How to Involve Your Family in Writing Your Memoirs

Writing your memoirs is an exciting, challenging task. The more you can involve your family in your project the less challenging it will seem. And family members may be inspired enough to write their own recollections. Check out the tips below for including your loved ones in this intimate project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen and Paper
• Tape Recorder
• Stationary
• Computer
• Family Members

1. Organize a community workshop. Your family may feel more comfortable talking about personal histories with friendly faces such as old friends and neighbors. The sense of camaraderie in a community workshop can be helpful for those people who are writing their stories.
2. Tell them you are writing a book. Almost everyone wants to be included in a book. Mention to all of your relatives that if they promise to contribute even one memory to your project, you will put them in the book.
3. Interview family members. Interviewing family members is a great way to gather information for your memoirs. Prepare the questions you want to ask ahead of time and bring a tape recorder.
4. Plan a family reunion. Reunions are wonderful places for sharing memories. Bring a notepad and circulate.
5. Send emails or letters announcing that you are writing your memoirs and ask for help.
6. Request stories from family members. In the letter you send out in Step 5, mention that you would love it if the family member would send a brief story about any event, no matter how small. Offer to come and tape them if they don’t want to write the story.
7. Mail a questionnaire to family members. Use it to ask family members any questions you would like answered. This offers family members who who are hesitant to write the chance to answer questions in just a sentence or two.

Tips & Warnings

• Never tape anyone without his or her permission, even a family member.
• Don’t be offended if some family members still don’t want anything to do with your memoirs. Some people don’t feel comfortable sharing.