Back to Basics: How do you begin writing your memoir?

 

If you’re new to writing, you might wonder just how to write your memoir—that is, how to find the precise words and how to put them in the right order.

 

The process can seem mysterious, even daunting. The specific how-to might feel out of reach.

 

You might be wailing, “How do I do this? How do I get started?”

 

Don’t let such worries incapacitate you. Ban discouragement. You can do this!

 

Take a deep breath.

 

Believe me when I say:

 

• Keep in mind you’re writing a rough draft. Don’t worry about making it perfect because you will revise it several times. (Revision is not punishment! All writers, even the most accomplished, revise and polish.)
• You can start writing anywhere in your storyline. You don’t have to begin at the beginning. Write short vignettes, knowing you can string them together in the correct order later.

 

Start by writing an easy part of your story.

 

Don’t do what a friend of mine did:

He started his rough draft by tackling

the most painful experience of his life!

 

That’s a recipe for disaster—

the pain can overwhelm you

and you’ll likely stop writing altogether.

 

Instead, begin writing the easy stuff, the fun stuff, fond memories, the light-hearted parts.

 

Describe key places in your story: your grandmother’s kitchen, or a rainforest, an Air Force base, a classroom, a nursery, or a factory.

 

Describe a key person: your favorite teacher, your best friend, your uncle.

 

In the process, get accustomed to the writing life. My heart longs for you to enjoy the process of writing.

 

Here’s encouragement for you:

 

“Do not despise these small beginnings,

for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

(Zechariah 4:10 NLT)

 

Go ahead and get started, even if you feel you’re accomplishing only “small beginnings.”

 

Take heart. We all start small—and that’s okay!

 

In fact, it’s good. Look at the rest of that verse. “The Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

 

Now, doesn’t that make you smile? Give you hope? Inspiration? Encouragement? A desire to keep at it?

 

I hope so. 

 

You have no idea how many people your story will touch.

 

Don’t underestimate the value of your story.

 

Think back: When did a sentence or chapter or book turn your life around?

 

I still cling to a single sentence I read almost half a century ago. It altered my perspective and the way I’ve lived all these years. How I thank God for inspiring that woman to write her book!

 

And I can never thank God enough for leading a man to write his book—because one chapter rescued me and healed me and revolutionized my relationship with God.

 

Your book

could do that for readers, too.

Believe it!

 

Jeff Goins offers this perspective to those who haven’t begun writing:

 

“Starting is hard.

It requires courage and perseverance

and all kinds of gumption.

That’s why most people just talk about it,

but never do it. But starting is necessary.

It’s crucial to making your mark and leaving a legacy.”

("Start Today, Not Tomorrow")

 

No matter how long it takes, write your memoir!

 

“The legacy you leave hinges on your decision to start.”

(Jeff Goins, “Starting”)