Why write your memoirs?

Should I write my memoirs? This is a question I’m asked time and time again, and for a multitude of reasons. For some, the scope of the project seems too big to even begin, others can’t put aside the time, and some worry that their story isn’t interesting enough to record. None of these are reasons not to, and for the last example, an unnecessary worry. Everyone’s story is worth capturing. Explore some of the reasons why you should write your memoirs with us below.

A common hesitancy for people writing their memoirs is that they believe their life story isn’t interesting enough. I’ve yet to come across a case when this modesty hasn’t been misplaced. Everyone’s journey through life is interesting and valuable, and that isn’t just a platitude.

I think everyone can agree that Samuel Pepys’ diary is one of the most important and interesting records of ordinary life that we have. If you think that’s because it was a constant 24/7 rollercoaster of action and adventure, you’d be wrong. Take a look at his entry for 15th October 1663.

So up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at noon dined at home, my head full of business, and after stepping abroad to buy a thing or two, compasses and snuffers for my wife, I returned to my office and there mighty busy till it was late, and so home well contented with the business that I had done this afternoon, and so to supper and to bed.

Now, this might be an extreme example, but I chose it because it demonstrates that there is still value in what we may deem the mundane. By no means am I saying your story is likely to be boring, but rather that the above is part of a certified classic, and by contrast, the content of your carefully crafted life story will shine.

Only you have your set of experiences and adventures, and whether you want to record them for yourself, friends, family or the wider public, there is immense value there, and when you’re gone, your story, in the way that you want it told, is gone forever, too.

Keep in mind the reason why you were interested in writing your memoirs in the first place. It’s your opportunity to share your story.

It’s quite common for people to downplay the importance of their own memoir. How much would you value the opportunity to read the life story of one of your relations or good friends? How interesting would that be to see the world through their eyes and experience life as they lived it? Most people would jump at the chance to learn all those things about their parents that they never had the opportunity to ask them. Why would the chance to read your story be any different?

Another reason I frequently hear is that it’s too much work, too time-consuming, or the scope is too overwhelming. I’m not going to pretend it’s easy. Writing the story of your life is one of the most important projects you’ll undertake, but it’s immensely rewarding, and, when you work with Write Your Memoirs, we'll do most of the hard work for you.

Everyone’s approach and experience are different. Some may have done similar projects in the past, while others may not have written anything longer than a shopping list for many years. For some, it’s a question of where to begin, for others, the structure is no problem, but they agonise over each turn of phrase.  That’s where I come in.

I can guide you through the process and do the hard work of structuring and writing for you. There’s no pressure, and equally no set way of doing things. I’ll recommend a way of working that suits most of my clients, but the process is entirely flexible. If you want to have a hand in the writing, that’s fine. Equally, if you’re worried that the research stage and interviewing will be too prescriptive, it won’t be. Assembling your memoirs is a bit like working on an enormous jigsaw puzzle. You may only find a piece that fits the section that you started with at the end - it doesn’t have to start in one place and end in another. The whole process can work organically and is adaptable to you.

Every project I work on is an absolute joy to be a part of and an immense pleasure to be able to help someone capture their story. I’m truly invested in the process each and every time, and if you’re thinking about writing your memoirs, I can’t wait to help. Take a look at the packages I offer, but while these work for most, they might not work for you. Please do get in touch if you’d like a different form of support or would like to work together in a way that doesn’t fit their scope.