Writing

<p> </p>

<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23865" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-03-07t134948200jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-03-07T134948.200.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="Life Stories" title="Life Stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-03-07T134948.200.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=WoHlqNBGX2IJQ2NccKjjN5ysr1t65FyhOUmBT6BetkJwMtOXIARtkfV72AcNW37wSbYYakZGzbGO%2FG9RFaqSFSngnOATZ8dztl%2BHm4b%2BzESrAScZDx5ORuaWlzN2AXq5PGwuR8T5yAxwaHxTizRxVWuIJVxTh1BvRXv%2FFIEge9Aov8ut6COh2suf45mA5rkAuou9xjc5m7pSVFvbfmTEGIq5kp39njiZY%2BzUrMSLIYNNjiepDap7WoVkMi%2FyXVlp4%2FW2EcVojIhydZa%2FFsl%2B7g%2Fj9b30V4%2FqtzO7gj2jnBTFiLibxbQJMNw9ldC3X8%2FnwVh6WsWn%2B4YH6ava367Rfw%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Have you ever wondered how some people turn their seemingly ordinary life stories into mesmerizing tales that captivate readers from start to finish? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">I was once baffled by the same question. These writers seem to have a magical ability to recall and weave their past into narratives so vividly that it feels like watching a movie. The secret, I discovered, isn't in having a photographic memory but in mastering a few creative writing techniques.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Whether you're capturing memories for yourself or you want to preserve your legacy by writing a book for your family, enhancing your storytelling can transform your narratives from simple recounts to compelling sagas.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Here, I'll share insights and tips that will not only make your writing more engaging but will also help you see your life stories through a new, captivating lens.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">1. Embrace Fictional Techniques</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Autobiographical writing shares much in common with fiction writing.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Even in non-fiction, elements common to fiction—characters, settings, and events—play crucial roles. Incorporating these elements can transform your narratives, making them more vivid and engaging.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">2. Add Dialog</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Dialogue brings your stories to life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">For a long while, I resisted the idea of adding dialog. I can't remember the exact words someone spoke years ago. Making up dialog seemed like cheating. However, there is a very good reason why published authors do this all the time. Dialogue brings the story to life. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">It's less about recalling exact words and more about capturing the spirit of conversations. Reflect on how people sounded and what they might have said. Any added dialog must be faithful to the person; it must be true to what you or they would have likely said in that situation. Also, it must be in the ‘voice’ of the person. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">For example, my mother was a non-native English-speaking immigrant. She had a unique way of speaking English, including certain catchphrases. If I'm writing words that she might have spoken, I don't correct them to perfect English because that's not how she spoke. I want my kids to "hear" her voice as I remember it.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">3. Enrich with Details</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Details create a believable and immersive world for your readers. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">I remember wrestling with the dilemma of injecting details into my life stories, especially when those memories were as clear as fog. In a Creative Writing class at Stanford, I learned that enriching your stories with carefully chosen details isn't dishonest—it's essential to bring your experiences to life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">When aiming to add depth to your stories, draw on your understanding of the people, settings, and the era. Even if you can't remember every specific detail, your knowledge of the context allows you to add elements that resonate with the essence of the experience.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">When I write about my childhood summers growing up in Perth, Australia, I can’t remember what the weather was like on any specific day fifty years ago. However, I do know what a typical summer day is like in Australia. By looking through old photos, reminiscing with my high school friends, and doing some research, I can accurately depict the beach scenes of my youth.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">4. Consider Your Audience</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Making your stories resonate across generations. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Describing settings, cultural contexts, and historical backdrops helps readers visualize and understand your experiences.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">For instance, if you're detailing childhood games, consider how these might be perceived by someone from another country or born in a different era. The game of 'marbles' was popular in Australia in the 1960s, but it might need a brief explanation of the rules to captivate a younger reader or someone from another part of the world.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Incorporating cultural tidbits and historical events into your narrative does more than just add context; it invites your reader to walk alongside you. Reflecting on how the moon landing of 1969 sparked a fascination that eventually led me to pursue a pilot's license illustrates how my life was influenced by the events of the time.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">5. Incorporate Reflection</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">The power of reflection is often underestimated.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">What makes a life story interesting isn't just a recitation of the facts about an actual event. Readers will value learning about your thoughts and feelings at the time of the experience. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Furthermore, it can be enlightening to view the experience through the eyes of your older and more experienced current self. This introspective journey offers readers insight into your personal evolution and can also provide therapeutic benefits for you, the writer.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">6. Embrace Variability in Memory</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">There is no absolute truth when it comes to memory</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">It’s entirely normal for your memory of an event to differ from someone else's account of the same occurrence. This discrepancy doesn't detract from the truth of your narrative. Your version is just as legitimate, grounded in your personal experience, and recounted to the best of your ability.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">I encourage you to read the detailed article on <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-rashomon-effect--the-different-ways-an-event-is-remembered" title="Life Stories" type="Life Stories">The Rashomon Effect</a> featured on our blog page. It highlights that different individuals remember the same event in distinct ways. Influenced by our personal experiences and viewpoints, each recollection offers a unique perspective.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">You can use the Rashomon Effect to your advantage. Use the Collaboration feature in My Stories Matter with people who shared the experience with you. They can fill in any gaps in your memory as well as enrich your story by adding their perspective.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">7. Define Yourself in Your Life’s Narrative</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Embrace your multifaceted identity.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Consider the multitude of roles you play in your own life story. For example, I’m a son, a brother, a father, a dog lover, an adventurer, and someone who enjoys fine dining, among other things.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">When writing, it's essential to select which of these identities are relevant to the narrative at hand. For instance, in sharing tales of my solo backpacking adventures around the world in my twenties, I recognize that many of these identities were not yet a part of me and thus do not apply.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">I write my life stories so that my children and future grandchildren know who I am. To achieve this, I need to craft a portrait through a tapestry of life stories, each reflecting different stages, experiences, and influences over the years.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23866" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-03-07t135347860jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-03-07T135347.860.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="Life Stories" title="Life Stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-03-07T135347.860.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=VwX4uIDbnjlOL2qTf%2FkP8GkWZlSoqPNVU5REXZVtJ%2FGNNMgtcoYY1F8nw0i%2BDzJqOMne%2FIDBclsNP%2BTBPGDHIc5nU2HvcDsC0UTRURCedgOZVob25ut7VbU0YigHlppZwAqXb1SSeSxvIWNbitkC%2BRvgQf3ah%2BYxGo9rF50yBYsjOLsgatbw5%2BfNIcWQFRqlzUvqJQJgbtc2SODoBYZOHCtYsNyQeKnLZug%2FNyx0Lt9lb%2Bi2hJddVbaomTJIYw7Um1x5bbYoELRdGwQIGtBIIUtHcIp8FyrSRNECXpY6bZUR5yzgfk%2Bz5p8YfSEnMbGopqfdFqjwfQ7Iy7GDz72eUg%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Additional Tips</b></h2>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">1. Spaced drafting</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Write a draft and leave it for a few days before attempting to write the final version. This separation will help you spot grammatical mistakes and identify opportunities for better phrasing.</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">2. Keep paragraphs brief</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">I aim for 4-6 lines per paragraph.</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">3. Editing tools</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Utilize tools like spell check. I also use the free version of Grammarly, even if I don't always agree with its suggestions. </b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">4. Strive for conciseness</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Mark Twain famously said, "I would have written you a shorter letter, but I didn't have time". </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Removing a sentence that seems perfect but is actually superfluous can be difficult. Learning to judiciously edit your own work, cutting out unnecessary sentences or paragraphs, is a skill that develops over time.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Occasionally, I'll keep those removed sections because they might find a place in future stories.</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">5. Focus</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Keep each story focused on a single experience, event, person, or topic. </b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">6. Organization</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">Utilize the Collections feature of My Stories Matter to organize related stories thematically. A story can appear in multiple collections; this makes it easier to find and reorganize content later.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">My Stories Matter automatically sorts your stories chronologically in your personal Timeline. This "digital memory lane" contains historical and cultural cues for each year to spark memories and provide context for your stories. I also use my Timeline to identify where the 'gaps' in my life that need to be filled.</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">7. Use Prompts</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">My Stories Matter has over a thousand Prompts designed to trigger memories. Prompts are organized into categories such as Early Childhood, Parents, and High School to help guide your writing.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ae853d0a-7fff-cec5-a5c7-58f8c93f1654">For more writing tips visit our blog: <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Life Stories" type="Life Stories">https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog</a>.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Your family will treasure your life stories, imperfections, and all. Your efforts to share your experiences, wisdom, and love are what truly matter. Happy writing!</b></p>


7 Writing Tips to Make Your Life Stories Captivating

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Our biggest ever upgrade is set to launch in November. Out with the old, in with the extraordinary; thank you to everyone who gave us feedback. </b></p>
<p><em><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">This upgrade will make your reminiscing experience easier,  more rewarding, and more enjoyable.</strong></em></p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">If you’ve used My Stories Matter, <strong>rest assured, all your precious memories await you in the upgraded version. The safety and security of your content is always our priority.</strong></b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">What’s new in this upgrade?</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Streamlined Workspace: </strong>Enjoy a simplified and better-organized site for your storytelling, that makes it easier for you to focus on your writing. </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23653" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/entire-app-v2gif-0">Entire App V2.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="11" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Entire%20App%20V2_0.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=AVuPJdNuQ6tu55a6x5hs%2FGrAi7PnmAEn0CLA31jXEtStsGPYBQTBGEz9RPXkzyDhBe253aYxcEqSrPxRHmh7GXdRb9tEtZK0q6Tzt1o5XYJ%2BkKB%2BZuWfEtmGBol%2Bt3tHytUEZ3vGkFcM%2BJ2BR6vkfu5OE2waiZdAh%2FbdUv1OIGm1xd955xvSOF6MLAOO8%2BFIHsvHgbqm%2BjlRHMfUKjat%2BoPs6PYPncpzOg2RW8CceHFiMx8ct33KnU4TFtYEnb9NbRsgt%2FCCzRLyuBGpS6hlRG3VKNOXH9mecmfXBIuTes56QfpYvGwgdcm8r3IU%2FwP0XCDy%2FPCiQ%2FTg7qvCqxQAjg%3D%3D" alt="The New App Overview" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Intuitive Timeline: </strong>Our new horizontal layout lets you easily map out your life's journey, highlighting gaps and inspiring new memories. Additionally, view these moments in a historical and cultural context with our curated Cues that include top songs, movies, TV shows, and more from each year.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23658" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/timeline-v3gif">Timeline V3.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="14" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Timeline%20V3.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=KQx08miUjYDe1bFDKaWCTKDSBgXR2zRWcynqBL3ko1%2BkLgyq%2FYAXrxbsZHzKY7b7RX9JUZrRzbwf%2Fhv3%2BV31hfUcGHx6VGAZ3R4SmtzpaQNIqUj%2FOCfwGCkoaKro6VgbkeSwFEyPs49%2FcJvkQt4nH4nyjEeqCxKyKg8a6ULEOneiFeERCEOjs29N%2B1pywyvVPj0vFmsiMzbmC%2FcyHuQrElVIKbVmIVv58YS1AYVWswbGJ7B1d5bhy6oAlOvoWxjvWO8URoOCMtiOkIgbfQ6L6UcEFzc6nYf7qYsnI4iW3%2BKFjAbEnt0v8Qhp59Jo03FLRQ4MpKlU%2FFUie5N12twFrA%3D%3D" alt="New Timeline View" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Revamped Writing Prompts: </strong>We’ve made it even simpler to come up with things to write about. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Considering writing your memoir? Our Prompt categories act as an instant table of contents for you to expand upon, encompassing everything from early childhood and high school to parenting and family vacations.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Prompts are designed to banish writer’s block, and now offer a variety of perspectives on each Prompt to ignite your writing process.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23641" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/prompts-and-sub-1jpg">Prompts and Sub  (1).jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Prompts%20and%20Sub%20%20%281%29_1.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=WTwwdjX4uS%2BN7FjreOtU1IeJ2lWzqdtm6OeOAL7v4iGbDJI91IuAyhD%2FCDAGBzW650%2FUy1JllN7Cjq%2BZdzoMb6m7%2FRX7nK4f5ZwuD8IOAHkLpSWvIVAUt3EUwh2PIU6jz4Yp9lVShfvZd9dsDxCR6doOmS6rvG6UmLjenAavkDe6qGmlWHlzbl5PkNI6gotabVSw78KtcAeTM0QekFip%2BfXTp7iN1%2BkD5S4jY7UuRJrSHvEtkyeQPJIsPbMlU%2FTOPgbj9pSqvrT1kSvcMYPIfzAg1iegaRf2%2FMal%2BrSM%2BqQSZ%2BjnVBycR91ray7tzUFfnjLsefddD%2BbSxB0uBhdGPw%3D%3D" alt="New Prompts and Sub Prompts" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>One-Stop Search: </strong>Enhanced search is your shortcut to accessing all the treasures within your My Stories Matter world. Whether you're on a journey to relive a particular memory or seeking fresh inspiration from a Cue or Prompt, you can now search for it all. </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23640" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/findgif-0">Find.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Find_0.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=JDWh%2FhNCIrGePGyb0sJBwsGe4MK5%2BU%2Fh7jHgtKCQnUroiJ3gUgT6Fss49mX8rFoRd4A6N7H97OcQrPS%2F%2FBcnA%2F12iJpjIHplzJp2MttHe0PCoG7U1raKZ9P7UbyXujG6YiA2vXEbTjixNl1zVdUbRvz4k0qn7ICY6wJ%2BG5PsM6ekR%2Bn7EcvpSvEwovdI5yaoK9Zt%2BTZ2B%2Fs14bYYF03pV1UjkN%2FxlDGgwEUM7BP%2B1wPv3YCwLY1eog9WhTj9EsONjJDpO%2BhpLTtnnmHm4XTxUqxw9NzoR34lef3CM8tds1Ydu6keBqNdJtdtR3oDCpisfftEwbvMW%2Bsg5iVsqPAEgw%3D%3D" width="1148" height="720" alt="The new search function" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Photos in Your Stories: </strong>You now have the ability to seamlessly embed your treasured photos into the heart of your story. Whether you’re capturing the memories of a family vacation, or recounting a milestone in your child’s life, your photos now seamlessly blend into your narrative, creating a richer, more personal, and more delightful storytelling experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23642" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/inline-imagesgif">Inline Images.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Inline%20Images.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=nabzrOAT3SpAMBxUWD3ZTSqGHbB08Jt8n%2BNdvj1RQBnzvWfDh%2Bd%2Bjr9ynt%2BcvY6v%2BDTOLB1pxdgtpfDozdv1T6gjmOS3jbn2vbieJ6CR%2BfnhtBt%2FBiUs1bT4UaZMauwd8R39TRs7uvtVCJQvB0z4xBi1fBHlo9XJ0gJceUqTFWm20ufq%2BXL5%2B%2FtcXGMkLoH83tMkQrqGnaLGn8RHLXoBASDFOEfpxdVk8xAvJ6TpEiXocmW%2BitUdz1oZt1hxqQ8FB4GrooyIRHC0umemFUblg1H3JGAR1lsKR8%2BsZZJ8qTPMYCOU1zBMt1ThAXVkijMjk80WqRvsWsmhlZ5sshJwJw%3D%3D" alt="Inline Images" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Writing Reminders: </strong>Imagine having a helpful friend who gently reminds you to continue your reminiscing journey and keep writing. That's exactly what our optional new writing reminder does! Whether it's a daily reminder or a weekly nudge, you can customize them to suit your preferences. </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23656" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/writing-reminderspng">Writing Reminders.png</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element mb-2 file-default" data-delta="13" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Writing%20Reminders.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=nrQFk6qtSwAZchZErx3Ct%2FCf3%2BaHPlOp%2BlJ0qjdHqpGv4EqTpELBK%2FZFk51eJZq0WQbeU0GALROaUGeIkp22LlMTliX13AAthiGz3uP8v0OUq0ef7NvF4RpWnqKtKoGvgUkSfP3nJ9VgfvfLUbE24uLW7BpW6iEwpZuTP7fh68vG0BvWZIAJ2pfvRpfQ%2BaN%2FaL8KrH7ctscxmaocqsjW42lkrNY8jXp7Pc04l4zanswflrxg%2BWMJBKBJKRLTuaqrY8LHiZdNsMPpw59Epetm0cCBVfS0YgxHnP2feA7wPNErz5wtGp6xsivE2H4kLbNFMRkZmlxvUhI1PWt2vNVWoQ%3D%3D" alt="Writing Reminders Notifications" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default"><div id="file-23691" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/1440px-writing-reminderpng">1440px-writing-reminder.png</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="15" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/1440px-writing-reminder.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=Pm2pr7%2BP%2Boey8XvXpoWeN5n22GR6CFXv6cQv15fq4n1NVqsR8DfxvZ1Fw7xus2jvzzN3DmwkWG19MF9KSSfVEvGQKH6ObBLct6wbIr1MA1BxVlGCK6Cd7FURP9iBi3VbBf2bOq2ly7%2FH2JJfQAYOINAcPFpncR%2Fjo5BI%2FcV%2BAZhGc6wXuGqKb2PvYUET8J4DR6j1pHKS%2F44b6YRdt2tDMM0PdRt%2Fvqiesn6mlTS50LxpdmdWcrRODiwY6Ph%2Fen%2FYhJliwXq4eK11lS1PKDzO6h6jEwAJR1QH%2FQAs5zQr5gWDZ4Ubajvw5G3B3GR3K8zneKkyNo6nrmII0TdNgzU1rQ%3D%3D" width="2880" height="2048" alt="writing-reminder" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Enhanced Visual Collections: </strong>Your Collections just got a fresh appearance. Additionally, we've introduced automatic groupings such as Drafts, Published, and Recently Deleted to make it easier for you to locate your content quickly. </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23645" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/collectionsgif-0">Collections.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Collections_0.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=fk4aRpzlG3Vryv2bcFajvuglzAlywWlKx0Ms3acNMBzBl%2Bnw2PCvkAEsf1bXuK6Rxoy0k7tDhKG4AsJxIy%2FA6shm%2Bo4n%2BDysj%2By2VRTDpT4A1fMTnLWD9q%2Bs%2BJJzG0GSEmD6Y%2B5PSLzTKH9r8DMjciM%2FLpoGIqlFfwUgdeC4ON2OqF7AlnM3VEg1hIwZ1v58a506Ma9QiYUOt9nm8ckU5EBFnSQdkQnLWmVpcSiop%2FBUm5UmUaJwsPgCf93n9ni6JIVxPTZVYfzq7ttEFsjcGjGdsFzoRMG4nflBDAOZn7jAWCrTJPNSC9djonF%2FxbEF%2FQgmNMqmkztasGtnGMVerQ%3D%3D" width="1292" height="720" alt="New Collections" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Auto-saved Memories: </strong>Our upgrade now automatically saves your work as you write. With auto-save, your memories are protected, letting you focus on the joy of reminiscing without the fear of loss.</p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23646" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/auto-savegif">Auto Save.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Auto%20Save.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=oqd1gM3XEMBRkP5WPzAFGCSUP2O%2BtrA8qr2dnLGTnGJoDY7W57%2B6nr9wzrGPwWKntE8T5XqRljIQeUDgFe3hqBfSIX2zdtD%2BdEJVNmE6sdfJumzG1soi7GX8JJK5HQoN3C19U9kAbyJDvR%2FQD0IBzyI37ytUvgMacnAD1EcT8eYfjMCz2uiaXJTh%2FvZ3n7EUWbARa5iFO5atktYNdxUIt51hU1lIVzccPIOSJ%2Bx7phdn%2F%2Fvj5vYRiW4Bx6nSBVHdaa%2Fn2%2FxojkH9Pqoriyaj1UlhxIJTo6fee6IL0EKL%2FA5k17QNovK290Js0VRHxAygI0JLjtkLMPXk%2FjVBf%2BctVw%3D%3D" alt="Auto Saving" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Helpful Messages: </strong>You'll see reassuring messages following your actions, keeping you informed every step of the way. Here are some examples:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Confirmation that your published memory is added to Recent and the Timeline</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Messages to undo accidental deletions of drafts or Collections</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Confirmation for other actions, such as when you create a new Collection</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23648" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/toast-messages-v2gif">Toast Messages V2.gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Toast%20Messages%20V2.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=WJLuPy%2B0UicapIaCPQ0VnwVMvZOceh5eYgkY8xdUv1ejGsqnPV1qGZPZasQrFtOfYlKxW3CT0akIDgv7W%2BIAJylJoAYqt7%2FuKX6tNtXqGhPnAXUhGUkZg0Qa1sQjLHLzzHN73GPwfh0gGnN1rxKNWaCeKqK7XOatjwBjB%2B1hC%2FjTGJX7uyQ9tUC1%2Fax2DmZRFIcSiJgskePif6ON%2FHQbB46UDB4Xijzvgs7hYG71wXEPQPZ%2FIB0JUI%2FwR8qTUF8OpIdvmMXFX4JHe%2BL8Td9FxIJk6cjFNNtzywQKGJsGB3TCEASbPZS5l7YofgxnK%2BLnLR5iZuQ8Vb3c2kXLo%2F4J%2FA%3D%3D" alt="Toast Messages" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Exciting New Improvements on the Way: </strong>We're not just improving existing features; this upgrade also paves the way for us to introduce some exciting new improvements we're currently working on. Keep an eye out for what's coming next!</p>
<h2 class="mt-0" dir="ltr"><b>What else should I know? </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr">We've carefully thought through this upgrade and how it benefits our My Stories Matter community. Every change was made with the goal of making your reminiscing experience more intuitive and enjoyable. </p>
<p dir="ltr">You will continue to access My Stories Matter through mystoriesmatter.com. Though we fondly bid farewell to the classic My Stories Matter, join us in stepping forward into a more enriching reminiscing journey. </p>
<p>Change can sometimes feel unfamiliar, but it can also bring many benefits.</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">No More Homepage: </strong>Now you're just one click away from your memories. </p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Collections and Drafts Together: </strong>Your Collections and Drafts will be neatly organized under "Edit," making it a breeze to view and manage all your content.</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Your Favorite Features Coming Back Soon: </strong>Rest assured, all the features you love in the old My Stories Matter, including collaborative writing and Challenges, will soon make their reappearance in the updated version.</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Your Mind-Pops: </strong>All your precious Mind-Pops from the old My Stories Matter will be temporarily accessible as drafts until we revamp Mind-Pops.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">Join us in exploring this exciting new version of your favorite reminiscing site!</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-67178a69-7fff-cd2c-a689-7558c5fb2bc6">If you encounter any issues or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at </b><b id="docs-internal-guid-ff45b716-7fff-2413-1a18-f04e00eba986"><a href="mailto:support@mystoriesmatter.com" title="Feedback" type="Feedback">support@mystoriesmatter.com</a></b>. Or after logging in, contact us on the My Stories Matter website. </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23649" class="file file-image file-image-gif">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/feedback-short-gif">Feedback Short .gif</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="9" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Feedback%20Short%20.gif?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=badUUqQRVPOMda4cs41FDS81%2BpgavCrIv%2BseJPbPkZ301K5rCVRvenRdgvZbLboBpZGDD95gB1BTdR06d19rg5JEqJDL33pIAbKey%2BL1%2FaVSPyr08DGgm135juHEHhS8nxSERARwcFKfNpeLF5hd5%2BaTmfmJeJnYOgjPuT8udnMYKwnxZ6G2t0XxNhccea77%2FGIX399BZTazoq6edFOE3xVUh5oFJovmYlKVYwjBPVyr46VMj%2Flz50b7ESaM64jABbA0EveLBrQ7Seh4TKYAfJ%2FDuvCY2%2FuLr%2FFGoI1pWaRv%2FndwQZE66KF8DPIiweSXGklQ%2BuP4TByvelesl9sPOA%3D%3D" alt="How to give feedback" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><em>We look forward to having you join us on the upgraded My Stories Matter, designed to make your reminiscing experience easier, more rewarding, and more enjoyable.</em></p>


My Stories Matter’s Major Upgrade - Coming Soon!

<p> </p>

<h1 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-21526" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-06-30t153707099jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-06-30T153707.099.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="Personal narrative " title="Personal narrative " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-06-30T153707.099.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=ZPFwR1GXEbzIOqvkgXBJGVlYgVeDg2cedc3FE2YDUg%2BZqFiDlp5vmbgDvAmLMu4gEB1RsAAYQdBbTtYAa6S%2BmRPskh74nf78x4hmmGiZZPzFiULSWILCiysCZdSNAV%2B1NcKG0AzokfgGokfdaAR7FTUlPMLaBhsKrb%2Fyd2ytvQFtKe5kAPLGpSzvUbNgA6QzPi4Hcwj0qyLN56Z8KUA1mFL3ScphoGCAAL%2BjY%2BY8VZDG9ljIhFWsB0aDGiiCdDd9EUt58QT8mQ91zxcLzS959x9GXn86fmHoQAc0RlYpMEvD23t2bZSPKnfukaGRBKK2e0fNZCMJqialWi6z7t0Unw%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-09adf60d-7fff-cac1-9a49-8a28a62cb6c4">As humans, we are wired to connect through stories. Personal narratives are a powerful way to share your experiences and connect with your readers. In this blog article, we will explore how to write a compelling personal narrative that resonates with your readers and helps you build meaningful connections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">A personal narrative is a story about a personal experience or event. It is told from the writer's perspective and often includes sensory details that help bring the story to life. Personal narratives can be used to explore various topics, from overcoming challenges to travel experiences to family history. Famous examples include classics like “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diary_of_a_Young_Girl" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">Diary of a Young Girl</a>,” by Anne Frank, “<a href="https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks12/1203811h.html" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">The Death of the Moth</a>” by Virginia Woolf, and “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bossypants" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">Bossypants</a>” by Tina Fey. Read on to find out how to write your very own personal narrative!</b></p>
<h1 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-21527" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-06-30t153924774jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-06-30T153924.774.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="Life Stories" title="Life Stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-06-30T153924.774.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=CtTIqtqBryJiL3M%2FWVVTr5twSLWLLSswpesSldCbT75e5uReoLcKgyutmPR3GoUv%2F10KbcsxVv9ivNWHLrjFxFsd6D641UOcaRkFmaaGhCdESzl%2BbGGjdKW8XR%2FhHsVRfkB6bkLLfGIgh9c3FkMY0J%2F1yhbEk22ydK33hk7o3ya6l70KCk0GJy3o4v1nVMeR5z2rSszGEy1f3lLCkCbcHGZ2Ove%2BLS3T0OvyPTjWUoq2gc44WtaC8WiRuoLPRlT3DIqyYN6urJbUHrj%2FNWhpGp%2F1kKfeCesQ1k0ysf3Q1zbF5vxKXN5if1HWxdLl2CyQ8gKAiu4fLMebqG3QCl1CMA%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h1>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Choosing a Topic for Your Personal Narrative</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">The first step in writing a personal narrative is choosing a topic. Think about a personal experience that has profoundly impacted you or that you feel strongly about. It could be a life-changing moment, a significant relationship, or a period of personal growth.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">If you’re having trouble, think about </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Some obstacles you faced</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">The funny stories that your family members tell about you</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">A moment where your worldview changed </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Consider what you want your readers to take away from your story when choosing a topic. What lesson or message do you want to share? How can your personal experience help others who may be going through similar situations? <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">My Stories Matter</a> offers excellent prompts to kickstart your writing and what topic you want to focus on. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-21528" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-06-30t154219874jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-06-30T154219.874.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="Personal narrative " title="Life Stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-06-30T154219.874.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=jOXGVm6OdwS5XU%2FUHUhn9%2BfbnP8hP8hlMdIewnYu1n0AjEa%2FnMSf8iUPFbA9U2DOt3NQtzXo4b1cbcBEstfxdxdV2KfbLYjJI90PVDVckMJwQm8RlwlOIvr8XTSyfOhecI08CGTH7i%2Bqb1OODnJKS8XdQUZdoL%2BHIRWxW2ofBBjnA8tEirzZlWdO7YYWCfvUQt3zsGRNns8s5dgVhOyztyft7SVx0nENzMmC5TkQXXKrwvVT2nDmW1RN7hopq6%2Bunbq63%2FYA7VAhuHHUK7Jaw%2FFa8LU%2B2X8IzQfaAjKwVIXpHcKd1Pw7jBopEWEo09C5MC2ZjPPUfRd1B%2BtboSK1nw%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Tips for Writing a Successful Personal Narrative</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Once you have a topic, it's time to start writing your personal narrative. Here are some <a href="https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Personal%20Narrative%20Essays.pdf" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">tips</a> to help you write a successful story:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Use sensory details: Use descriptive language that appeals to the five senses to help bring your story to life. This will help your readers visualize the experience and feel like they are with you, or even better, they are you</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Focus on a specific moment: Rather than covering an entire event or period, focus on a specific moment that significantly impacted you. This will help you delve deeper into the emotions and thoughts accompanying that moment.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating how you feel, show your readers through your actions, thoughts, and dialogue. This will help them better understand your experience and feel more connected to you as a writer.</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h1 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-21529" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-06-30t154442604jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-06-30T154442.604.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="Life Stories" title="Life Stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-06-30T154442.604.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=L442PapK%2FcZ7B8U4VUUT49w2WeBR71XOoCspxxO0ep0xHHxTO%2BKywmSFHRzn7sjuWbc%2BG1Pcz9b5t5UsJv4GGyeOOZ7RitgWKQ6XDmhhXW%2BvtJxxUOVNdNhIvnL64JiHEv3huUJkZ8FtG2rlk5O09Wv2GGwgzzeMfPnt3%2BWczHko3G%2Bwp1GOuVl2L3t9srqRixjeEiDG5dpV99YFBgZp0AsMpfqIJJ2drP%2FUxRu1noXylk1cbh195KZEN2gron%2FjGohZ4wZgFSmkwO7LFSqYVTI8t6rbC5%2BeJy0StDLNh5%2BH9H7SgjiifCXxYfYMUw4DHqw14h3Am5OcZPcJNaXm8Q%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h1>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Write Your Personal Narrative On My Stories Matter</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Sharing your personal narrative is a vulnerable and incredibly rewarding experience. By sharing your story, you can build connections with readers who may have had similar experiences or can relate to your message.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">When sharing your personal narrative, consider the platform you will use. One option is to use My Stories Matter. My Stories Matter provides a safe and supportive community for writers. You can engage with like-minded peers crafting their narratives and bounce ideas off each other and get feedback. However, unlike other social media apps, you are in charge of who sees your writing–even if the answer is no one–due to our sincere respect for privacy. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">In addition, My Stories Matter offers various prompts and writing exercises that inspire creativity and self-reflection, such as our Writing Helper! These tools help you delve deeper into your memories, emotions, and perspectives, enabling you to weave compelling narratives. Learn <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/enhancing-your-life-stories--writing-tips-and-techniques" title="personal narrative" type="personal narrative">more writing tips</a>, as well. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995"><a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Life Stories" type="Life Stories">Sign up</a> for free today and let the narration begin!</b></p>


Easy Guide to Writing Your Personal Narrative

<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20517" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-03-21t122238844jpeg-0">resized-image-Promo - 2023-03-21T122238.844.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-21T122238.844_0.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=nFksLi1ncX3hfCMFqMZC8QNIvhsbX0VzyucUeAVL0qTzc88kwsD6EyCr%2BtZ87DpU3qiWdlwcFDiSrohYJw3P%2FUMZx4N2imQAViszNvYUJPyAlYqCw%2BkBq1TLDIsE5Cv3opf5vnSHke%2Fq0EuvTAflJNm%2Bl4uoi9j1iSG125ALyLoCLaWJ1I5gvx6sDjAhQ5zAToBbpBgcLKqZrLDojxFxWmg%2B7TCtXwJOUGWK%2F8C%2BdyF48zqg2vDr6ektcPR9triUTqDwhAvjt0Ny2JRunwRc4stw%2F6CaECHNtbBiGUyJo4yU8mLD%2BAmCphfKCOQX1eXaaSqzMjyxxbjay7uS%2BjLbXg%3D%3D" alt="old letters on a desk" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoir vs. Autobiography: Understanding the Key Differences</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Both <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-memoir-ideas-to-jumpstart-your-life-story/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">memoirs</a> and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">autobiographies</a> are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of someone's life. However, while these two genres are similar in many ways, some significant differences set them apart.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In this article, we'll explore the differences between a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/16-reasons-to-write-your-memoir/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">memoir</a> and an autobiography and help you understand which format might be best for your life story!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 1: Definition of Memoir and Autobiography</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">The first and most obvious difference between a memoir and an autobiography is their definition. A memoir is autobiographical writing that focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life rather than covering their entire life from birth to the present. On the other hand, an autobiography is a comprehensive account of a person's life from start to finish.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 2: Scope and Focus</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">As mentioned, a memoir focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life. This could be a particular event, relationship, or challenge that significantly impacted the person and helped to shape who they are today. In contrast, an autobiography aims to provide a thorough account of a person's life, covering everything from childhood to the present.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 3: Perspective</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Another critical difference between memoir and autobiography is the perspective from which the story is told. In a memoir, the author is typically the main character and the story is told from the first-person point of view. This allows the author to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences more personally and authentically.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the author may also tell their story from a first-person perspective, but it is common for them to take a more objective, third-person approach. This way, the author steps back and provides a broader view of their life and the events that shaped it.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 4: Purpose</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoirs and autobiographies inspire or inform others, share lessons learned, or provide a compelling and engaging story. While both genres tell a person's life story, memoirs are often more focused on entertainment and personal growth.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Autobiographies may be written for a broader audience to establish the author's place in history, provide insight into a particular period or cultural context, or serve as a record of a person's life and achievements.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 5: Time Frame</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">A memoir typically focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life, while an autobiography covers their entire life from birth to the present. As a result, memoirs are often more tightly focused and cover a shorter time frame. At the same time, autobiographies tend to be more sprawling and cover a broader range of events and experiences.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 6: Writing Style</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">While both genres are non-fiction, the style of writing varies significantly. In a memoir, the author has more freedom to experiment with style and structure and can use literary techniques such as dialogue, scene-setting, and characterization to bring their story to life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Author <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/365-you-have-to-write-the-book-that-wants-to-be" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">Madeleine L'Engle</a> once said, "You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book is too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the writing style tends to be more straightforward and factual, with less emphasis on literary flourishes. Autobiographers often strive for a clear, objective tone that accounts for their life.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 7: Audience</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoirs are often written for a general audience and may appeal to anyone interested in the author's story or the themes they explore. Depending on the style and content, they may be marketed as self-help books, memoirs, or even novels.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In contrast, autobiographies are often written for a more specific audience, such as historians, researchers, or fans of the author's work. Autobiographers may focus more on documenting their life and achievements than crafting an engaging narrative.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 8: Authenticity</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Both memoirs and autobiographies aim to provide an authentic account of a person's life, but how this authenticity is achieved varies. In a memoir, the author may take creative liberties with the events or characters to tell a more compelling story. However, the overall tone and themes should still be grounded in reality.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the focus is often on providing an accurate, factual account of the author's life. Autobiographers may use primary sources such as diaries, letters, and photographs to ensure their account is as real as possible.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 9: Tone</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In a memoir, the author's voice and personality are often front and center, and the tone may range from humorous to severe, depending on the subject matter. The tone may also change throughout the book, reflecting the author's emotional journey.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the tone is often more consistent and may be more objective or academic. The author may adopt a more distant or detached tone to provide a broader view of their life and achievements.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 10: Legacy</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Finally, both memoirs and autobiographies have a lasting impact on a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">person's legacy</a>. By sharing their story, authors can inspire and educate others and leave a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">record of their life</a> and achievements for future generations.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">While memoirs and autobiographies are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of a person's life, they differ in significant ways. Memoirs focus on a specific period or theme and are often more personal and literary in style. At the same time, autobiographies provide a complete account of a person's life and are often more objective and factual. Understanding the differences between these two genres will help aspiring writers choose the format best suited to their own life stories.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20515" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-03-21t122633536jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-03-21T122633.536.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="Memoir and an Autobiography" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-21T122633.536.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=nBwXzTegzeawF9UN%2BtPKa%2BsIUJsweFXUjk%2F2%2FWPqtsSm6PhukEFDFbLNlZyrc%2FaQYI72uEBvk420gxM0Sb9YrDgyyGnQPwcdl1CSg9EOZT1Zv0mviRjIjIhkghVSeQnqb2KusxY%2FNcTjJ%2FdktSMwacJvwaOlsB%2FIUIqQBTyBJoHtLNJ8Dj10EJh4ngOojeIMqO2ccc9gVtTtRoUIPXc7Z9JuNEa%2BxBP4zfCQ2F10JR1VyXX7HBGNncIoQgf9S98Q%2FI9aIL7bH2QzJxBZQsQiAsefMvZJpoz8JU6iPgcyPMxmJDR0MM3cKZ2A456%2FJ2nYKN0gfen8phfgj5K2x%2Ft%2FKw%3D%3D" alt="A person surfing on a big wave" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Write your Memoir or Autobiography on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Whether you write a memoir or autobiography or simply want to record your valuable life stories, the most important thing is to start capturing and sharing those memories. Your life is too important to be lost to time - it deserves to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">My Stories Matter</a> is incredibly helpful when writing your memoir or autobiography. We provide an easy and accessible way to record your stories and memories, allowing you to create a digital asset for generations. You can chronicle your life to make writing a memoir or autobiography much easier! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">Sign up</a> for free today.</b></p>


10 Differences Between a Memoir and an Autobiography

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Did you know that memoirs are one of the fastest-growing genres in publishing? You don’t need to be a celebrity or the survivor of a catastrophic event to draw readers to the story of your life. Some of the most popular memoirs in recent years have been written by <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/10-differences-between-a-memoir-and-an-autobiography/" title="everyday people">everyday people</a>. </b></p>

<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Personal Growth </b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Writing a memoir can help you reflect on your experiences and lessons learned. </b></p>
<ol start="2">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Legacy</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">By sharing your stories, you leave a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-glue-that-binds-a-family-together--building-a-family-legacy/" title="legacy for loved ones">legacy for loved ones</a> that provides a glimpse into your life as well as the people and experiences that shaped your personality. </b></p>
<ol start="3">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Family Narrative</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Record your family’s story. <a href="https://wellbeingjournal.com/childhood-self-esteem-and-family-togetherness/" title="Research">Research</a> shows that children who have a strong sense of "intergenerational self" and know they belong to something bigger than themself are more likely to have higher self-esteem and resilience. </b></p>
<ol start="4">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Healing</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Writing about past experiences can be a form of therapy and healing for both the writer and the reader. </b></p>
<ol start="5">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Create Connection</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Memoirs can bring people together and create a sense of community by sharing common experiences and perspectives. </b></p>
<ol start="6">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Inspire Others</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Sharing your story can inspire and empower others who may be facing similar experiences.</b></p>
<ol start="7">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Document History</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">By documenting your experiences, you are contributing to the historical record of your community and the world. </b></p>
<ol start="8">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Gratitude</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">A memoir provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the people who have helped you in your life journey.  Publicly thank individuals so that their legacy can live on.</b></p>
<ol start="9">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Life Lessons</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Pay it forward and share your hard-earned life lessons to help younger generations succeed in life.</b></p>
<ol start="10">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Mental Exercise</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Writing down stories <a href="https://hbr.org/2014/10/why-your-brain-loves-good-storytelling" title="solidifies memory pathways">solidifies memory pathways</a> in the brain and preserves those memories for the future.</b></p>
<ol start="11">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Unique Voice</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Your story is unique and valuable. Writing it gives you the opportunity to share your perspective and voice with the world.</b></p>
<ol start="12">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Empowerment</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Writing a memoir can be an empowering experience that helps the author reclaim their story and gain control over their narrative.  </b></p>
<ol start="13">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Celebrate Achievements</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">A memoir is a way to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/memory/bXlfc3Rvcmllcy8xNTU3MjA" title="celebrate">celebrate</a> and acknowledge your achievements, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/memory/bXlfc3Rvcmllcy8xNTI0NDk" title="struggles">struggles</a>, and milestones.</b></p>
<ol start="14">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Express Creativity</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Memoir writing is a form of creative expression that enables you to craft your story and showcase your writing skills. </b></p>
<ol start="15">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Share Joy</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Write about the brightness of life and share the joy of laughter.  </b></p>
<ol start="16">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">20 Feet from Stardom</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Share your unique stories about your brush with famous people. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95"><a href="https://writinghelper.mystoriesmatter.com" title="Writing Helper">Writing Helper</a>: Elevate your writing in minutes!</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Have you always wanted to write your memoir? Do you struggle to put your ideas into words? Have a story to tell, but need help telling it? We can help you create professionally written stories of your life.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Save time and improve the quality of your writing </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">We turn your ideas and words into beautifully crafted stories delivered straight into your email inbox. And, we’ll save them digitally for you on My Stories Matter. Enjoy the quality of a professional writing service with the convenience of email! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">What would you like to do?</b></p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">I need help starting my story</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Simply start with an idea. We’ll email you a topic or you can choose your own such as “Memories of my Mother” or “Life lessons I’d like to pass onto my children.”</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Then, just like a conversation, we will email you some questions. Spend just a few minutes on your responses and we will turn them into a professionally-written story. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar - we handle that too.</b></p>
<ol start="2">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">I need help improving my story</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Every published author has an editor. If you just want to improve an existing story, our editing service can help. We can improve the readability of your writing by correcting spelling and grammar mistakes, and adding paragraph breaks. We can also provide alternative versions for your consideration. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">No matter what stage your story is at, we can take it to the next level and make it publication-worthy.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">It’s easy, fast, and affordable. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">See it in action</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Watch our short video to see how we can help you become the writer you’ve always wanted to be. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">3 Easy Steps:</b></p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Choose a topic, or send us your existing story</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Answer a few questions, or ask us to help improve your story</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Enjoy your story!</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c03679c3-7fff-fa26-6183-2699cb1e0fe5"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/concierge-life-stories" title="memoir " type="memoir ">Get started</a> today. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Acknowledgements</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Thank you to the following members of My Stories Matter whose posts are referenced.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Hans VanDeVen</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Betty DelCastillo</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Megan Rourke</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Lilian Lopez</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Lynn Lozano</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Shaire Campos </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Christopher Faylor</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Ruth Brandon</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Sera Mercury</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Peyton Kellner</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Robin Korejko</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Cierra Turner-graham</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Bailey Edwinson</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Keanna Bitangcol</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Arnie Papp</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Alex Reid</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Yolanda Collier</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Sharon Nibbs</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Marisa Hoisington</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Electra Panting</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Inez Morgan</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Douglas Augustine</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Erica Worley</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Belinda Wharehinga</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Stephanie Elsner</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Peg Brown</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Norma Jarvie</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Sera Mercury</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Lynette Villegas</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Lucy Perez</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Ken Windsor</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Claire Goodwin </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Andrea Thorfinson</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb8f0dcb-7fff-4f21-f0db-41a755091d95">Ty Hunter</b></p>


March 2nd is World Book Day, so now’s a perfect time to think about writing your memoir.

16 Reasons to Write Your Memoir

<p dir="ltr"> <b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Memoirs are a popular form of literature, offering readers a chance to glimpse into the lives of others, understand different perspectives, and gain insights that can transform their lives.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>For example, memoirs like McCourt’s “Angela’s Ashes,” Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast,” and Gilbert's “Eat, Pray, Love” remain inspiring classics. They are becoming more popular than ever, growing <a href="https://wordsrated.com/autobiography-sales-statistics/" title="memoir ideas">26% in sales revenue over the last five years - more than non-fiction books</a>! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">A memoirist or a memorialist is a person who writes a memoir. However, it’s essential to distinguish memoirs from autobiographies. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="memoir ideas">Autobiographies</a> narrate the story "of a life," but a memoir often relates the story of a specific career, event, or time in the author's life, such as touchstone moments.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">If you're thinking of writing a memoir, but are unsure where to start, don’t fret! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir ideas">My Stories Matter</a> gives you four memoir ideas to get you started. </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20134" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-02-17t121048140jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-02-17T121048.140.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="woman on beach " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121048.140.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=OxOO2dUArc4A26zKE8AmC%2FJJ5ZmRnBP4%2BDnlwcgxHw9xW1s7wyAG3vLVu6tbpgNjaUT7I67jKk1RfnrMJj8PVLwgRtd8xvzEJ3P6WyfyZkgjukxwWaVVM857kDmxeFezDF98Y%2B7AG6EFjIM3QOcy2jHV2itoGoyFq4jzodJ1Qi%2F2L4BzyLMqjES3IrqO39ptUoYInzGizE2FF8qM49yCr1dzEED5htc8dJyPb6BTy50KE2ZT1r07sc4ilgYYMcGQXqlI9HNB2viFEO6Mihl8R6RtjbpUs7hrdX0oNwzrTEOy2FuWQkpmlrxbU%2BI0zu9YquHYF0hotuJzpfkt%2BM2RlQ%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Focus on a Significant Event</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">This could be tragedy or triumph, achieving a personal goal, or overcoming an obstacle. If you experienced a significant illness or injury, you could write about how that event impacted your life and how you coped with the changes. Or, if you faced a challenge, such as overcoming addiction or going through a divorce, you could write about what you learned from the experience.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Despite what you might think, writing about adverse events has a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00389/full" title="memoir ideas">positive effect</a>! Telling the story of a past negative incident or continuing anxiety "frees up" cognitive resources. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">The same goes for “positive expressive writing.” According to one <a href="https://psyarxiv.com/uctj4/" title="memoir ideas">study</a>, a three-day course of "positive expressive writing," which involved writing about positive events, reduced anxiety immediately after writing and improved work-related well-being and job satisfaction four weeks later! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/7-must-have-tips-on-journaling%C2%A0/" title="memoir ideas">Journaling</a>, memoirs, and poetry are all examples of expressive writing.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20135" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-02-17t121150680jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-02-17T121150.680.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="old photographs " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121150.680.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=gMam6Xf%2FKyGfmTLeXcLr5Qs%2B378KBcb0SJz8j9SUmD8v4tJtPKko5jSNRIBOwHUNgFuJgVUJJS6U9chPjQk1wC51qIcOYOaiJh%2FyQsaIsJvsDbftrfYEYKjPi7gyT9x3MnVMmJu8NlIrFLParEE6vtQOrGOumBD%2FOOlWAn4J4IQ2%2FM61Yq7Y3IrkGfpNZbdE%2FhgOG8ICnyIAsvNDX%2FHDimB5gamm3iOUqUVrNgLHzUTcbHXXyXi8kF5Ypmj2sCzVcw3v%2Bu6wz0N8K60szIXuAZ5mY5T%2BpJ0YfdjRyFhT77qn4G5kCpPfCzQL0D%2BiUnQFJsy4cJFoTXZvlD9U3KwiHg%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<ol start="2">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Explore Your Roots</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Exploring your roots means delving into your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories/" title="memoir ideas">family history</a>, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-creating-family-memories%C2%A0/" title="memoir ideas">cultural background</a>, and childhood experiences. This can be a great way to uncover stories and experiences that have shaped your life and helped you become the person you are today.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Did your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/preserve-your-grandparents%E2%80%99-memories-on-my-stories-matter%C2%A0/" title="memoir ideas">grandparents</a> have a difficult journey coming to America? Was there a pivotal moment in your childhood that shaped your worldview? What was your relationship with your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-recording-your-parent's-life-stories--how-my-stories-matter-can-help/" title="memoir ideas">parents</a> and siblings like? </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20136" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-02-17t120913477jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-02-17T120913.477.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T120913.477.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=VbcN2FQPyhpvjnOmfcTobjfg8RWgVg%2BZo4i%2BoautmIqGq80XJcC%2B0zO1JolkLFHU4spPVeiacwXFmhR0D2S833ZSD5o0siu5PGc3jWd%2FohsbfCZuDTdiYiYfefXLWeGu7VpcjPKNwjyBrIy1JkvTWduBDmIfJT1y0gMYIEqsjRfKSHTcOQfv2jn0MD5BZHIKZnFP7ouHWjFPNxQMs%2B%2BdKDT5Ix3cQPVzyQ5q%2BfH1%2Fj8ZkjOniAUWYpyBNsiMl0C2yksxu5a7cEoVuXogvu2S%2FytltzGPTW0qXKIj1zfja7u%2BZwpUQ%2B3irjLxpD4p7gYtZVrZAYTLKZ%2Boe9tE6LS7mQ%3D%3D" alt="couple kissing" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<ol start="3">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Write About a Relationship</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Writing about a relationship, whether it's a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a relationship with a family member, can be a powerful way to explore the dynamics of human connections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Was there a romantic relationship that taught you about love and trust? Or a friendship that ended in betrayal? You could also write about a complicated relationship with a family member and how that impacted your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-best-tips-for-capturing-life-stories/" title="memoir ideas">life</a> or explore the bonds with your childhood friends.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20137" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-02-17t121234573jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-02-17T121234.573.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="woman taking photos " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121234.573.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=Wo%2F6N6NjDLm3bRE2yFAAXzIPu1wP%2FRMOV4ve0w%2BhimndPsphYiNjwRG544CI4ZJIg%2FxCVQyNUcx6q293sLYrq2twa%2FXsdcy3Tm2km2pwg5DvbKdDB8flweTbAApWXT149ukzQ%2BVStiNqn3MPaGXa9QnVHcjyWZ0VfpC5f5nOZwWArsEEFAdc%2FJOxn%2FvjIw6Gw8T8qctgPRN3srYXzwDZH1xe3zLBM4ndnmi536Mga0oNHYcE8QDYQJR%2Bp%2FWtYkHOdg%2BZkyxAMgo%2Bnc6MrVHgkVqUWbeZ8dlA7H%2Bp7Mj3WOY8F0ECT88Z6GQKzRW73GLfwxoqPH69Xze06YKlz7gmbw%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<ol start="4">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Explore a Passion or Hobby</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Did you love painting or <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/why-you-prefer-nostalgic-songs-from-your-teenage-years/" title="memoir ideas">playing an instrument</a> growing up? Is there a passion that inspires you? Write about how that passion has influenced your life. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Contrary to popular opinion, there isn’t one single passion for everybody. Some people enjoy many hobbies, and no hobby is too small or insignificant if it gives you comfort. The best thing you can do is listen to what motivates you, then write about it. </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20138" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-02-17t121122670jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-02-17T121122.670.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img alt="book shelf " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121122.670.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=SLSzjyatvuL2K4V0i7p7k4sD699bIg2hUKVpt33oyencB5jGlj%2BO8Npc1jKotuSVRpDyu6%2B%2FCnlf%2FMtlcM465zhRVnR53D3plxATkl4mg5VqhqLeb3BEezTCldL6JmxAHTMan4WBjB60Skl1tXRkaXKenjeLSWJkcoyMZMytC%2FyLXMWbDCvKBa80dnIifxhY5u1z8hoiYoJBfvVDpAiIWX6WH7wdFAfAB3b%2F0beoybuYQxH7QGOgG8VL4BqSzKZIdqA5iHAEyXriEXyPxZ83GGmpwjlyWGSt2mM3o37PPq%2Bi6K%2F5MP3QfFQ%2BWAWWOrLWbMnjoVkyWJwNjgxjydIDiA%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Write Your Memoir on My Stories Matter</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">My Stories Matter can help you bring these <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-bring-a-memory-to-life/" title="memoir ideas">ideas to life</a> and turn them into a coherent narrative so your memoir can leave a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="memoir ideas">lasting legacy</a> for future generations. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">My Stories Matter's editing and organizing features make revising and perfecting your memoir easy! For example, take advantage of our assisted writing feature, <a href="http://writinghelper.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir ideas">WritingHelper</a>, where a writer can assist you by asking questions and composing your responses into a narrative while correcting grammar and spelling. This can help you expand your ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the story you want to tell. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">You can also add multimedia content, such as photos and videos, allowing you to explore different formats for your memoir.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Don’t forget to invite friends and family to share their memories and perspectives! This can add a new layer of depth to your ideas for a memoir and make it a truly collaborative effort. </b></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir ideas">Sign up for free</a> at My Stories Matter today, and happy writing!</b></p>


4 Memoir Ideas to Jumpstart Your Life Story

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19288" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-01-03t132925622jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-01-03T132925.622.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="my stories matter" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-03T132925.622.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=P%2BX7DITXGQzoS8f1osB%2BNp5tE5XZPggd2XqJGizkaqSd%2FGv341cBreyVUCrX6D%2FeYKjw1v3nz1cz5oyxdTpiIkr0ad2hdCZzKHigy6QQQI74%2B1vOyxTvS8yogYS%2FUqh1IW83DDa0hHswTqOA%2F%2Bz3IPxVWD0marYu8vj9U9esdzryNYY%2FXWOq98Jk6UBQedKdSlcGDPsGN10nSv2kdgaY8rlFtLM%2FJRPwbmA4xqfN%2Fkh5cXG%2FRDidcFOA8CrWh2lUC%2Bg4GxOHhovoksid6yFvqbSqykoxD4%2BNtYl6yYyM6uua%2FNmruMLRsSNTL33ClSfWJB9doxT5yWV6JSvTuD%2BNWg%3D%3D" alt="A journal" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you process your thoughts and emotions, set and track goals, and even <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/" title="journaling ">improve your mental and physical health</a>.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">There are many <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-many-cognitive-benefits-of-journaling" title="journaling ">cognitive benefits of journaling</a>. Though journaling is a personal activity, making your writings coherent and grammar-checked can allow your family or offspring to read your work and establish your legacy after you're gone. So making your writing readable is critical!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">We’ve compiled seven crucial tips to help you get the most out of your journaling practice.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Make it a Daily Habit </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Consistency is vital in journaling, so try to make it a daily practice. Set aside a specific time each day to write in your journal, and stick to it as much as possible. This will not only help you develop the habit but also give you a regular opportunity to reflect on your experiences and emotions.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">In one study, expressive writing (like journaling) for only <a href="https://mic.com/articles/110662/science-shows-something-surprising-about-people-who-still-journal#.n0QO5ApTN" title="journaling ">15 to 20 minutes a day three to five times</a> over four months was enough to lower blood pressure and improve liver functionality! </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> helps you maintain a regular journaling practice by generating ideas for your entries and setting reminders and goals to help you stay on track.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Write Freely and Without Judgment </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">When journaling, it's essential to let go of judgments or self-censorship. Worry about grammar after! For now, let your thoughts and emotions flow onto the page. This will help you to be honest and open with yourself and make the process more therapeutic. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> offers several unique features that make it perfect for exploring and expressing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You can connect and share your stories, providing a supportive and understanding audience for your journaling. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Be Specific and Detailed</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Be as specific and detailed as possible to get the most out of your journaling. Instead of just writing that you're "feeling stressed," try to identify what is causing that stress and how it affects you. This will help you better understand your emotions and experiences and make it easier to identify patterns and make positive changes.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">A study of nearly 100 young adults was asked to spend 15 minutes journaling, drawing about a distressing experience, or writing about their day’s plans twice a week. People who journaled experienced the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub" title="Journaling ">most significant reduction in symptoms such as despair, anxiety, and aggression</a>, especially if they were already upset.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Use Prompts to Get Started</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">If you're having trouble getting started, try using prompts to kick-start your writing. These can be questions or even words that inspire you to write. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> has endless prompts for you, such as: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What has surprised you in life? </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Who have you looked up to over the years, and why? </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What are some memorable moments from this year? </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What did you do on your very first date with your spouse? </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Reflect on Your Writing</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Once you've finished writing, take a few moments to reflect on what you've written. What insights did you gain? What patterns did you notice? What emotions or experiences stood out to you? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">By taking the time to reflect on your writing, you'll be able to understand yourself and your adventures better, and you'll be able to identify areas where you can make positive changes. For example, a study found that students and faculty found reflective journaling to <a href="https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/01484834-20160114-08" title="journaling ">help develop critical thinking skills</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Experiment with Different Formats</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Journaling doesn't have to be limited to writing in a traditional notebook – you can try many different formats. Some people prefer a journaling app on their phone or computer, while others prefer a journaling kit with prompts and exercises. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">My Stories Matter offers you variety to find your perfect fit when journaling. Have the ability to organize your entries in Collections. Or, try one of our limited edition Writing Challenges that focus on a theme or aspect of journaling.  </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Keep Your Journal Private </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Your journal is a personal space where you can be sincere and open with yourself. Don’t share it with others unless you feel comfortable doing so! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> places a strong emphasis on privacy. Unlike other social media apps, you can control who can see your entries, including setting them as private or sharing them with select individuals or groups. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">Start journaling</a> today! </b></p>


7 Must-Have Tips on Journaling 

<p> </p>

<h1 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19286" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-01-03t131805149jpeg-0">resized-image-Promo - 2023-01-03T131805.149.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="vacation stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-03T131805.149_0.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=LJKuBUHdWb1HtSsKK%2BjTDefYOi9OOfQDE73fCUBUKSyS3KJrmdwmn5IEva0ftlCGi65%2Bw4RswzSzQtLHvY54zCzAGry505UBSOq5Ye3stcVbBoLyL6GoroASB%2F%2Bhep%2BxlzdjhtFYki%2BBrIlVvCaugZwdS7mlaOxSzhEWRqkM5mttE4S7fTi%2B1qF8Pm1LIa7tp6Jh3EvdQyqooUq%2FXbNBdy0d6j7BWeK1mK%2Fd48FjWHKRcj7jhtSBDhprRHH2VkhfetignLEAC%2FBaAXHKe%2BGz%2B4EWh6T%2BHDmsEE76Ifs4a2aadaVZSQq7A%2B69HhQgYyraT4cj%2FqeBLbBTaqGV3u7cXA%3D%3D" alt="Woman sitting on a boat" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h1>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Recording vacation stories is a great way to preserve the memories of your trip for years to come. Not only can sharing these stories with friends and family be a fun way to relive the experience, but they can also serve as a valuable record of your travels. With the help of <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="my stories matter">My Stories Matter</a>, it's easy to collaborate with others to create a comprehensive vacation record.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">One of the main reasons to record your vacation stories is to capture the unique experiences and moments you might otherwise forget. As time goes on, it can be easy to forget the little details of your adventures. Plus, sharing these stories with friends and family can be a great way to bond and bring everyone together, especially if you cannot take a trip together in person.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Read on for simple tips to make recording your vacation stories more enjoyable!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Start as Soon as Possible</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Right when you return from your trip, take some time to sit down and write out your memories while they're still fresh in your mind. This will not only make the writing process more manageable, but it will also help to capture the details and emotions of your experiences more authentically.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Collaborate on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">My Stories Matter’s collaboration features allow you to easily share your stories with others and work together to create a comprehensive trip record. This is especially helpful if you're traveling with a group and want to ensure everyone's memories are included. By collaborating, you can create a richer and more complete record of your vacation.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Capture Your Experiences </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Photos, videos, and audio recordings can all add depth and richness to your stories and make them even more enjoyable to revisit in the future. For example, you might include a video of a beautiful sunset you saw on your trip or an audio recording of a local band you heard while exploring a new city.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Create a Scrapbook </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">You could create a physical scrapbook or photo album on your coffee table or use a digital platform like My Stories Matter to create an online scrapbook that you can share with others. You could even publish your stories in a blog or social media to share your experiences with a broader audience.</b></p>


Tips for Recording Your Vacation Stories

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18667" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-85jpeg">resized-image-Promo (85).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2885%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=n5rBPmBp3buE5opRvzztSJK5HBfQoGUwzy%2FMhcSFxcrfy5YBkqEo0c%2Fb9ySKuys9CWxQEPFL52df%2F%2FmFJySFYYdReSRKpwUMI6cUFS0PBvqHrT%2FKmju8ljzODVkw6enBWAK3IZX4gJmMiyLD%2FntH6gO6yg8SwMfHeS3YCKNwNfETpAchqt1zYLRbq0lrkbikmq3%2BYL%2FDYiKvDzqqDkjLrRTNlQVbC29P9sNNq%2FQ0cqzM7Em4MUgcAcGASVUZlR%2BbICCOAXFr4IGd1oCqQP%2FG%2BeyKBZeEjAi28Fh%2FwV9b1Yvj9n9y%2Bs4v9oDhM48ntgTQHYRXoF451ai1tunCGm05kg%3D%3D" alt="Person writing in red notebook" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Why is keeping a journal so beneficial?</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling improves a person's general quality of life and mental and physical health. Not only that, you’ll eternally have a record of your life that you can always look back on and never feel judged for expressing yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">If you’re new to journaling, you’ve come to the right place.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In this post, we'll look at five science-backed advantages of journaling. Let’s dive in!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18668" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-86jpeg">resized-image-Promo (86).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2886%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=mWvGRJpErFCdgWVcCjenqIxi9xaKqhW1CHhbeSvBSjwgKl9NBakSvku4QskbxK3irVvV4%2Fkwai1bf2THmCS7VIG%2F1%2BOFI59T5pj1OHOnP2%2Fmx91tF93Sr6M%2BhGhr6S5TguQlCF2%2Fl0xR4uyrC54eoDRTW8fqJrkstfWu1yHLwI2N8xDQGWfwJ%2FUHjo4l9L6Z0HjDCQug5FmJ16mpMmtzOZh2j15A713wdtJ8wG3FPAlFPEb0bAjdpg4zknb2yArOiQz11TyLamjTqJ7IBqEXVW5%2Bq42Ipqp7bHjWyp0jvj7fQYUUlKtOW6kixJ1mQQN8r1%2BqMt29It5%2FRwQJdISqzA%3D%3D" alt="Man in blue and brown plaid shirt holding his head" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Eases Anxiety </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Many people struggle with anxiety. If you’re one of them, take up journaling! Keeping a journal is a good stress management strategy. After all, emotion-focused writing is connected <a href="https://mental.jmir.org/2018/4/e11290/" title="journaling ">with lower mental discomfort and greater well-being</a>.  </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In a study with 70 people with high anxiety levels, writing online for 12 weeks <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/" title="journaling ">dramatically lessened</a> their mental anguish. In addition, patients, families, and medical staff from a children’s hospital reported feeling<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6907914/" title="journaling "> less stressed</a> after performing the following journaling exercise:</b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing three things they are grateful for</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing the story of their life in six words</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing three wishes they had</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Go ahead - try that exercise for yourself!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18669" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-87jpeg">resized-image-Promo (87).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2887%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=l2DuYVKVvm0c4wHKWruuiqWSGSn4H3VQTUAFoAIwFtCgOASCDF5wLoaPGCT%2BRtvJ9rW%2BaJlTk14Mm%2BAmqmsFbLXBVLF095PCHDADKa0GHiV6Pi9XnxaJA4qEEJYGzVj3Hdas50RZeZ8rdVW%2BRnFj89UVzkufLWgVBxuFDMmSutLEvPXePo0pkApf%2BJzT4fY%2B9chvM5F63EXIZaRJ4Q5TTJtIV2qMcnQaDbIaeppxYviU%2F3SEewkWMPHxPaAZ4XvrSFL1i8RmzGAkcHu6rZSRLJ71wApMEG3xtxi%2F4VRjc6DX0KSlef5IdpbEj9cu2UnzTxb5ZoTzeUjkzMy77NU2%2BQ%3D%3D" alt="couple at a gravestone" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Helps with Past Trauma </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">When a loved one has passed away, keeping a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/8-creative-ways-to-keep-the-memory-of-a-loved-one-alive/" title="journaling ">journal may help you grieve healthily</a>. You have the privacy to work through your feelings and maintain some form of communication with your loved one. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling can aid in reducing the psychological anguish we experience in response to trauma. For example, people who journaled for 15 minutes each day reported <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub" title="journaling ">feeling less depressed, anxious, or hostile</a>. </b></p>
<p><b>Even those who struggle with severe illnesses benefit from journaling! Those with post-traumatic stress disorder engaging in expressive writing exercises experienced their moods </b><b id="docs-internal-guid-65c9fffe-7fff-d740-0ab0-cfac7d8e6d05"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18230238/" title="journaling ">significantly improving and their stress hormone reactions to painful memories decreasing.</a> </b> </p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18670" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-88jpeg">resized-image-Promo (88).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2888%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=UOJ1rh9mDdSC4VVx0MfZiBkawSKOJNfuvRKeyO0duT9QjZiWn6%2BE%2F4SBdNLVGANWcXL6rwrEhDLSEKWZLYs8Rbv2phx7V%2BIg3vMTS5v63CYva9mBxyIgKAXpMgChsS7%2BGxVgRPz5GrRG0DrPr7AxxSlmEy2qcy9BNeUikRtbCslxJlfMN%2FQ4x8XryNQNGj4JgGNAnjszVuE7ngfMpYvAzsMvZVmTpPM35x8MHRovcrvnENo7sMzcrqQV99xKCa1Sthv0I0ssgr0yS0r6O2bqRgSKdRav%2B6OKq9fJMSpnduMkZuYcMm7ikc8hTNlnJaI9XHz1fgbMGoCkqoqxdwGzdg%3D%3D" alt="Woman sitting on a wooden dock" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Decreases Depression </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Depression is nothing to be ashamed of; globally, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression" title="journaling ">5% of adults suffer from depression</a>. However, the natural remedy of journaling helps ease depression. Journaling can be as helpful as cognitive-behavioral therapy in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17007812/" title="journaling ">lowering the risk of depression</a> in young people. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Did you know that when people with severe depressive illnesses wrote for 20 minutes each day for three days about their most intense thoughts and feelings related to an emotional experience, their depression ratings <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23790815/" title="journaling ">significantly decreased</a>?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In addition, students who journaled about their most intense emotions the month before a major exam experienced <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9364758/" title="journaling ">fewer depressive symptoms</a> since they didn't focus as much on intrusive thoughts. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18671" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-89jpeg">resized-image-Promo (89).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2889%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Vq9lT75ofQaeBLWJfLUlF636ejZmUA5ixOxKkaP%2BX4QtYsdBgjgow1cEMLqPJsXCdhF1s%2Bbt4tu2K9%2FnQ8eHWb48FKEFZuwe939tn5Op5Idz0MY7XzNQ7vCc8015otkqp%2B78RpKIQy4AOh2NA1G7AGGIbJ32WUvz6djPad3h1WlvMVYw8wQPSxM6oeWJ4VWgMwV%2BjINkhngerKguTwr7a2Tkp9j%2FXdp2E6D69wr%2B7je8GtbMUXh%2FcDsVoq3zIk%2BPB%2BuHSmUNK8SYSrKybw0GJyh2%2FG4lLouzeM9irfLpctjnK7zYcFdHC7%2BJ3VzvYSSa0rzzoB1FcJI4DP9jvXpqsg%3D%3D" alt="Silver-colored Heart Lock Bridge" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Increases Gratitude </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Listing your blessings has become more popular over the past several years. But there’s truth to it! Journaling <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10447-017-9289-8" title="journaling ">encourages thankfulness</a> - of all things! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In one study, journaling weekly was <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/6Emmons-BlessingsBurdens.pdf" title="journaling ">linked to more pronounced increases in general optimism</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Try a Gratitude Journal! Every night, set aside five minutes to jot down the three things you are most thankful for. They don't need anything big or significant; they can be as simple as the rain on your windowsill or your favorite cup of coffee. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18672" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-90jpeg">resized-image-Promo (90).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2890%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=cOpJ91A%2BHKBvuGhBYD1EP05J%2BHOnRGtQo%2BJunA11TNe%2BjooZ8Q3PveboMhEyKgMjYOxr1uTRjnrrkOmaqQCxoxHSthzrNQ%2Fr0F7pT7DJGTdsknbUdRNdblcMVKkitNoZo1yKMjn4WQ45T77m3nQhhAkj76%2B%2BZgiJoWUfbeCfxy0T3lj90sQw7I5F167LarGuAyWPDGQbR4Cqexb4txzPXoUqyYrhttBpAvmaEJZmARi3X7rbyRxAti2t9LXqwUcBPRCD%2FQbhFsyo5b5lPo9npup6TVuOtMDHrXh%2BZpAF7oz611JqstGgXF8rV9avZdgexKrYk5qi9aVt%2BguYt2U3DQ%3D%3D" alt="Old photos in a wooden box" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Sharpens Your Memory </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Is there a particular event you don’t want to forget? Such as hiking through the Himalayas, that Sunday picnic, or a family reunion? Your first kiss? </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of/" title="journaling ">Keeping a journal helps enhance your working memory. </a></b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In one study, first-year college students who wrote down their thoughts and feelings had <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-18060-012" title="journaling ">less intrusive and avoidant thoughts during the day</a>, which allowed more space for remembering. Similarly, college-bound teenagers who wrote in-depth about their feelings and ideas regarding college showed <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/sep01/keepdiary" title="journaling ">improved short-term memory and academic performance</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">When you journal, those precious memories never have to fade; you can <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory/" title="journaling ">relive them over and over</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18673" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-91jpeg">resized-image-Promo (91).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2891%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=ni2BgKHq3FwytB5%2FC3SmxFiZiM4DrTdVlgdu2Qq1PnqXgkICvv2d2rjj89tpFb1SQty%2F3GkVRcN0jkvHaZjfRXpeZgqMn2eXqsHzjw7l7jeUnAkt2Wvca8raifYCzFyxLm1jML5Sty7oqQAx6WUGR9m%2B18Nfe6Iw63DuGnUumj%2FjDll2VoTv6rhefcNk6Y490yOP7qW1%2FGNkE4Jn38geStprkCwk4V%2Bl1G607JpaJy%2B0Ps5C9NCHgP6hN730tGOFn8GTbWXm%2BbW6hiKQWrLPk9TC5t79%2FHBaEsYaJM6nm8leqZp1m%2BfdS2M6Iv1f9SWb68uP92NPN51V%2FyZyjc8FIg%3D%3D" alt="person writing on a notebook" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journal on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Start the journal you've always wanted! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">You can create a virtual backup of your essential work so that you may view, modify, and download it whenever you choose and group your journal entries into Collections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Unlike other social media apps, your private journal entries are only visible to you. However, you can also choose to share specific entries with friends.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="journaling ">Sign up for free</a> and begin journaling today! </b></p>


The Many Cognitive Benefits of Journaling

<p>What's the first thought that comes to mind when you think about writing?</p>

<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"What do I write?"</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"I don't have the time to write."</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"Writing is too much to think about."</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">Yep - we've been there too and know that these are all common pain points. That's why we spent a lot of time and effort reimagining the writing process in My Stories Matter. Our new memory editor is the first step towards our goal of making the writing process effortless.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">
	<b id="docs-internal-guid-f47dc72d-7fff-a8c6-ab43-093a05738dba">What’s new? </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb730890-7fff-e80b-7e8d-bc2776a1707f"><img alt="The new Memory Editor on the redesigned My Stories Matter." src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HQ61uzfwrefNPqejDlqEbRhTQumhwqoDDNj39yMZSPjRbSv_FO_R3pzC0czaGnV_TLOdG-dcDHlEGBfjZdw9EbDFy8How-ItSARc4_o-mBDVLkH_B9RHxtWxe6xV7RxvVadDPKd5-r6Qi3bys1GCpnw4uqQrCAq_cGSnvp6AR2yd2i7Z9fIzy3D2iQ" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>A new Memory Editor: </strong>Our "less is more" approach places focus on your writing with a larger editor area and streamlined overall design in the new Memory Editor. Not only that, but prompts are now highlighted at the top when viewing and editing memories.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><img alt="The new Image Gallery feature when viewing a memory in the redesigned application." src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/KURF3zn9rZRR7NZEj5O--zBqzHGLK9oWeRfuhJxu4k92WSjxpsZz0k5tSIByjWUfDVDhm_WX492H3jAn6KWjkWYxJpFEduDSL5T84_Ju0f6Apah1yCPAb9BMeAjt_BjcK_qXf6O7P64L6faAaBWcLrEk2g6ZaWnLCFoeFvETnLxYRoU-Jb6-yTp7-A" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Image Gallery:</b> Immerse yourself into your memories in a whole new way through our new Image Gallery! Click on each image to see the title and caption.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-a831975b-7fff-fa95-aa09-44ff092baa9e"><img alt="The Edit view to review your written work." src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Lci651fYMxhHTJkXzitQ1hyuKxVeHy-QXV_CY2-AYdlWqWruRRB0EkONUR0MDTxFHftuVhtr6IkxL9Bbk6GHbv5phLNUjhwfUvNTWdXL6DZhYF13WedkBaGdFX_4Sp6A0N2qFEK8ZTix36N5Uz5eegF9f_uBZHhdNMxFmfD1NeBZn6oMAKsYYXqXIA" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Your in-progress work, in one place:</strong> See all your drafts together in the new Edit view.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f8c0af5a-7fff-6988-3790-ad4c4504085c"><img alt="Memories in the Recent feed, with a highlight over the new context menu." src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/UAiQpnXb7cTNQ9GYH0IQCPXs2lUUnY9lW5b5oq164KAPMvFKDgxCjhkqNvPkF32OasqYqdy-nFyXfv31RztdMKt4pF-jPQ1FT0j6oSviFdPBAh6E1DKe23KQ0OIF71HG8HeMaUTNde_pxszqtrGFk94AeMKKJy5Lwy3SnT7cJHD8onZOiwuJcoMiLQ" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>More from the Recent memories feed: </b>Quickly choose to make edits to your work by clicking the three dots on any memory to reveal a context menu. Additionally, you can now see the number of images a memory has when viewing memories in the Recent feed.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-86a5f78e-7fff-4cc3-694e-4949dfc2f39e">What’s coming?</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Inline images: </strong>You can place images within your writing between paragraphs.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Conversational collaboration: </strong>Instead of having to scroll back and forth to see who wrote what in a collaborative memory, we've taken a different approach. Just like a conversation, know exactly who said what when reading a memory.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Easily use free images:</strong> We're integrating with free online image sources, like Unsplash, where you can have the option to quickly search and insert images into your memory.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You can find the complete Release Notes <a href="https://www.craft.do/s/XmU3VrxH3sqcoA" name="Release Notes" title="Release Notes" id="Release Notes">here</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-3baa8107-7fff-f14e-6b51-a0df38d6e022">FAQs</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-77509241-7fff-7254-c5a4-a038ccedf48d">If I write a memory in the redesigned version, will it appear in the original version too?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">You can use the redesigned version simultaneously with the original version of My Stories Matter since they are connected to the same database. No need to choose one over the other!</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, since some of the capabilities are not available in the new version, your memories may look a little different in the original version.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1f2c67c5-7fff-b1d1-e6d8-d8b77624c798">Will memories look the same in the 1.1 redesign release and the original version of My Stories Matter?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Some aspects of your memory will not translate exactly back into the original My Stories Matter, and vice versa.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, absolutely no data will be lost in either version. For instance, if you add tags to your memory in the original version, those tags will not be visible in the current release of the redesign. They will appear when that feature is added in the near future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have more questions for us? Send an email to <a href="mailto:hello@mystoriesmatter.com?subject=From%20the%20Blog%20-%20Questions%20about%20My%20Stories%20Matter&amp;body=What%20questions%20do%20you%20have%20for%20us%20about%20the%20redesigned%20My%20Stories%20Matter%3F" name="My Stories Matter Email" title="My Stories Matter Email" id="My Stories Matter Email">hello@mystoriesmatter.com</a>. We're more than happy to chat and see what you think!</p>


Making the writing process more enjoyable

New Ways to Write

<p>At My Stories Matter, we’ve been working to improve the experience of reminiscing and recording memories for all our members. We have begun a comprehensive redesign of our application, which we’re happy to announce is open for testing!</p>
<p>The redesigned version is currently available to people who primarily use My Stories Matter for journaling. <a href="https://forms.gle/82y2q2xMKS6HEn3r6" name="Join the waitlist" target="_blank" title="Join the waitlist" id="Join the waitlist">Join the waitlist</a> to get a sneak peak of the future of My Stories Matter.</p>
<p>Please note some of our favorite features aren’t quite ready yet, but don’t worry! We’re planning to include them in future releases.</p>
<p>These features include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Creating memories</li>
<li>Friend requests</li>
<li>Seeing other people’s memories</li>
<li>Comments on memories</li>
<li>Creating and editing collections</li>
<li>Collaboration on memories</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Some of what’s changed</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Simplification and Clarity:</strong> We’ve worked on showing just the right amount of information to make everything easier to find.</p>
<p><strong>Lightning Speed:</strong> We know the speed of our original site was not up-to-par with where it needed to be. We’ve improved the load time dramatically and navigation is super quick.</p>
<p><strong>New Ways to Reminisce:</strong> We’re introducing improvements to the writing process to make it easier to capture your memories.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Why did My Stories Matter’s design change so much?</strong></p>
<p>From listening to our members and reflecting on the many ways we want to improve My Stories Matter it was time for a redesign. Driving the changes are these five goals:</p>
<ul>
<li>Improving the user experience</li>
<li>Revamping the writing process of memories</li>
<li>Better alignment with accessibility standards</li>
<li>Enhancing the privacy and sharing of memories</li>
<li>A more personalized experience</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why can’t I see anyone else’s memories?</strong></p>
<p>Our first version of the redesign is intended for journaling, hence why all our normal social features are not currently available. Stay updated as we gradually roll out our other features, as well as new ones, with our blog.</p>
<p><strong>Do I have to use one version or the other?</strong></p>
<p>You can use the redesigned version simultaneously with the original version of My Stories Matter. No need to choose one over the other!</p>
<p>Have more questions for us? Send an email to support@mystoriesmatter.com. We’re more than happy to chat and see what you think!</p>


How we’re redesigning My Stories Matter for an improved, better experience

Onward and Upward

<h1>How to Write Your Legacy Story </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16408" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-58jpeg">resized-image-Promo (58).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2858%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=anYuoio423A1sMppx6CZPs6lx7f4HKOEo%2FUoSmLYEMnmqJKay9Qj9aIoLORgVD9OO8qTiUJlqrzMBpkfARfTM2UEY8DRiMub2PTeNA6TmhBO9GQAVwHwx8jUG6UXywwlt4yaaykXfCz%2BI%2FHsHKu8JeVNhBR%2F6Ogc2BKMWVIosenqCrWqkEwnkvxXZ3mNwWmTHR0ttbbGogwLoPyMluOZL%2BcZn0F5XmUvK2Y7%2BrR9lsblpSTbi%2Fp7oFdlrjuPt7KKsPbzXcuFfPSKVNJJ67Gu8RsPNKFapv1NHlQoNsEpreImPfvAatWzmw0ZeUWy6qQbMlnjeQlXJxGmXsqqTI2%2FiA%3D%3D" alt="Notes" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>When you think of “legacy stories,” do famous movie stars or historical figures come to mind? </p>
<p>A legacy story is much more than that - they are the story of your life, for you can offer something no one else can. For example, your relationships, accomplishments, failures, personality, and values differentiate you from others.</p>
<p>A legacy story is much like an <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="legacy story ">autobiography</a> or memoir, except more flexible in the direction you want to go.</p>
<p>Free yourself from your inner critic and, with this guide, learn how to write your legacy story today!</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<h1>What are the Benefits of Writing a Legacy Story? </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16409" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-59jpeg">resized-image-Promo (59).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2859%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=ZblveREcXI2mMRyqiBRw54ju5jI0o0SQynXG0P7ruScUk4YhKwVQGQPEOxIAXpAsWHgStEEuhcIzIGQY8fFFKtrt33cCoxZuXz1tzP7ai7IK19W93x2Ru0PzQYM7uuSKtjSUmVLGjGkmS2uPBTykpUNCykaqG4WvjGXvbC7gvDAGuQT7%2FZQX7lrQYEt%2FJa8LY%2BWl%2FXva7cT4VPjT2Zevxy%2BRh3LKVhSwLt%2Fr5ZVpNcDWu4J1TfpggMrdQvcpDaKLGH704aPxSFO0bpikbxtHJoV7JtwstQogirexN5e9AKxS1uMK8mRAKQgcRzEPX%2F1nJ%2BqoaQgJM2W%2BnaSyJ1jhWA%3D%3D" alt="A book" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>A legacy story: </p>
<p>• impacts those around you, such as family or friends </p>
<p>• shows what’s truly important to you or how much you learned</p>
<p>• provides insight or closure </p>
<p>• shows someone how much they mean to you </p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/146623-if-you-would-not-be-forgotten-as-soon-as-you" title="legacy story ">Benjamin Franklin</a>, “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Where to Begin? </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16410" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-60jpeg">resized-image-Promo (60).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2860%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=duVJzupPZ6K6fzni9nYRI3TWovGRqXIFnk0MEcPYYPKrvzKgiejPd2WURJs8Jjo0evmFJa3j9EN8FSlDh6daPRDSNfeN4bX70j21f4tHQ%2BFB87W062olFv05B4qhMhderEM4kmIt4CDihn6T9lZnsgAKYs%2BYT20MZ24D3uasrLAikJLYoWgs3aGN%2Fc10cmO%2FA8l1rQW8P5qBXjOaObPucKhCbUeQaiO7wvQpRS16%2BAB8LsMpJg3tp5yJRjaERyA7js7oN21e43R7cbm7ezMhcA5I5qAgfK4j3Tlsl%2FawlKTkiuGhGOjeQRFXgmfsXeZSEAGdJTNFRoAHZywtTGecZA%3D%3D" alt="A book" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Set time apart to sit down once a week (or a month) and jot down anything noteworthy about your life.</p>
<p>Don’t wait!</p>
<p>As we grow older, we <a href="https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-02/Understanding-Memory-Loss.pdf" title="legacy story ">remember less</a>, so it’s essential to get everything out now while it's still fresh! </p>
<p>Start small, such as a specific memory, vignette, or scene. Pretend you’re writing a letter to your friend without the added pressure behind the word “legacy.” It doesn’t have to be anything monumental. </p>
<p><a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/about" title="legacy story ">My Stories Matter</a> helps by asking specific questions, triggering the memory you want to recollect. </p>
<p>Some of these legacy-friendly prompts include: </p>
<p>• What are the most important lessons you learned in life? </p>
<p>• What is something you learned from a parent you never want to forget? </p>
<p>• Who has been a great inspiration to you? </p>
<p>• What is a significant risk you’ve taken in life? </p>
<p>• What was a tough obstacle in your life you had to overcome? </p>
<p>Answering questions like these will determine your legacy story and what you want to leave behind. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Get Organized </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16411" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-61jpeg">resized-image-Promo (61).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2861%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=JUVygUCMxPkQtobmTCQCri3lYZZN41xY1XEEdziS16xi58GnexJUbq3W2V2aAPzcTLCEoUg2ETqeZM4nUJImhe06TZ1yFDytoZ8qGTzTRdV0E76CWRFROikqK28JvTl1uSa7T7VCb6d47LgIFOSJNTyXhN9X1ia9vC8rTjyvi8hm8Ge%2FpXhq6ySuHlC%2Bnpbfl7Hs3yLfVdEFs3WQpjySMT%2FaxNqM2HBoFo598Ik6nKbLElggtsmYVZ8NMK%2BvltRvdRc0UAfuU%2BE7d9gED3NJAqrkPWkYRS%2Bp%2BunW2bt2w%2F7VSOwzlipxx%2Fx5FmqrvfVDIsTvtdoaxfywZ1jpTVOLpA%3D%3D" alt="a calender" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>There is no right or wrong way to organize, but <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/about" title="legacy story ">My Stories Matter</a> has a timeline feature that collects, categorizes your entries, backs up, and saves your work, entirely private for your eyes! </p>
<p>If you don’t feel comfortable writing down your memories, don’t worry! Our voice recorder has you covered. You can also have a close friend or family member transcribe your stories if needed. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Collaborate</h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16412" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-62jpeg">resized-image-Promo (62).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2862%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=kcS3Gtxj0ng9Wk48G2YcC73kIEp5EFqyUUWAirm1p1HSbAKeddcN44arCiXL8Dub%2BOZOJzeHZb8EDmw5NvwIhf5qqfKOIzFi8O77mgzxbmY5yFDnPLzy4pYwDAszIS%2BOqD8O8Rai9ZwRM66rXG9ZU%2FqXbPbpybgfmvHiRcl9F%2F4%2BCtKbuOFtI1t2qTjoo8ZiVbjMLRBtRp0svAA2ytaXvkAnr3j09aZIzD9hElvzQGLv81pwc2h5GgBwoKE22choLZDKSfgBujeh5%2F1dzHdF2hTWiQYKdpBWTlHnX%2FQM4vUCww8Ek5zb57qRYeqWJjvauFBTv5mQ%2FzecT62qgztexg%3D%3D" alt="Collaboration" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>As you write about the past, reach out to someone specific to your legacy story and invite them to participate in it, whether scuba diving, pranking neighbors as children, or graduating high school. </p>
<p>Don’t forget to check your facts! Are the dates, times, and events accurate? Family members or friends can help fill in the blanks.</p>
<p><a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="legacy story ">My Stories Matter</a> allows you to collaborate with anyone you choose. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Read and Listen </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16413" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-63jpeg">resized-image-Promo (63).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2863%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=d1O0MXohxXPISBCD6tEMixk5mDXlaGy2aoKDYFxnC38VVWkG1ZGYPoRodmhrUV5fzQdtlygfSA970GRR0XNFbJ9N0%2B%2BJ8SGBZTcXYJU%2FPgQDlmZ1dVVFPaSVz1hBhA%2FVRds8%2B8rT92%2FjyTH9Lp8ORA9e%2B3xd7RTTB20lVFrqYbOH0OGVzwLYrDSerkKG03LzmVSdql0%2FlrBNf%2FQpiTx8ue0FLbEGejqOqpAuDO%2BveIl%2FsSwyLS%2FlOLdFIkoGq2hTNYn1TfeYm1xWd23UabK4SAU8wAposg4Z%2BV9PG8lBNdUKgrlsKoewK0O5okHq18ThsrFptZYvIcsWdr0nwksMyw%3D%3D" alt="Studying" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Reading or listening to others’ legacy stories will give you ideas. You can read strangers’ legacy stories on <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="legacy story ">My Stories Matter</a> or someone famous whose life inspires you. These are usually in the form of <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="legacy story ">autobiographies</a>.</p>
<p>We all share everyday experiences and conflicts. People learn from each other, so when you write about how you overcome your life obstacles, you’re inspiring others how to as well. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Include Some Mementos  </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16414" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-64jpeg">resized-image-Promo (64).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2864%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=eMAApyq00RkG3NTYnyJGL1etRECd29hO68%2Fekzo%2FIQ6LG8KSHhlLTX%2F6yCEvaP34EI5QCnwRwVx0HSzLjUqx%2Fn6jaP86573HRXiInP64nZdCr6ifP1afOMv%2FQ5CxIpBk1VUh6Ao%2BPDZZP61Xz%2Fkb%2FrNm48P1bqi92mnDOnn0i%2FvhTbZipKnZa7kr8jzsudo2x4BL8K2q78HqXp2NGgT5snJw7Tf%2FJeEyOrr2u%2BLhkJ9AgYiTcBPrGiWpmnmsfPe%2BwQqRR3gxiOpdftUb%2FIYLu%2BbbtCx8aOIipOk7yNS792tF2Ck6uinbEulDAyDP7Fbmss6Vb40dWw3K%2FZr%2FnrzwDA%3D%3D" alt="mementos" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>If you’re struggling to remember particular memories you want to include in your legacy story, gather some souvenirs from the past, such as a keepsake. </p>
<p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24933516/" title="legacy story ">Mementos</a> help spark your memory. They can be <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797617694868?journalCode=pssa" title="legacy story ">photographs</a>, postcards, letters, tickets, souvenirs, gifts, etc., helping your stories flow and putting the reader in your shoes. Upload these photos on <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="legacy story ">My Stories Matter</a> and write around that memory. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Write Your Legacy Story on My Stories Matter </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-16407" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-57jpeg">resized-image-Promo (57).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2857%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=bs2Zmbjh9%2BbKHZWQz3pVR8Ej9tS1KBp8kSWIom2EJyOksAN%2FYljUfLp3pDTryG8xPATDp76HaVwwiNIk3Oy2L8A8KoKJw01rM%2BpaX4RoDjITaNu5g7JZeY23P%2F5d0F14BQCvsj6P9WLtS4QceAVT1XV0AxOfTO3eqj%2FeSQU7BTQFon7CWK2Nq3Z0iGgsDNbgSu6eH%2FHBLIQ5NMe%2FdYf%2FnoUeQG8fCwQQn2wCmyj7i80XOdVL8%2Bd4TnOp1JB5a%2BwnV5JkU%2BswHg3X6nzjdVBmBmU9%2FRKHzGzRc%2FML7P6SpLcsyp0oMSOEhP8z3n%2B8mBSLldcwUrDUR%2F%2BPN8rB9J8YIQ%3D%3D" alt="typewriter" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p><a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="legacy story ">My Stories Matter</a> is custom-built for your legacy story. You can add music, images, and text to your video or audio life story. Digital audio files can run along with family photos for an entertaining storyline. </p>
<p>A legacy story is vital because it’s a bit of your life written down, left to inspire. Many people wish they could have read the words of their grandparents, parents, aunts, or uncles who passed away and hadn’t told them much about their lives. </p>
<p>Don’t let your friends and family feel the same way! With a legacy story, you’ll always have the answers when your loved ones ask questions when you’re not around. </p>
<p>Your legacy story will live forever.</p>


How to Write Your Legacy Story

<h1>How to Write an Autobiography </h1>
<p>
	</p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15345" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/nathan-dumlao-lprreju2gbq-unsplashjpg-5">nathan-dumlao-LPRrEJU2GbQ-unsplash.jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="9" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/nathan-dumlao-LPRrEJU2GbQ-unsplash_5.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=RsHMA%2B6Uv4ouh%2B8%2FhEx%2B6SWatZelkBZVr3yx0x1kuw5nNC7faTuPEwFi%2BgAjBbrwgYhXEKwdiKCptoeh3CqwMbkWHmcZIBZlB4cEbUWYFGE26MxYe3hPwjzxoxiXfYfwE5sjvLPYtXwiQn%2BIikE9ORgjR13ChYj95Qmg5DiyVr8PLSxmEOIXUbaJZemEVWzM2WmFtWCjNFFh2EYaNWfMABOSq38%2Bn9nl96PRpq6gAiPcLXFQW2CNgO4vwAU%2FFCHCCx2gU1y8usa%2BkA5ISXLH0dhqIlu0mtOrxo3SSjRNmR5F8Zrm5%2B2opDwvP3gNDlECt3naHDnN9GCBf%2Bk%2FWFi%2Bvg%3D%3D" width="2400" height="1600" alt="An hourglass" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Autobiographies are the most powerful thing you can write about yourself due to their unmatched intimacy. The reader is getting a firsthand account of your life. </p>
<p>Autobiographies are particularly popular with readers as they provide valuable lessons on life and exciting solutions to how people have overcome unique problems. </p>
<p>There is always an autobiography trending these days, such as Matthew McConaughey’s “Greenlights.” Some even shake the world, such as “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” or Anne Frank’s “Diary of a Young Girl.” </p>
<p>Stories are meant to be passed down through generations. They intend to preserve family histories. So if you want to pass down your legacy, you’ve come to the right place. </p>
<p>See our six tips on how to write the best autobiography. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Identify Your Audience </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15339" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/john-mark-smith-is7wfxfug-unsplashjpg-14">john-mark-smith-IS7WfX_f_ug-unsplash.jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/john-mark-smith-IS7WfX_f_ug-unsplash_14.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=mjyi%2BC67QDkXi19XvsqKbVBfxqpgxQMAusRuDGj8%2BLcZk1t8kgqn3HWLCZGfOSK66zxubCYQbagcR7uFUuwJFutBC2astmVBYfwHfZu5BSyTGVz2yLya8FmwDUJ7RNVQZhHGrmx31OO1uFWBczJ8ANeWeu%2B8w7L7dSwi%2FcGu7n6akZ7iAkCF5mZzYKrIbhlJEhTz9PJN53DJXmbfZo50xu5oNRbfl98e25Mk9P3xBX%2Bk8MgiEajgy77Nf1JXmmHGWEXkUnNm59RXut%2BQlqWptB0Xk3IK%2F3PTSCGmDME9s%2BcncxSNRHGaBpPjtnK0OAdcYyGZZmNMzFUC0z91pRf1eQ%3D%3D" width="4752" height="3168" alt="A lecture hall" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div><br />
	Every writer has a target audience. What type of readers will benefit from your story? What do you want to convey to them? 
<p>Start by writing out the significant events of your life you want to include. For example, what experience most shaped you into who you are today? What have you learned? This will reveal your story. </p>
<p>Choose a central theme for your story.</p>
<p>It can be:  </p>
<p>• The childhood story</p>
<p>• Coming of age story</p>
<p>• The falling in love story</p>
<p>A story of grief, conflict, or identity. </p>
<p>The story you tell will influence who your target audience is. Often, the theme of a story is a message about life. For example, why the author (you) wrote the story and what message you want to share with your readers.  </p>
<h1>Gain Inspiration from Others </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15335" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/ronnie-overgoor-edkcckxxrci-unsplashjpg-0">ronnie-overgoor-EdKCckXXRCI-unsplash.jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/ronnie-overgoor-EdKCckXXRCI-unsplash_0.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Mvm7dogHQ5JErva2suLfYdSlHFDRxMCtBDU6dwXzDmLox7Sux3YjAoOVZT%2FdS7tnDSAlW9DiPj0XYX%2BGLs%2FIvsCcKNP7xcpvyyb56U9klT4dq2gfQnM2ojHUJkBHK0NV2Q9CvZnCdgptF2p0QcGQhQWK4o0EtA1%2BE99%2FH%2Fxb21kg5DV9bDMQFFBd8J0lxzrN8OKiI4trCrPR3LbBAFuH2%2BekiuXyayWuTRWJlARF81h6V41%2BfcG7YFsD%2Bflq50GlL93B%2Fvhzog6ZGELDjWnJrzOocgzG4rFwVEryISkP5sD524g4ffeNL888eid%2FHWELbzCdIUPCFpX4nsyG41E9pw%3D%3D" width="2400" height="1600" alt="A notebook" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Who is your role model? </p>
<p>Some examples of famous autobiographies include: </p>
<p>• “Agatha Christie: An Autobiography” by Agatha Christie </p>
<p>• “Mark Twain’s Own Autobiography” by Mark Twain</p>
<p>• “Chronicles: Volume 1” by Bob Dylan  </p>
<p>• “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah </p>
<p>• “Bossypants” by Tina Fey</p>
<p>Thinking about your autobiography may make you feel overwhelmed and lost. The best thing to do is gain outside inspiration and read an autobiography of someone who interests you. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Write Autobiography on My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a> is a great place to start writing your autobiography. If you experience writer’s block, parse through memories and feelings other people share on <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Write an Autobiography on My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a> every day. When writing about a particular story or event, you can invite people who were there to collaborate and fill in the gaps. Inspiration is something you must actively seek. “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” (<a href="https://due.com/blog/jonathan-winters-swim-out-to-meet-it/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIf%20your%20ship%20doesn%27t,swim%20out%20to%20meet%20it!%E2%80%9D&amp;text=Winters%20reminds%20us%20of%20the,than%20taking%20control%20of%20it." title="Jonathan Winters on Inspiration ">Jonathan Winters</a>). </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Create Your Timeline </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15336" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/airfocus-f2c59x5uvn8-unsplashjpg-2">airfocus-f2C59x5uvn8-unsplash.jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/airfocus-f2C59x5uvn8-unsplash_2.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=nhIoNaHvsifD7ASVlqB%2BexNUuHuJ%2F0UwelFVIjkfIEQNUZRhhTzYNTK1MybT7eI6SFz3HYPTUq93ZJVy7pGsvlKCaeACE5L9JtyKH3lb1I46%2B28Y3zc8TCmHwBL9mGHive6zIGZ3nbawPXtG9aMGSFNEIBcfzRGlOeVeExtzzFPvvrr03xj2AwTlD2cxITnseekC%2F5T3rSmd6l28hd1hYoHRfEnn9%2BXEi2bqKfcTCkYPHYSRITWX4bR7hfjZEbpONY0KYXv2b49r9fGDQmOzJho7s5JdhHH5jBRvOVMbDkjzWDpf3Vk1NMvFgIDk1gge8ALEFgFQD1nP61Cl%2FH%2FP1w%3D%3D" width="2400" height="1600" alt="A note board" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div><br />
	Once you’ve identified your audience and read your role model’s work, it’s time to create a timeline for your autobiography! 
<p>To do this, list all the important events that happened to you. This is considered the “research” and “brainstorming” phase. What was your adolescence like? Your time at college? Career? A profound, life-altering moment?</p>
<p>Browsing the Timeline feature in <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="My Stories Matter's Timeline Feature">My Stories Matter</a>, you can see your memories and life events organized in an intuitive chronological feed. You can focus on writing and reminiscing while your memories are automatically categorized for easy viewing.</p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Get Everything Out! </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15337" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-6jpeg-0">resized-image-Promo (6).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%286%29_0.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=WQH91%2FKzOdO7UtAMknStvzbO43injprZ1rcENWrkdlwm5uKPXRmiMsvCf1lmRNHtkIUyYeX9rWjepQXdYg4OMFeGN5jpu1wfZkpOK7TSEi3WbP9qYWEksNM8L1cXUKf0zsSJv3zdGvMclnTEgIcgtrcmq%2Boe9R956XzbLdAtIyAcMtMdg3x1Wxw2d7rBHkpzi14h5fILXdkhvLHIjFdVSsmFDXGlKYZ5n6eH59qoh5ZhbqXbGfVa%2BejqOP1w3aWznEdrYQIjGOtHyLsIowB5SSWv31WEPhaUZ8u%2F5Yx14exxAJ%2FUgJ4lLbflDM9fav0a5L3Mcj02i%2B7SXylNILZBRg%3D%3D" alt="Pink fireworks" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Write first, revise later. First drafts are always messy but crucial. Don’t worry about length, flow, etc. It’s also important not to feel self-conscious writing first drafts. The first draft is only for your eyes. The more you write, the better your writing will be. </p>
<p>Try <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juEeUg0groU" title="Try Free Association writing when writing your autobiography">Free Association</a> writing if you’re stumped on ideas or feel self-conscious. Devised by Sigmund Freud, this method gets all of your thoughts out on paper without thinking about what you’re writing. </p>
<p>Much like <a href="https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/500-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing/" title="New York Times' prompts ">The New York Times’ advice</a>, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="My Stories Matter's prompts help write an autobiography">My Stories Matter</a>’s prompts will get you started and help you write an unforgettable autobiography. You’ll better recall memories with ease. </p>
<h1> </h1>
<h1>Edit, Edit, Edit! </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15340" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/avel-chuklanov-dumfltmeabq-unsplashjpg-1">avel-chuklanov-DUmFLtMeAbQ-unsplash.jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/avel-chuklanov-DUmFLtMeAbQ-unsplash_1.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=V3rcwi1WcGn5ZtPWBppV5jwGH5UtUab9H4Y5nP%2ByQpBdEbKHKxAGLiMge3l9VCo6iozM%2Bw6%2Bh1OC%2B4yQ0RRavfZiy97Dj4377U5VmJ3IG8hIFTyJ2%2BZAIYyaRn9AH%2BdoATUa%2BMyjb6gD5IRhvWRWmUMYuCYx87KehpldSf%2BSs%2Fj6SgkHQXhrEKX88azC05FccW1qp8qWkNeL3Z8qpY%2Byl929%2FuC%2BGtEiSIl9uzRAbFx8c2Du4OmmeZa1SESv06kR%2FbzUyQoEzYCqlGnPcipzj5mVtD6EzBZijGy8iUSrXlgFKs6zvG7LHsyFKR45kdj4l0MiLBvISQb7gd93F3pLfg%3D%3D" width="2400" height="1600" alt="A laptop" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Once you have the first draft, it’s time to revise your work! Spelling <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-021-09611-y" title="Spelling matters ">matters</a>. Poor grammar and sentence structure could easily dissuade your readers and damage your credibility. </p>
<p>One study found that 7 in 10 adults, or 71%, <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-out-of-five-adults-consider-themselves-to-be-good-spellers-yet-large-majority-often-find-spelling-mistakes-from-others-300130935.html" title="Spelling mistakes are common ">frequently find spelling mistakes</a> others make. When proofreading our work, we <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23931599/" title="We don't see our typos when writing ">don’t see our typos</a> because what we see on the screen competes with the version in our heads. Therefore, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23931599/" title="Make your autobiography unfamiliar font">research</a> urges you to make your work as unfamiliar as possible, such as changing the font or background color to better catch typos. </p>
<p>Good grammar will keep your audience interested in your autobiography. Thankfully, many tools and resources help, such as <a href="https://app.grammarly.com/" title="Use Grammarly for autobiography">Grammarly </a>or <a href="https://www.gingersoftware.com/grammarcheck" title="Use Ginger for your autobiography">Ginger.</a> You can hire a professional editor or even have a trusted friend or family member check your work. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Get Feedback </h1>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-15341" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/john-schnobrich-flpc9vocj4-unsplashjpg-1">john-schnobrich-FlPc9_VocJ4-unsplash.jpg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img style="height: 341px; width: 512px;" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/john-schnobrich-FlPc9_VocJ4-unsplash_1.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=YyPNQfYexomrSTwGWYOBnEuNCLh8d1VNuLEavKRIYccKz2UkAS%2BvgR9WXhnPS%2BMujoQbePeybLiV9YTlxzBhaddV1XKTaTkbywhGP3MNJOYrubsX%2FcMWlUetO6cIwUiLYYD9sQWGqOH0UVZlipyc6SNMjcZLy2nJQedrQdll3NQqS7oACChtg5z4HS%2BT8dmSkYZlFqIw%2B5WB4DX1AgujMM3BGK%2BZVzzasJ%2BiuJWVIGNTl9W%2BOrVyibRNmr1nWwfnAm1pDAzG1EYLR2TG5e2b3KRwXB6Hz4OEHqlT5UTk8iKUuWsBJ2vF2XF3pMuAMXszorw1D%2FmokrIrMV0LDbvQyg%3D%3D" width="2400" height="1600" alt="A laptop" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Many famous historical figures had a second pair of eyes looking over and collaborating on their autobiographies, such as Andrew Mortain in Princess Diana’s groundbreaking “Diana: Her True Story - in Her Own Words” or Alex Haley in Malcolm X’s “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” </p>
<p>Reading too long on your screen drains you mentally, making <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563204000202" title="Reading too long makes it harder to remember">it harder to remember</a> what you read once you’re done. It’s vital to have a second pair of eyes reading through your autobiography, pinpointing spelling or content flaws.</p>
<p>Feedback adds perspective to your autobiography. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Write Your Autobiography on My Stories Matter<a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Write your autobiography on My Stories Matter"> </a></h1>
<p>Your life has something to offer this world, someone to inspire. Many people will relate to your experiences. As Stephen King <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/82850-a-little-talent-is-a-good-thing-to-have-if%23:~:text%3DQuotes%2520%253E%2520Quotable%2520Quote-,%25E2%2580%259CA%2520little%2520talent%2520is%2520a%2520good%2520thing%2520to%2520have%2520if,ability%2520to%2520remember%2520every%2520scar.%25E2%2580%259D&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1648597324724665&amp;usg=AOvVaw36yAxH7n3mcokUdv-EBu5p" title="Stephen King on talent ">states</a>: “A little talent is a good thing to have if you want to be a writer. But the only real requirement is the ability to remember every scar.” </p>
<p>Not sure where to write your autobiography? Try <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Write your autobiography on My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a>, a safe, effective way to begin recording your life story.</p>


How to Write an Autobiography

<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14229" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/collaborationpng-0">collaboration.png</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/collaboration_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=kjm04t1gfuAxnBseKa5h53TPeXlIhwIk7Enelvs%2FplmGwsfKww50733NiqKFbJEd6ktybhKnS6MoRxHPTkrkJRG%2F8XzFbTgtORH1Gn502Wch%2BU3ItYlI%2BO0D0l1p4B6sRc4zL%2Fpklk5KcDKk0GpEjxqZn4SB9mMumWlw7hZeKj4DX2dwAWs3W2yXy2UYnsMYUbc8Kwy0rrsI8PG%2FtbiCmEJPZVQJkNhHiIw2%2FA72fqlu32Ap%2F5dusQd8Pg%2FnRu%2Fah1MKRqO1mpCxxAP8qoxeOhAyS6dfI0cieN7%2BIwo%2FzDQrlALBN7oHDygG9PLpxG%2F%2FxErpu0UE59L%2F9fRno%2FqhuQ%3D%3D" width="512" height="339" alt="Collaborate to get an accurate version of a story when it happened" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5f0b1f2d-7fff-c02f-890f-95819b4f4133">Have you ever noticed that listening to songs from your childhood makes you nostalgic? Or how the smell of a family recipe reminds you of summers at your grandparents? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5f0b1f2d-7fff-c02f-890f-95819b4f4133">Believe it or not, we can resurface our life stories by revisiting songs, sights, and smells associated with experiences! </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14231" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/privacy-concernpng-0">Privacy concern.png</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Privacy%20concern_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=GDDuedE1e%2BR7j6fvgI3uzOSVTtVaf8uo2suYT8vb3dQCKlUbPRk4eVEKUDBVBs2ueH1sssJYhbqfG3a4BpUIJzilAqWSGa7pw6vUK194e4IjcP0wpALksVrcBdTt9d6FBky8gpHAeUGrIiw%2FgCCx0qLhd2ZCFJTuOcnQVFQzq%2B3C1Pb0sUUenwlGpxWG5maYWZQP%2FuvYeyu69jIQWF%2BlM9EggMsAagAU%2FA7ziiwnHPDz1wXf5qGWicY3TR6%2B5TCDYOly3ttZMCwE7Y8D%2Fce%2BlbxVKvoE%2F3xAQatHCrMbB5d2I0qQUmCY6isF5W4pHbR4MQVr9sHzyAq%2FJF0bwuNulA%3D%3D" alt="" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-41f08a60-7fff-0fdb-a4d8-0914baf668f3">Do you remember your favorite old Songs?</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-41f08a60-7fff-0fdb-a4d8-0914baf668f3"> Sometimes those memory cues are a little too far, so to help you out, we have a digital memory lane at My Stories Matter that you can “walk” down. With playable songs on our timeline in the sidebar and pictures of nostalgic movies and events, it’s sure to help you remember many life stories. We discuss this concept more in-depth in <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/tapping-into-memories-with-music/" title="life stories">our other blog post</a>.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14233" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/collectionpng-0">Collection.png</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Collection_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=DfKTH8ZOuXGtGHbzjcOhOV8rWPk7%2Bmm%2FuTWBcetvIECezmYnB0gHZO7iM3xVuNEQVboeLgDZxIILM0r4sJDLLLujKBK%2BLtOH248AUDoORbBl3HEmMu8npTleaSf3Z7q5jB0MR9Qy8SPeB57Dy0k8a%2FtnsHgdDhkjWJILkRhjn1y9UIdnEidtuaN5sl26EL%2B5mXgCOBiBhZA5FJVdJ%2FLfKwtDLQxDkBX2nrvINAnW6U9eRbqEkuflGfelvS4Wjg1YZU5PdhbEsMpHK1AZ9CWqbanFYgyUEc0MUDOBMES9txD0Z3FFKaJ3SlValfwtZyFyVfXhn8V3byvdqCQDN05HXQ%3D%3D" width="512" height="341" alt="Collect your life stores into different categories" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-267a9235-7fff-4a01-18ad-89443b5a98fa">Be ready to capture life stories as they come</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-46b2e4cc-7fff-c58d-d16a-3e7a573119ba">Did something pop up in your head? It is on the top right of your screen. You will find it in the same spot on our mobile app! Use MindPops to jot it down and finish it later.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18700" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t231522071jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T231522.071.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T231522.071.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=bW9ytF%2BUR77vGXYIwbzrJgy25oitR6AjhauNGGY4aADz%2BT6PKeaCUPWoadOZ2SfcUTzUPHUEyeteXkrmXs6LYRuRB1ppF2KkZm99RJUaR9LWh2%2BzwmEA%2BoHqjLrVqgWxWpLhIvW0XDDZ9yNEvfGmUMyrEOgFy7psiB3S3gSk7h7qT4v368DnzR4rc1i0mtuIevY1PygVHVKWZ14CUwFNvAe7XubfA%2BYHZZR%2BIEFaDZoew4fsgJujDASMpLGYfnmxPuUinLDyuJDYxsdk6paaWxlAxvajLgyjxpHbFOaUmTEfVCWiUnu08QaYATXm6DL%2BoCyFCPNG%2BphBbSXhMdr6%2FQ%3D%3D" alt="four people standing at top of a hill" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c39a9603-7fff-a406-ea0c-99100308dbeb">Who has the correct version of the event?</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c39a9603-7fff-a406-ea0c-99100308dbeb">Noone’s memory is perfect. Most of our best life stories are ones we made with other people. If we work together, we can help paint the best picture of the memory. Collaboration can be found on the right side when you click ‘add a memory. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18701" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t231713194jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T231713.194.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T231713.194.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=b5SpY2oMfJYK7bN9F97QBf%2FuI43vgSWADTk7KNYXG%2BOJPkrnagn%2FZlKE9h7%2F%2BRGVSHZfNa9QKwVEoRXH5i0vOr2fAy0gCoJl06Ow3A9U%2BI%2BUEuodCUzzLEoyjaV6%2FALA4AmucQ9OgxvywuyaCrAzriPbjhJAq8c%2B4%2BO%2F69Cy%2FbokKf%2FX7EjL9Qw5BOE7kdoXZdAMTDCai4jgHYZg3K2IxmDALA5j83VjpDymY9ffMS5Qp%2FHftLPEB%2FCkHUNfPAc1ydR9Okeu7jDn3%2FR3qv2LYy27vRFo0M%2FIBelWVaU18nBWOfH0vuYpBbmXLOj1pKQV3IDRkyh4VclalUq5yweuhQ%3D%3D" alt="parent and child on a log" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-50b3c5a5-7fff-da95-8c90-af0b3f34bcb2">Don’t worry about perfection</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-50b3c5a5-7fff-da95-8c90-af0b3f34bcb2">While grammar and spelling are essential in an academic and professional setting, it doesn't matter on My Stories Matter when capturing your life stories. Only you can choose who sees your personal life lessons when you add memory. We do not currently nor plan to sell your information to anyone.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18702" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t232039356jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T232039.356.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T232039.356.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=eD16jiMJPEoiev7VHbSbXCJk%2Fivqz3lfro1BdwCVvBh7gqC%2BlqCGHf3fMPBn3EDrDcYc14gNK9ugwZrnxdIB7kfWvur9gtt6r2Tr%2F61mv9KRF7GXR%2BStTbFm%2FXf8FHjbKFsTmKMZySQ6ko2a93qge5kATbBp8YstdpvoxRqRUHlyBASAFCe%2Ff7ZZGp7yjPjT0B6LfyQAB1yoWi%2F75B2M2%2Fik9iOj1QGA%2BoibrizBp%2F9HOyhI%2BpbKkljIvGsaTOk3DL%2FnAj2k6ww9Omb7uSpEr%2BTr8ncqRTwCtEpNyuKPt1jIOtAp%2Bu7IBnJrIOYaJizidmU5n8PinAxcrKSctfK70Q%3D%3D" alt="Shallow focus of sprout" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9ec9c5cb-7fff-e612-50fe-e3c866144c61">Organize into Collections</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9ec9c5cb-7fff-e612-50fe-e3c866144c61">Group your memories into different categories! Like how you have folders of your dog pictures, you can also categorize your memories! Like your memories, we keep your memory collections private so only those you allow can see them.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9ec9c5cb-7fff-e612-50fe-e3c866144c61">Want to know more? Sign up at <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="life stories">MyStoriesMatter</a> today! You can also reach out to us for any questions or comments.</b></p>
