Module 1
Let’s consider a few questions before you get started on your story.
Who is your story about?
In most cases it will be about you. But perhaps you have come into this course with the thought of writing about a loved one- a parent, a grandparent, your spouse or one of your children. It’s fine to write about someone else but it can be a little bit harder, especially if they are no longer with you. If this is your first time writing my suggestion is that you write your story first. You will then have the skills and knowledge to write about someone else. Even if your story is not as interesting, remember it IS interesting to your family.
Why are you writing your story?
It is worth pondering this question as it will help you focus on the end result.
Who is your audience?
It is important to think about this from the outset. Who will be reading your story? Will any of the content of your story upset or defame one of your readers? Facts are facts but there are ways of presenting the facts without being alienated by the family. You also need to understand and accept that people may have a different viewpoint to yours on a person or situation that is common to you both. I will focus more on this point further in the course.
What would you like your story to look like at the end?
Maybe you haven’t even thought this far yet! But it is helpful to have a bit of an idea about the final product. A well-presented story is more likely to be kept and passed down. Here are some life story books I have put together for people. They are inexpensive and a lovely way of presenting and sharing your story with loved ones. You might like to consider something like this. For more information on this and other options, click on 'Presentation options' for more information.
When would you like to have your story finished by?
A rough finish date can help you stay on track and prevent the process drag on.
How to Stay Organised
You will accumulate quite a few sets of worksheets over this course. It is best to store your completed worksheets in plastic sleeves (one sleeve per topic) in a ring binder. Printed photos and memorabilia can also be stored in the plastic sleeve with the appropriate worksheets. Throughout the course you will be likely to go back to earlier worksheets to add more information as memories are jogged. By keeping your worksheets organised, this will be a simple process.
Course Outline
Module 1
Course Introduction Birth and Background
Module 2
Childhood Memories
Module 3
Childhood Memories- School Years
Module 4
Young Adult Memories
Module 5
Adult Memories- Marriage Adult Memories- Children
Module 6
Adult Memories
Module 7
Other Preface Final Words
Module 8
Writing Your Story Publishing Your Story What’s Next
Process in Writing Your Story
Gather the information you need to write your story
This will be achieved through a series of Worksheets. Worksheets help you progress chronologically through your life story. They will also help to prompt your memory by asking questions. Think through each question and jot down short answers or dot points. If you run out of room, use extra paper. Write down whatever comes to mind. You don’t need to include everything in your story but these initial thoughts will give you a good basis to start developing your story.
Use the information you have gathered to develop your story
Expand on your answers giving more detail and then start to structure these answers into a story. Ideally you will start the writing process when all worksheets have been completed as quite often questions in later worksheets may prompt memories relating to your earlier years. You will learn more about structuring your story in Week 8.
Publish Your Story
Once again, this will be covered in Week 8
Now move onto Lesson 2