

Writing Your Life: A Journey of Discovery

by: Patti Miller

Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Legacy : A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Personal History

Legacy : A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Personal History

by: Linda Spence

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

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