To write a memoir?

[Youngatheart00]

I’m a keen reader and a frustrated writer...in that I’ve never written anything in my life!!

Recently I’ve been contemplating putting pen to paper on my life story (to date!). I haven’t had a truly exceptional life, by any means, but there is enough to make it interesting, different, enjoyable to write and maybe even cathartic.

I can’t imagine it ever being published though or anyone else ever reading it as it would feel like my soul laid bare on paper and a lot of stuff I can’t ever imagine others reading.

Should I start writing it or just put the silly idea out of my mind?

Go for it! I think everyone should have a memoir personally, we all have stories to tell and interesting / shocking / sad / funny experiences.
Maybe your children or grandchildren could read it when you're long gone?
I'd like to do the same.

Thanks - I like the idea of it being found by family after I’ve gone - but couldn’t contemplate anyone reading it while I was alive - I am not sure why I have so much shame and I think that’s one of the reason I want to get my words out.

A really good place to start is with them ‘Mum Tell Me’ book by Elma van Vliet. The book prompts you to tell your life story for future generations. There are so many prompts in there for things you might not think of yourself. =It is primarily aimed at mothers, to leave their story for their children.

Once you have completed the book, you will have a good chronological record of happenings. From there you might want to expand it into a full biography. The book has space for photographs too.

You should definitely wrote it - not for others, but for you. The only person you should ever write for is yourself, any concerns about another audience is anathema to the creative process.

Enjoy!

I've thought of doing this too, there are various creative writing courses aimed at autobiographical writing, that might be a good start for you.

Definitely go for it! Will be great for your descendents to read in a hundred years time! I started mine about 6 months ago but have stalled in the last two months as just got busy with other stuff but will go back to it soon over the winter. I would suggest you begin with a summary of your life first. Good luck! x

Of course you should write it-you can always delete it if you change your mind.

If you don't want anyone to see it, make sure you password protect it.

Go for it!

I honestly can't see the downside - writing as a hobby is a pretty cheap one, you'll enjoy the process, and at the end, you'll have a memoir of your life, which you can hide in a wall/bequeath to a relative with instructions to only read 50 years after your death/decide actually your life doesn't need to be secret and decide to share with people.

The only possible note of caution I would sound would be if you were saying "I want to quit my job and spend a year writing my memoir, because I'm certain it will make me a famous writer and become a bestseller". But you aren't saying that. So what's stopping you?

My dad has recently printed copies of his late father's memoirs, just enough copies for family. He didn't do anything particularly outstanding or unusual but it's been fascinating to read all the same. The stuff from his childhood and early 20s in particular - you learn about the great depression and wartime and rationing at school but reading about your own grandad going through them is a whole new perspective. If you'd enjoy writing it I'm sure subsequent generations of your own family would gain something from reading about how you lived through COVID and how life was when Google and Amazon didn't run the world.

Thank you, some really lovely feedback here.

Definitely don’t have notions of quitting job to be a writer - this is purely a hobby.

I can imagine DH being curious to read it but hopefully he will respect it being private. I was rather more promiscuous in my 20s than I’d care him to know about (never lied - he’s just never asked!)

You’re right about living through history right now and wanting to document it. I guess the slower pace has made me reflective about my life and also fast approaching a milestone birthday (40) and see an elderly relative struggle with dementia have given me a sense of urgency about putting pen to (digital) paper.