PERSONAL HISTORY
How's this for a starter: It was the day before I shipped overseas while Betty and I sat in the park, when I decided to pop the question...
That's a toughie, and you're going to have to do some thinking. Whatever you decide, here are some ways to get you started:
Build a Time Line of important dates in your life history.
Use some memory joggers, like "prom date" or "best Christmas gift" and write one short paragraph at a time, while waiting at the dentist office, Little League practice or ballet lesson--or even stuck in traffic. You could also have a mini dictating device and record your thoughts on tape to be transcribed later.
Notice how other biographies begin. How do they get your attention in the first paragraph?
Try writing some one-liners that describe your life--either funny or serious in nature.
Describe people, places and things you liked.
What did you learn that's of value? -- Close with a bit of philosophy about life.
Just keep going a little at a time and before you know it, you'll have climbed to the top of your mountain.
Good Luck!
Whenever I get to the point of starting my history I can't think of a thing to write about. Then I get interrupted and I forget what I wanted to say in the first place.
Help me get started.
Over the Hill and Still Climbing
Diaries, Journals, Calendars, Day Books, Letters, Newsletters, Movies, Videotapes, audiotapes, stuff the kids brought home from school and you stashed away in a paper bag. Also wedding invitations, funeral cards, birth announcements, graduation cards, birth certificates, passports, etc..
What are you waiting for--get started!
