Writing a whole book of personal memories or family history can feel overwhelming. Here’s a suggestion that could help: You don’t have to wait till everything’s ready. You can start writing now, one story at a time, using a blog.
Continue reading “How Blogging Helps You Gather Stories for Your Book”You’re Writing—Even If You Haven’t Written a Word Today
Have you found yourself lamenting that you haven’t done any writing during a busy day? You’ve thought about your topic, gone over scenes in your head, but just haven’t been able to write any of it.
Here’s great news: You’re still writing! All those thoughts, brainstorming, mulling over things, trying to figure out the right way to approach a story … it all counts as writing.
Continue reading “You’re Writing—Even If You Haven’t Written a Word Today”Writing Family History with Faded Memories
When you are writing a family history, or even a life story, it may be hard sometimes to recall specific memories. You may have a general idea of an event, but you don’t recall being there or don’t remember details.
That is okay. You can still write.
Continue reading “Writing Family History with Faded Memories”Photos Help to Tell Your Life Story or Family History
If you’re writing a book about your life story or family history, you’ll probably want to include photos. Not only do photos help portray your story, but they are also a valuable part of the memories you’re sharing with future generations. Here are some tips for how photos can help you piece your story together.
Continue reading “Photos Help to Tell Your Life Story or Family History”Rabbit Trails and Writing
When you’re writing a book, it’s easy to get so caught up in the story that you end up on a rabbit trail. A rabbit trail is a detour away from the main focus of your book. How can you tell if you’re on a rabbit trail, and how do you find your way back?
Continue reading “Rabbit Trails and Writing”Every Word Counts
If you’re just starting to write a book, the scope of the project might feel overwhelming. You think of how many words go into a book. You’re just starting out. How will you get from here to there? Can you do this?
Yes, you can. You can write and finish your book. Just remember: every word counts.
Continue reading “Every Word Counts”Got 10 Minutes? Freewriting Can Help
You want to make progress writing your book, but it’s hard to find time. And when you have time, you don’t know where to start. Did you know 10 minutes of freewriting can help create momentum and a low-pressure habit of writing?
Continue reading “Got 10 Minutes? Freewriting Can Help”Start Your Book by Writing a Simple Letter
You want to write a book. You have a message to share. You know the kind of readers you can help with your book. But how do you get started? It feels kind of overwhelming.
Here’s a simple way to start moving toward your book: Write a letter.
Continue reading “Start Your Book by Writing a Simple Letter”It Is Not Too Late to Write Your Book
This question comes up a lot: “Is it too late to write my book?”
Absolutely not.
If you have a book inside you, it’s not too late to write it.
Continue reading “It Is Not Too Late to Write Your Book”Organizing Your Book Notes by Category
A question I hear from new non-fiction book writers is, “How do I organize my material?” While my first answer is always to do what works best for you, I would like to share a strategy I learned in college. I think it will help you see how all your thoughts and notes fit together in your book.
Continue reading “Organizing Your Book Notes by Category”
Janet Eriksson 