How to Write Your Own Memoir

Dear wonderful friends,

I am on Oprah's email list - you know we are close ;), and this was in my inbox the other day. It reinforces what Heritage Makers does - and what Heritage Studio provides - a "jumping off place" and the path to the journey of preserving and sharing their story.

Excerpt from article:

Writing is the way I ground myself, and it's what keeps me sane. Writing is the way I try to make sense of my life, try to find meaning in accident, reasons why what happens happens-even though I know that why is a distraction, and meaning you have to cobble together yourself.

- Abigail Thomas

Click the link below for the complete article and even a guide for with prompts for writing a life story - a memoir (click the link below):

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/readinglists/pkgsummerreading/200808_omag_memoir_how-to


And then, when they have written...then what? Do the words and memories get forgotten? Was the process and effort worth nothing - especially to generations to come?

That's when we realize the power of and need for Storybooking.

This is a wonderful article to read for ourselves and to share with our friends, family and clients.

Thanks Oprah - again!

(Remember, Oprah chose YOUR product as one of her "All-Time Favorite Gifts" - not just last year...ALL-TIME.)

Thinking of you,

Chris

Story Writing Tips

"I can't wait to get started! I just don't know how to write the story!"

I have heard this time and time again and I am here to put your mind at ease and to help you every step of the way!

First of all, your Heritage Studio account is packed with great tools to help you get started with writing your story.

STORY MAPS - Are available in a variety of themes. You simply download and print the Story Map that you want to use and you answer the questions for each page. The answers become your story! You can take the Story Map with you to interview loved ones in person or over the phone or just to put pen to paper for your own thoughts. I like to include a Story Map, if I am giving a credit as a gift.

Additionally, I have these great tools that may be helpful to you...

STORY WRITING TIPS - Here is a little "support system" that you can review and use the tips to help you write your special story.


COLLECTING ORAL HISTORIES - Wonderful advice and insight from Robin Foster McClure in collecting oral histories from others.