The biggest step in writing your story is the first one! Simply getting started will set the wheels in motion. A simple genealogy chart will help you begin to think about family. Many free printable charts exist on the web; this is a charming one that will get your thoughts rolling.
Then let’s start with some simple questions to get the ink flowing.
- What town(s) did you grow up in? Were you born there?
- Did you have one family home or many?
- What was the atmosphere at home? Were both parents in the home? Was there a sweet spirit or a lot of bickering?
- How about your siblings? Did you get along? Did you share a bedroom…hobbies…chores?
- Speaking of chores, what kind of responsibilities did you have as a child?
- Were there family gatherings, traditions or celebrations that remain strong in your mind?
- Did your grandparents have much influence in your home?
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Writing is a process that can easily bog you down. For now, simply begin jotting stories. Do not worry about a ‘publishable’ piece…simply put in writing the memories that are part of who you are as an adult.
WARNING: Not every memory will be a sweet one. There is no need to sugar-coat the past, but the past need not influence the present either. If you find memories swamping you with negative feelings, set that aside for a time. You may want to address those areas in another way so the negative influences of the past are ‘cut off.’ Should such a challenge come your way, the Legacy Builder: Healing the Past article may be of help.
Heartsong Ministries 