You might want to write a book, set up a blog or simply leave something for your family to read once you have passed. Whatever your reasons for wanting to tell your story, here are my top tips for getting started.
Keep a diary
Don’t put any pressure on yourself- If all you want to do is write with no intention of showing it to anyone- that is fine too- just write. You are more likely to be honest if you know that it’s for your eyes only.
Ignore the negative voices in your head- Every writer- even the most successful has doubts- it is human nature to think of the negatives before the positives. Put them to the back of your mind and simply write. Think of how old you are, how many experiences you’ve had, how many people you’ve met and concentrate on the pen and the page.
Remember you are unique- Millions of people work, go to university, have children, socialise, get ill, have struggles and triumphs- but none is exactly like you- which makes you just as worthy as the next writer. Don’t ever put yourself down.
Keep a diary- Most people think they have nothing interesting to tell- but this couldn’t be further from the truth. What seems like the most mundane of things might be the spark of an idea for something greater. If you keep a diary – look back over the pages and see what piques your interest. Once you’ve found something- write a piece around it. It’s doesn’t have to be very long- but craft a story around those events and see where it takes you.
Look back over your social media- This can be used as a diary too- your posts, pictures and reactions can form the basis of a fictional or factual story. Plus, the image aids can help you to visualise characters if you are looking for inspiration.
Make a list of your most vivid memories and events- Why have you clung onto them more than the others? There must be a reason. Once you have it- see if there is a theme or a connection and write something around it.
Speak to those who shared them with you- You might remember them very differently to your friend, family member or companion so it’s important to discover their side of things too. Especially if you want to portray something from another character’s point of view.
Recreate your favourite moments- Go back to where you were proposed to, visit a place from your childhood, return to the location where you had your best holiday. Write down how it made you feel then and how it makes you feel now.
Talk to those you love- They might have stories about your life that you can’t remember because you were too young. These can form valuable writing too- just as long as you get all the information you need from your relatives.
Read other people’s stories for inspiration- If you decide what direction you want to take your writing in- find others who have done the same for inspiration. People are writing about their experiences of illness, self-transformation, relationships, parenting and business- to name a few- everyone has a voice so go ahead- tell your story!