I have long suggested that writing one’s own story should be an integral part of doing genealogy. What is the point of gathering information on the lives of our ancestors if we don’t help perpetuate the process by leaving as much of our own history behind as possible? The process is actually very simple, sit down and start writing. However, most of us, despite our best intentions find reason and excuses not to get started. To help overcome our own inhibitions, and to find ways to get started with topic ideas to write about Lin Vernon Floyd has provided Find Your Voice: Write Your Life Story.
Floyd takes an unusual approach in this guide. She provides all the standard questions and topics one expects to cover in writing their own story. She also covers practical ideas and help for scanning photos, publishing options, and editing tips. But what make this book unique is that about half its pages are dedicated to Floyd’s own story. By reading through a short version of her story, the reader gets a great example of how a short version of one’s own story can be put together in just a few pages. Her writing style is enlivening and provides an excellent example of not just what to write but how to write. Blending story and facts with imagery and detail.
Added to the story and ideas of the book is the theme that writing is therapeutic. Floyd states that the process of “recalling my own life, I discovered my VOICE who I am in my family, different from any one else in the world because of my unique experiences and personality.” This book is Floyd’s offering to help others discover their own voice, with the necessary details needed to start writing your own life story.
“I highly recommend the process of writing your biography to bring understanding to what life is teaching you, no matter how old you are. It can be a healing and enlightening process, if undertaken with the right attitude, and will help you leave a legacy for your family.”
Table of Contents
Introduction or Ideas for Writing Your Story
- What’s in a Name?
- Family Structure
- Childhood Memories
- Your Grandparents
- School Times
- Historical Events
- Biggest Challenges
- Embarrassing Moments
- Hobbies and Talents
- Dating and Courtship
My Life Story – Kissing the Frog
- Discovering Boys
- Dating at BYU
- Prince Charming?
- An Old Maid
- Dear John/Jane Letters
- Engaged Finally
- Planning the Wedding
- No Guarantees
- Getting Married
- Adjustments
My Life Story – Tadpoles Coming
- In-Laws
- Homemaking Skills
- Motherhood
- Birthing
- Parenting
- Baby #2
- More Children?
- Important Firsts
- Babysitters
- Sibling Rivalry
My Life Story – Hopping Away
- Hippies
- Life in Brazil
- Survival Mode
- Heading Home
- Tenth Anniversary
- Single Parenting
- New Homes
- A Divorcee
- Back in Circulation
- Dating Again
My Life Story – Warts and Other Worries
- Step and Blended Families
- Raising Teenagers
- Single Again
- Remarriage
- Empty Nest
- Being Perfect
- Grand Parenting
- Wisdom Comes with Age
- Learning from Life
- Family Values
Writing Your Life Story – Beginning to Write
- Leaving a Legacy
- Eating the Elephant
- One Bite at a Time
- Making an Outline
- Negative Issues
- Outlook or Attitude
- Bucket List
- Religious Feelings
- Difficult Decisions
- Deadlines
The Process – Editing your Story
- Using Photos
- Editing vs. Censoring
- Errors and Rewriting
- Print it Out
- What is Your Title?
- Beginning Your Story
- Ending Your History
- Watch Your Words
- Boring or Interesting
- Purpose of Writing
Sharing Your Legacy – Publishing Tips
- Printing Options
- Binding Your History
- Online Publishing
- Social Networking
- Family Gatherings
- Oral History
- Family History Gifts
- Appendix
- What Next?
- Find Your Voice
Find your own copy of Find Your Voice: Write Your Life Story waiting for you at Family Roots Publishing; Item #: LF0001 , Price: $15.09.