Memories.

Moments.

History.

People.

Where does your story begin?

During a recent personal history workshop at my neighborhood senior center, I guided about a dozen older adults in writing mini-memoirs. Most of them did not consider themselves writers when we began. By the end, each had created a collection of life stories as unique as their individual experiences. 

We began the course by reading excerpts from various autobiographies and memoirs—brainstorming story ideas, thinking about our audience and experimenting with tone. With the help of guided questions, we turned memories into short essays. As the weeks went on, the essays found a common thread and we discussed titles, structure and organization. We looked at how visual elements deepen a story, and dug into photo albums to select images that complemented the stories. 

Finally, we prepared our stories for print—typing, editing, revising and proofing. (Technical support was provided for participants who were less comfortable with technology.)

The workshop concluded with a presentation to the community. In addition to their newly completed manuscripts, participants gained confidence by accomplishing something they hadn’t thought possible. They discovered they have an audience for their life stories and—more importantly—that they enjoy the writing process itself. Many left the workshop already developing ideas for their next book.