The Fine Art of Recreating the Past

• Find a space exclusively for writing--a room, corner, or even the end of a table.
• Set aside a time to write, and stick to it.
• If you've followed the sidebar hint about organization and are still "blocked" on your project, write something else--key words, phrases, a letter, anything--"blocks" disappear with practice.
• Once you've gotten started, aim to make your writing clean and readable. See the Special Close-Up "Good Manuscript Housekeeping."
• Don't rely on memory alone for inspiration--collect photos, letters, clippings, and other memorabilia; consult reference works to verify dates and events.
• Use a filing system for notes and ideas--according to preference, notebooks, card indexes, or computer files all do the trick.
• Work from an outline--it may be chronological, thematic, or a combination of both.
• Learn your trade--read published memoirs, biographies, and histories, as well as reviews in papers like the New York Times Book Review and Quill & Quire.
• Avoid vanity presses--investigate appropriate ways to achieve publication. Consult the information sources listed under Guides to Agents and Publishers
• Look for other practical hints in works like:
  • Judith Barrington, Writing the Memoir.
  • Lois Daniel, How to Write Your Own Life Story.
  • Janet T. Dixon, Preserving Your Past.
  • Ruth Latta, Life Writing.
  • Nancy Smith, Writing Your Life Story.

As a literary consultant and author of historical books, I can help you write and publish your project. Find out more about me and my services