Details

Clearly define what it is you are writing about…. Don’t assume future generations will know. Don't assume your current readers will know. If you write, "Dad put a tape into the Beta player," current readers as well as future readers may have to guess what that means. Just think how much technology has changed in the last several years; beta, vhs and dvd's. Along the lines of defining and clarifying, be sure to describe. For example, describe what your daughter looked like going to the prom. Describing her hairdo or the dress gives the reader a picture in his mind, but it also gives future generations a picture of the fashions during the time the story occurred.

The Characters in My Life

A memoir is a journey into humanity. It allows the reader to feel the emotions and activities of a particular time with those who shared the journey with you. It makes evident the connections you had with people on the journey. Did they inspire you, anger you, love you, rescue you, or teach you? Who did you admire? How did they impact your life? Was their influence felt at different times? Writing about others develops the story but one primary set of characters centers the story.

The Significance

When you are writing about a specific incident it is helpful to ask, "What is significant about this?" Asking the question can help the writing stay focused

Uniqueness and Commonality

Just as you are unique, so is your story. You own your story and it should be told by you in the first person. Not, "Etta went down the road," but, "As I walked down the road."
We are all unique individuals and yet, we all experience similar emotions in life; sadness, happiness, heartbreak, regret, pride, etc. Your written response to your experience is what readers can identify with and additionally, may gain insights from reading the story. You, too, can learn from reflecting on your life story. It can make you look deeper at things you’ve always thought were your story. Digging deeper makes the story just different enough to have a new perception of "you" emerge.

Let's Improve the Statistics

Less than one person in ten writes even one page of his life.

Correspond With The Past

Write an imaginary letter to someone who is no longer around. Answer it back. or use it to provide the details to writing already started.

I'm so........ He's so......

Don’t write with an agenda. Don’t write how you want to be perceived. Write so your personality is apparent to the reader. The same goes for characters in your story. Write so their personalities are identifiable to the reader. Don't say, "He had a heart of gold." Instead tell of a some instances where the character was giving and unselfish. Come up with a list of words that describe you and the other characters in your memoir. Does your story show these characteristics?