Keeping It Simple

I want to remind you of the simplicity of writing your personal history. If you spend ONE hour a week writing ONE short story, you will have 52 stories written within one year. Someone said to me the other day that they want to write their stories but they are still getting organized. If this is the case with you, I want you to know that you don't need to be organized - that will come down the road after you've written a few stories and things will begin to fall into place very nicely.

Here are the five steps you need to take to get going...

1. Find a story to write about. Think back to a really fun memory from your past - one that you will enjoy writing about. You don't need to write your stories in order, just find the stories you want to write about for now and pick the one that will be the most fun to write.

2. Get some paper and a pen, or pull up a blank word processing document on your computer.

3. Begin writing your story. Make sure you stay on that story. If other stories come to mind while you're writing, add it to a list of other story ideas that you can write in the future. Don't let your thoughts take you off in other direction. You also want your story to remain "short." This will help keep your story easy to write and it will guarantee that others will read it.

4. Add some photos or other documents that support that story - this is optional but will bring your story to life for the reader.

5. Give your story a title. It's easier to find the right title AFTER you have written your story. If you are having trouble coming up with a title, read back through your story looking for something that will trigger a great title.

If you follow these simple steps, before long, you will have a nice collection of stories from your past. It really doesn't have to be difficult with this process.

If you want to get my weekly emails with tips on simplifying the personal history process, Here is the link to sign up (you can unsubscribe at any time): https://bit.ly/2HuS7SN

I also have a private FB group you are welcome to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mystoryprompt