Writing your life story in 5 simple steps is possible when you get into the pattern and a good writing habit.
How to start writing is something most people have trouble with, so don't worry you are not alone. Much of this pressure comes from feeling you have to get that first sentence right, no, you have to get it perfect, or people won't bother reading further. Your story will be boring.
The thing is perfect doesn't exist, or at least is extremely rare. Writers that do 'perfect' usually work hard to achieve that, very hard, not to mention they are probably professional writers or at least have quite a bit of experience.
Clever, funny, and informative opening lines are obtainable, but nothing comes without writing and rewriting. So think of writing as an iterative process. That is, you begin with Version 1, which is refined and becomes Version 2, which is refined to become Version 3, and so on.
1. Just Write Anything
The best way to start writing is to start writing: What we mean is to just put something down because it removes the fear of the blank page. Make it simple and factual to begin:
"I was born in Ballarat, Victoria, in August 1960."
Now flesh that out into an image with a description that adds some emotion or an interesting extra point. So think about what else might be added.
2. Add a description
The weather in Ballarat in August is going to be cold. Perhaps August 1960 was a particularly cold year and there was record snowfall. Google it. Well, not quite snow, but it turns out that the coldest ever August day was 4.3 degrees on 8 August 1960 (Ballarat Courier newspaper via Google).
Now we might say:
"I was born in Ballarat, Victoria, in August 1960, one of the coldest Augusts ever recorded in the town. Perhaps that's why I love the cold weather for my holidays."
3. Raise interest
Now you have a couple of facts and something personal you have intrigue: You like cold weather, so where did you go on your cold-weather holidays?
You can use this process anywhere in your story. It will help you relax and write, knowing that the next version will be better, and the next, and the next.
4. Find a photo
Now illustrate your story with a few photos that show what you have been writing about. Perhaps a photo of your family home in Ballarat, or you on a winter holiday.
5. Repeat
Now you know how to start a sentence and an idea, you can repeat this process in different areas. Biografica gives you the questions, so that you just have to answer them with simple sentences like this.
If you are inspired to start writing why not sign up for our FREE TRIAL and test us out. Try writing your life story in 5 simple steps – we're sure you'll find it inspiring.
