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August 23^rd         Life Story Writing   Pam Hogan

Everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?

Do you enjoy recalling the events of your life; the people you've met, the places you've been, the experiences you've had?  Recording your life story is a great way of reliving your past and of creating a unique

heirloom for friends and family to treasure and enjoy.

Like most of us, you probably have boxes or drawers overflowing with

letters, diaries, photos, cards and other snippets, all recalling memorable times. Added to the anecdotes you enjoy sharing, you already have more than enough to tell your story. No-one has seen life through your eyes; your story is quite unique – don't let it be lost.

Through your life story you can speak to your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, passing on a picture of your life and the person you are, offering them a sense of continuity and belonging. How would you feel if you came across your great grandmother's journal in the attic? The likelihood is that you would find even the most mundane details of her daily life absolutely fascinating.

Those who have already been have said:

A good way to start – I wish I had been able to come earlier. I might

have finished by now!

Memory is precious – use it or lose it

A valuable experience – especially if you have no idea of what, where

or why to start

This course will help you to order your thoughts and then to write them down

Do it! Enjoy it! You will get something useful from it!

Most interesting and helpful

Very useful pointers for starting off

Helpful to be among others that also have a wealth of interesting tales to tell

So helpful in giving ideas on how to start

No writing experience is necessary

You may have already thought of writing your life story but not known

where to start, what to include or how to bring your story to life. If you can

put pen to paper, use a keyboard or speak into a tape recorder you can

get started straight away.

On a life story writing day you will:

–     share your memories with others

–     identify the unique storylines of your life

–     understand the simple rules of storytelling

–     find a structure for your life story

–     and begin to write

Maybe your title will be 'A Shared Life,' recalling the people you have met along the way. Or perhaps 'The Way We Were,' painting a picture of a particular time. Maybe your focus will be on your working life, family life, single life, traveling life, caring life – or all of these! One thing is certain: it will be a unique and fascinating personal record.

By the end of the year you could have your own personal and

social history ready to give as the most unique Christmas present

your family and friends will ever receive. 

Life-story writing weekends are offered by Pamela Hogan. a

creativity coach and workshop facilitator with a particular interest

in family and local history.