How to Add Emotion to Your Life Story—and Why It Matters

Grandma reading his life story to his family

When someone sits down to write their life story, they usually start with the events. “I was born in 1948 in a small prairie town.”“We moved across the country when I was seven.”“I graduated in 1966 and joined the military.” These facts matter. They anchor your story in time and place. But if all we … Read more

Why You Should Write Your Own Life Story (Not Use a Ghost Writer)

A senior walks the cobbled streets of an old city, reliving a part of her life story

Imagine you’re visiting a city you’ve always dreamed of exploring. You have two choices: You can hire a limo driver who will take you on a smooth, curated tour, or you can lace up your walking shoes and wander the streets yourself. The limo tour is comfortable, effortless. You’ll see the highlights, hear well-rehearsed stories, … Read more

Think You’re Not a Writer? Here’s Why You Can Still Tell Your Life Story

Senior struggling to find the words as she writes her life story

Have you ever thought about writing your life story but stopped yourself with the words, “I’m not a writer”? If so, you’re not alone. Many people believe that writing a memoir or personal story requires a special talent—flawless grammar, a vast vocabulary, or years of experience. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to be … Read more

The #1 Reason People Never Even Start Writing Their Life Story (And How to Overcome The Challenge)

frustrated writer

Many people dream of writing their life story. It’s a powerful way to preserve memories, pass down wisdom, and reflect on the journey that made them who they are. But despite their excitement and motivation, most aspiring life story writers never make it past the first chapter. Why is that? The First Chapter Hurdle Writing … Read more

The Power of Sharing Life Stories Across Generations

smiling little boy with elderly grandfather together fishing on the river. Concept of connection between generations

The world has changed in ways that previous generations could have never imagined. Just one or two generations ago, life was entirely different—without smartphones, social media, or instant access to knowledge.  Today’s teenagers and young adults have grown up in a world dominated by technology, globalization, and rapid social change. While these advancements have brought … Read more

How to Handle the Emotional Impact of Writing Your Life Story

Senior woman feeling emotional about her writing

Writing your life story can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life—but it can also be emotionally intense. As you revisit memories, both joyful and painful, you may find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of nostalgia, grief, anger, or even regret. However, these emotions are a natural part of the storytelling process, and … Read more

Rediscover Your Past Through Interview Questions and Conversations

two senior women chatting over coffee

Writing your life story is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your past, understand how key experiences shaped you, and preserve your legacy for future generations. But memory can be tricky—some moments may feel vivid, while others fade over time. One of the best ways to fill in the … Read more

9 Ways for Life Story Writers to Get Past Writer’s Block

Life story writer overcoming writer's block

Writing your life story is a deeply personal and fulfilling journey, but it’s not always easy. Many aspiring memoirists and life storytellers struggle with writer’s block—that frustrating feeling of being stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed. Whether you’re struggling with where to start, how to structure your story, or simply finding the words, you’re not alone. The … Read more

The Biggest Regrets Life Story Writers Have—And How to Avoid Them

Happy senior woman with gray hair sitting on sofa swriting her life story

Writing your life story is one of the most meaningful projects you can undertake. It’s a chance to reflect on your life, preserve your experiences, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. But while the idea is inspiring, the process can be daunting. Many life story writers, even those who successfully complete their memoirs, … Read more

10 Powerful Life Story Prompts to Get You Writing Today

Writing your life story can feel overwhelming at first. Where do you start? What if you don’t remember everything? How do you turn a lifetime of experiences into a compelling narrative? The good news is, you don’t have to write your entire story in one go. The key is to start small—one memory, one moment, … Read more