One doesn’t have to be a successful author to write their memoirs! Think of the times that have meant the most in your life! Make a list. Write down these times. Start with ten memories that really touch your soul!

Then, pick one! Answer these ten questions:
•    When did this happen?
•    Where did this happen?
•    How old was I?
•    Who was with me in this memory?
•    What can I see?
•    What can I hear?
•    What can I smell?
•    What can I taste?
•    How does this memory make me feel?
•    What else can I remember about this memory?

Start writing! Don’t stop! Don’t edit. Just write! Leave it alone for a few hours. Then read it aloud. Share it with someone you love!

The writing of my memoirs now fills two increasingly popular books of collected stories about growing up in Michigan’s rugged, isolated, and enchanting Upper Peninsula. My first book, The Wishing Years, was published in 1995. The second book, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek, is in production now and will be available for shipping in three to four weeks. The first book became popular with people of all ages. The second book is bringing back second-time buyers—an author’s dream come true!

How did I start? I began by reading, immersing myself [Read more…]

Writing is fun! Anyone can be a good writer. The important thing is to write about what you know. To get started, create an Authority List of ten things you know something about. Then choose one topic from your list.

Picturing this topic in your mind, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I see?
• What do I hear?
• What do I smell?
• What do I taste?
• What do I feel?

[Read more…]