A fun—and easy!—exercise for generating new autobiographical writing

Want a life writing prompt that gets your pen moving AND delivers a trove of future ideas for your memoir? Here it is—and bonus, it's a fun one!

memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeSeptember 26, 2022autobiographical writing prompts, life story writing promptsComment

Life Story Links: September 20, 2022

This week's roundup includes plenty of memoir writing—both first-person pieces and guidance—plus photo archive help and family history media recommendations.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeSeptember 20, 2022family archive preservation, family history in the news, personal history in the newsComment

“To Write the Past”: A supportive companion for thoughtful memoirists

This small yet dense self-published book comprises nine essays in which writer Sara Mansfield Taber aims to answer “the questions that plague the memoirist.”

reviewsDawn M. RoodeSeptember 12, 2022book review, memoir writing books, to write the pastComment

Life Story Links: September 6, 2022

Your curated reading list: Kick off September with an array of stories about family history tools, memoir writing tips, and more storytelling inspiration.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeSeptember 6, 2022curated list of stories for family historians, personal history in the news, family history in the newsComment

Stop waiting, start writing: Why now is the right time to begin your memoir.

Ignore those naysayers who warn that you must be passed middle age to begin writing your life stories: Start your memoir now, no matter how old you are.

memoir & writing, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeAugust 29, 2022what age should i write my memoir, preserve family history before it's too late, writing life stories at a young ageComment

Life Story Links: August 23, 2022

This week's curated reading list for family historians, memoirists, and memory-keepers of all kinds includes great learning opportunities and a film recommendation.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeAugust 23, 2022curated list of stories for family historians, personal history in the news, family history in the newsComment

The best graphics to add to your family history book

Beyond family photos: Consider adding vintage maps, family tree charts, and professionally shot images of special heirlooms to your family history book.

family history, photo legacyDawn M. RoodeAugust 15, 2022family tree charts in your family history book, how to photograph family heirlooms, include maps in your family history bookComment

Writing about your life is not a selfish act

It’s a common but wrong assumption—that telling one's own stories is “narcissistic” or “self-centered.” Truly, preserving your legacy is an act of generosity.

why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeAugust 1, 2022is it narcissistic to write my memoir, what if my stories are boring, why should i preserve my stories in writingComment