“We all know who’s in the pictures”—a poor excuse for skipping captions

Here’s one time I gave in to my client’s preferences that still haunts me: Why we did not identify people in any of the photos in their family history book.

memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeSeptember 23, 2024an argument for captioning photos in your family album, how family history is lost, why captions are good in a life story bookComment

Friendly reminder: Your personal story is part of a broader family history

While your memoir is telling your stories in your words, a family tree chart outlining your relationships has a real place in that book—here’s why.

family history, memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeSeptember 9, 2024should i inlude a family tree in my personal history book, when to include a family tree in a memoir, how to make my memoir more relevant to my familyComment

What to cut from your memoir—when an editor and writer disagree

The first draft of your life story is likely to include some stuff you decide to cut later—but should none of your challenges make it into your final book?

memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeAugust 26, 2024should i talk about the hard stuff in my life story, writing about trauma in memoir, how to write about my challengesComment

How to create your own life writing prompts

Good writing prompts will rid you of blank-page anxiety—and you can easily write your own! Here, 5 steps to drafting a library of personalized memoir prompts.

memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeApril 15, 2024prompts for writing your life story, writing prompts for personal stories, life story writing prompts, help writing my memoirComment

Why I turned down an offer to publish a memory prompts journal

While a journal called “Memories from Mom” or “Grandma’s Life Story” may be brimming with good intentions, the fact is that most of them remain mostly blank.

memoir & writing, gift ideasDawn M. RoodeFebruary 26, 2024how to preserve my mother's memories, journal for grandparent stories, how to encourage a family member to write about their lifeComment

“Which life writing book is best for me?”

While all five of these books add value to any memoirist or life writer’s library, I’ve identified which is best for you based on your goals and experience.

memoir & writing, reviewsDawn M. RoodeFebruary 12, 2024best books to help me write about my life, what should i read to help me with my memoir, best craft books about memoir and writing family historyComment

How to write a loving tribute to your spouse or partner

A love letter (or book!) overflowing with memories makes a thoughtful anniversary gift. Here, 14 writing prompts to help you honor—and surprise—your partner.

book ideas & inspiration, gift ideas, memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeJanuary 29, 2024writing prompts for personal stories, how to write a meaningful love letter, meaningful milestone anniversary gift for my spouse, 50th wedding anniversary gift idea, how to write about my relationshipComment

All your Write Your Life questions answered

Wondering if 52 weeks of memory prompts will help YOU write about your life at last? Here, answers to the most commonly asked questions about Write Your Life.

memoir & writing, family historyDawn M. RoodeDecember 5, 2023FAQ about memory promps subscription Write Your Life, answers to questions about Write Your Life annual subscription, a year of remembering - how hard is itComment