In this article, I am going to show you how to start writing a book about your life. The process may seem daunting at first, but with this step-by-step approach, you will be on your way. A memoir is about life experiences. In all honesty, it is not really about you. It’s more about taking your reader on a journey. Well-written memoirs inspire, entertain, and bring healing to their readers. By writing a memoir you are leaving behind a legacy to future generations.
Meeting with God
It is essential for a christian author to spend time seeking the Lord how to start writing a book about your life, for there is much to consider. Writing a memoir does involve sharing your heart. And as Proverbs 4: 23 puts it, “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” That being said, some experiences in your life God may want to keep hidden from the public. Therefore, you will want his guidance on what to include and what to discard, for it keeps you safe.
Once you feel comfortable with what to share, then you can proceed. I recently wrote a fictional book that entailed parts of my story. There were areas I was going to include but did not have a peace so they were omitted. So like the old saying when in doubt, throw it out. You don’t want to put a book out there that you regret later. So be very cautious when proceeding.
The next step is to construct a timeline of your life. I am going to share a couple of ways in which you could do this. You first need to decide how you want to construct your timeline for your story.
The first method is a line drawn through the center of a piece of paper. If you are like me, you may need more than one sheet. You can tape them together as needed. A second method is to break down your life according to stages: Infancy/toddler, Early childhood, Middle childhood, Adolescence, College, Early adulthood, Middle adulthood, Later adulthood, and Senior adulthood. Personally, I have used both of these methods but prefer the latter one. Using one of these methods can help you organize your story. Be receptive to God’s leading as you do this because he will alert you of any danger zones, or areas in your life that you shouldn’t include. Remember, he is looking out for you.
How to Begin Writing a Book About Your Life
Depending on the method of choice will depend on how you proceed in this next step.
- If you chose the first method, draw out your line and mark it with a circle, labeling it by date or name of event.
- If you chose the second method, write out the stages in chart form, making room for notes. Then list at least three events for each stage. Then choose the one that stands out to you the most and write at least three sentences with a general description of that event.
- With your timeline in hand, create your outline.
- Think about what you want to include in your memoir.
- Decide if you want to include pictures, verses, poems and/or quotes.
As you consider what to include in your memoir, make sure to have a balance, good as well as bad to give a breather to your reader.
Gather Your Resources
- Timeline
- Outline created from timeline
- Bible verses
- Poems
- Quotes
- Pictures
- When including events from your life make sure you have a healthy balance of good and bad.
Writing a Book About Your Life
Now it’s time to start writing a book about your life. There are different ways you could write about your life. You could write it in chronological order or start in the present. You could even write it as a fictional story, giving you the ability to change some details. It’s up to you for it’s your story. The important thing is to begin. Consider how in-depth you want to go with your story.
Do you have journals that you can rummage through for ideas of what to include in your memoir? Focus on a central theme and be honest with your readers. Write your story in such a way that your reader experiences your life from your perspective. Invite God along as you write each part of your story.
If you find yourself stuck at any point in the way, I highly suggest becoming a member of Christian Book Academy. I have been a member for almost two years. In January 2023, I considered it to which God replied that community is what you need. For I had been walking this writing journey alone for some time and lacked the knowledge needed to self-publish. I can’t begin to tell you what a blessing it has been in my life. Write your story for God’s glory.
About the Author
Lizzy, pen name EO Writes, was first called to write for the public in 2012 when God placed it on her heart to pen an article titled “Where Have the Children of Yesterday Gone?” For a season, articles on homeschooling were her forte until 2018, when God said to her, “Your voice will change.” In 2024, she began her self-publishing journey with A Case of Mistaken Identity, a book that was born through a three-month writing class Procrastination to Publication. The fuel she needed to complete her book. Her passion is sharing God’s love through her art and writing. She has many works in progress and is looking forward to sharing them with the world.
Resources for How to Start a Memoir
- Christian Book Academy: Memoir Momentum
- How to Write a Memoir: 7 Ways to Tell a Powerful Story
- Protecting Yourself and Others When Writing a Memoir
- Writing a Christian Memoir
- Christian Book Academy: Write Your Story Conference Different Types of Memoirsand How to Write Them by Susy Flory
Recommended Reading
- The Memoir Workbook by CS Lakin
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