Life Writing

So you've decided to tell your story and the story is personal. The story is your life.

You are writing your memoir and the mind goes blank. It's not as though the story isn't there - it clearly is - but you're not sure how to proceed, or the exact details of an event escapes you. Get ready to start digging through your life with these tips:

*  Stimulate the memory by going through old photos or listen to music from that particular time period. If you remember a certain scent, recreate that eg. scent of lemons or incense. (Our sense of smell is lodged in the oldest part of the brain, which makes it the most powerful and evocative way to capture a memory)

* Go through old journals or letters if you have them. A writing teacher of mine actually photocopied every letter she sent out in case it might be useful in her writing.

*  If possible (and appropriate) interview family members or friends who can provide their perspective on a particular event or time in your life.

*  If you don't already do it, keep a journal. Begin making journal entries that are descriptive and contain detail. This will get you in the habit of thinking of the events in your life in narrative terms. It has the added side effect of making you more observant in your daily life.