I believe I’ve written in this space before about writing your memoirs, but it’s time to revisit the subject.
What brings it up is one of several new clients I’ve recently signed up. As many of you know, besides writing books I also do other writing and editing. And this particular client has hired me to assist him in writing his memoirs.
He’s led a fairly remarkable life, yet I doubt his book would sell well on the open market—but those aren’t his publication plans. His aim is limited distribution to family and friends, especially his seven grandchildren. He doesn’t want his life story lost once his time on this earth is up.
He’s not the first client of mine to write his memoirs strictly for his family. Not every book deserves or requires widespread publication. But writing for the family is a very worthwhile undertaking.
Even if you’re only in your 40s or 50s, and not on the cusp of turning 90 like my newest client, it’s not too early to start. By the time you hit 70 or 80, you’ll have forgotten many details of the earlier part of your life. You can start writing your memoirs now and add to them as you go along. Consider the book a work-in-progress.
Then, too, there’s this to consider: Most likely you will want to include information about your forebears—your parents, grandparents, and as far up the generational ladder as you have or can glean information for. If you’re still in your 40s, chances are that your parents and likely at least some of your grandparents are still alive. You can tap them for information not only about themselves but about the generations that preceded them. If you wait till you’re in your 60s or 70s, you lose out on some of your information sources. Even if your antecedents are still alive, their memories may be fading.
It’s not too early. Start now!