Find a Focus

It may be confusing to think of a focus for your memoir. One way of finding a focus is to begin making a list of family members, places you’ve lived, successes, work experiences, trips, great joys, heartaches and sorrows, people who have had an impact on your life, etc. When compiling the list, jot down a few lines about the subjects. As future thoughts come to you, add to the list. Think about the stories family memories have relayed to you over the years and write those down. Look at family photo albums , family heirlooms, or keepsakes. Don't forget to add to the list those family stories you've heard and revere. You may see a pattern of events or people that you seem passionate about detailing. With enough of these jottings, you’ll begin to see a pattern forming for an area of focus.