General Chat

I have started to type up my life story for future generations to read but don't keep a journal. I'm thinking of starting one and appreciate any comments.
It would have to be on lined paper though as my writing is deteriorating. lol

Di

I've kept a diary since I was 15. My parents both kept diaries as did my grandfather. It's fascinating to read what my grand-dad did. I also know one of my presents for Christmas each year will be a diary!

Alison

Di, google "writing a journal" and I think you will find a few sites that will give you some tips on writing journals, family history etc.

Sue xx

i dont' keep a journal myself, but a little tip for typing up your own history.

Go through the photo albums, and make a note of the memory of each one, you'll be surprised what else comes up.

Secondly, listen to all the music you love, especially that from your younger days. Write notes about the memories the different songs evoke. Again you'll be surprised what comes up.

If you're writing about one of the musical memories, play the song as you type, it helps to remember and capture the feeling and atmosphere of the time.

Good luck with it.

To add to what Teresa has said - there are websites that will give you songs that were No. 1 when you were born and current affairs for that year too. I've made a scrapbook about me and I've added all sorts of info from the year I was born as well as photos. I've also written about the important events in my life.

Sue xx

Thank you all for your thoughts, comments and advice. I will certainly Google for ideas of how to start and you have all given me ideas as to what I should/could include.

My MIL and FIL both left journals but not complete. I have typed them up and inserted family photo's and then put it all into display files for other family members so they all have their own copies. I may at some point get them printed when I have am certain I don't have anything more to add to them.

Di

My father kept diaries. Mum threw a lot of them out but kept ones from the time my sister and I were born. They are fascinating, just every day life but lovely to have. He also kept records of which records were in the charts and no 1s from 40s onwards.

I don't know if you read my life story when I put it on here in instalments but I found that as I wrote something another memory would pop up. Also reading books set in 'my' youth era reminded me of things. good luck with it it is time consuming and absorbing.

ann
Glos

No i don't keep a journal / diary , too risky lol. But I do plan to write a family history when I 'get around to it' !
My mum left some of her writing re her childhood etc so will incorporate that .

TW what a good tip re photo's!

youv'e got me going, just started me life story, one page so far, fed up already,lol

You know what they say Monty, start at an interesting bit ..and work backwards or forwards as you choose :)

xx

its very hard, to now how to start, so many things going round in your head, me finger don't work that fast, think i'm onto a best seller here, lol, not got past 4yo yet

Again thanks for all the comments.
I did start my life story about a year ago and keep going back to it. I have 67 pages of A4 typed with photos too. I have gone over it since posting my thread and put in further memories and the number 1s for specific events that have occurred.
I really like the idea of the photo albums stirring up memories. I will need to get my scanner working so I can use them.

For my birthday I will treat myself to a nice journal book to record my thoughts in.
Ann in Glos. I don't think I did see your life story. If it's available please nudge it as I love hearing about other peoples lives.
Someone mentioned a scrapbook but I wouldn't know where to start as I'm not arty at all.

Di

This is the start of mine... like mother like daughter lol

1945

There is a party going on outside my window. The biggest party the world has ever known. The cheering , the laughter, echo around inside my head until it distorts into sobbing. Victory in Japan. The war is over and my mother says
"That boy is out there somewhere, dancing."
The baby inside me kicks.


1995

The baby inside me kicks.
There was a note today from its father, returnig a book.
He had a good time at the college party. He says he thought I might have been there. He doesn't mention the baby. My mother says
" That boy is strange in the head."
I have to laugh, I do really. Or else I might cry.

Copyright RR 2009

Running Bear

A really good start I would say. Funny that I will be 58 in a few days!
I started with my earliest memory too. Are you typing or writing. I am typing so that I can insert memories quicker where they need to be in the timeline.

RR - very poignant.

Di

Hi Gem, on me computer, just so much to get down, me heads in a spin.

RB
A suggestion. Why don't you just put bullet points down initially and then expand on them as you write. That way you'll be prompted.
You will get hooked and not be able to stop adding to what you have already typed!

Di

now that sounds like a good idea, now where did i put that gun, lol

I actually deleted it because there were a lot of personal details in it. I will put up a couple of chapters for you.

Ann
Glos

hey on page 5 now, hard to put it down