Let's Talk About Movies...

Have you ever watched an 8 hour movie? Probably not, because I don't think they exist for the reason that no one would watch an 8 hour movie. For some reason our brains tell us that 8 hours is too long without a break. This is the reason why long movies are broken up into episodes. Not even a giant bucket of popcorn would keep me watching an 8 hour movie, and it's my favorite food.

This is the number ONE reason why you should write your personal history into SHORT STORIES! No one wants to read a very long story about your life unless it's made into a novel by a professional writer, and even then, it is divided into chapters.

If your life is written in short stories, I can pretty much guarantee that your stories will get read, and isn't that one of the reasons you are writing them?

Now back to the analogy of the movie...I would never be interested in watching an 8 hour movie, BUT I have been guilty (on occasion) of watching eight 1-hour long episodes (almost) in a row. That doesn't make much sense but it's true. For some reason, our brains need those breaks.

I guess those shorter movies (stories) really do work to capture interest in the watcher (reader).

And, as a reminder, here are some of the other benefits of writing short stories:

• Nothing has to be organized before you begin – you can start anywhere you want to.

• You will avoid having to make transitions from one story to the next

• You can leave out anything you don't want to write about

• Your stories will be easier to read and much more fun for the reader

• You can write as much, or as little, as you want to about that particular topic

• You can focus on the interesting parts of your life

• You don't have to worry about telling your life stories out of order or worry about leaving something out

• It's easier to breakdown the task of getting it done. Example: one story a week/month

• Your personal history will be a lot more fun to write.

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