You don't need to write a book to enjoy writing memoir. Memoir can be a form of self-discovery, a way to pass on family stories or fodder for writing fiction. You can use these writing exercises to create stand alone pieces, or you can use them as the basis for a longer work. It's entirely up to you - just enjoy the process.
The Family Album
For inspiration, dust off the family album. Within every photo, there is a story, or many.
Choose a photo that has special resonance for you. It could be a picture preserving a memorable Christmas celebration, the first day of school or a beloved family pet. It could also be a photo with significance only to you.
Use the photo to help recreate the day of the picture. Use dialogue, description, characters, setting, plot: all the vital elements of narrative to tell your story.
A Taste of the Past
Families pass down traditional recipes to their children and grandchildren. Dig deep into the family cookbook. Choose one recipe, and incorporate that recipe into your writing. You may choose to write about a special time when that recipe was part of a meal shared with your family, or you may choose to write about preparing the recipe with a parent or grandparent. Either way, make that recipe the centre of your story.
Story Time
Was story time an important part of your childhood? Many parents and grandparents pass down stories about their own childhood. These stories become a kind of oral history. Try to recall one of these stories and write about it as though you were telling the story to your children (or nephew or niece).
Firsts
Many people have fond memories of the first time they rode a bike or the first time they drove a car. Write about a first. Perhaps you'd like to recall an imagined, but true, event like taking your first steps. You might also recreate a first that you don't remember but someone else has told you about or is documented in a photograph.
Letters and Postcards
If you have access to old family letters you are very fortunate. Letters help us recreate the past and give us insight into the lives of long dead relatives.
Incorporate a letter or a portion of the contents of a letter or postcard into a family story. You can be creative with this exercise and use description and imagined dialogue.
Family Treasures
Handmade gifts are still popular today, but a hundred years ago they were the norm. Many of these gifts have stood the test of time and been passed down from generation to generation. Perhaps it's a hand painted Easter egg or piece of petite point. In recent years knitting has seen a resurgence, but in the past it was a common past-time. Maybe you have an afghan knitted by your aunt shortly before her death. Or maybe your great-grandmother made hand sewn quilts, and you are fortunate enough to possess one. These are just a few possibilities.
These special treasures are rich in story. Write about a handmade treasure, but write your story from the perspective of the article. You might want to write about the day the object was created or the many events it has witnessed.
Be creative with these exercises. It's okay to use narrative techniques to add life to your story. So go ahead and incorporate character development, dialogue, evocative description, plot, setting and imagery into your piece. Go ahead and tell a story.
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