"Your past is your story up to now. The future is the story yet to come. The present is where you live with that experience, your hopes and your dreams."

Opening Remarks: World in Changes

Each day when I log on my computer and check the Internet for email and news I realize what a brave, new world we live in. In just the past few weeks we've witnessed Japan struggling with the effects of a major earthquake and tsunami and fighting to control nuclear reactors in danger of meltdowns, revolution in Northern Africa countries (Libya), and the death of a Hollywood Icon (Elizabeth Taylor).

In reality, there have been all of these news-worthy events throughout time, but because of our "global village" we realize it more. Plus, the advancement of technology truly does change how we communicate and live. We are so "wired" these days.

I sometimes miss times when the world seemed simpler. But we don't have to go back to a simpler time. We merely need to realize how important life is, how precious each moment is, and how important it is to honor the dignity of every person. Saving lives through helping those in need, and by capturing life stories, is honorable and righteous.

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While the main focus of this newsletter is to share thoughts, ideas, and insights on life story writing you should know that I offer various services and also mention some products and services that can be helpful. You are under no obligation to purchase anything, but if any of these products or services are helpful and you decide to utilize them then I am most grateful.

Thanks for reading. – Tom

Featured Article: Your Personal Life Challenge

Everyone faces challenges in life. It’s true. Some challenges seem overwhelming. They can be a life-threatening disease, getting past the loss of a loved one, dealing with poverty and homelessness, or living in a combat zone. Other challenges can seem mundane by comparison, but are still important to the person facing it. Think of all the people who are seeking employment, struggling to keep a business afloat, comforting a troubled child or trying to fix a broken appliance. Everyday people face challenges both large and small.

Over the past few weeks the 7th graders I’ve been teaching in a language arts class have been exploring what personal challenges mean. I’ve shared with them the stories of people who’ve faced life challenges. They were surprised to learn about the many setbacks Abraham Lincoln had in his life before he was finally elected President of the United States. And we discussed the men whose lives were featured in two Academy Award nominated films from last year, The King’s Speech and 127 Hours.

The students have written about some pretty interesting subjects, from loss of family members to overcoming health issues, dealing with moving to a new school and making new friends, and dreams of future careers and success.

I love encouraging people to write about such subjects. This type of material is often the heart and soul of a good memoir. But the writing can be hard work. Therefore, I suggest breaking it into steps. That's what I've been doing with my students. I mentioned how we studied some inspiring stories of other people.That can be effective. One of the stories I told the students about is that of Bethany Hamilton. She is a surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack when she was just thirteen. Two months later she was back on a surfboard and competing in surfing events! A new movie, Soul Surfer, about her amazing story will soon be in theaters.

After the students heard these stories I also shared inspiring quotes from various people. And I had them brainstorm challenges to write about. This is all part of the pre-writing stage.

Next we developed an outline and they listed their personal challenge, reasons to meet the challenge, the obstacles they face, and the people who can assist them. After that we worked hard on writing strong openings. Good writing needs to grab the reader’s attention and we brainstormed different ways to do that. These are all good tips to apply to any areas you are writing about regarding your life.

Here's a "personal challenge" - think about an obstacle you've overcome and use the suggested tips above to prepare an outline. Then write a rough draft without thinking too much about how good it is, whether the spelling is correct or how articulate you are. All of that can be reviewed and revised. Just get that first draft written. When you free yourself to write what comes to your mind after proper prewriting preparation you may find it flows right out of you. And that can be very freeing and encouraging.

Read other articles on life-story writing here.

Resources You Can Use

There are many ways to create a life story. You can record it to audio or video, post it to a website or write a book. But recently I can across an option I hadn’t seen before. It is a company who will tell your story in an illustrated manner using some really high quality comic art. It’s like reading a graphic novel of your life. This company offers customizable options, too, so you can have as many panels and pages as you desire and are willing to pay for. If you are interested in finding out more I encourage you to email me . Mention that you want to know more about your life story using comic art and I’ll reply with more details.

Leather Journals

Handsome leather journals are wonderful for those who like the feel of their journal to help inspire their feelings. Plus, using the "tried and true" method of a paper journal might stimulate insight and, of course, you can take it anywhere. See more at Executive Pens Direct (where you can also find some very nice writing instruments) Details here.

Closing Information

Any comments, ideas or feedback is greatly appreciated. Just reply to this ‘zine and tell me what you think!

Until next time, – keep your story alive!

Tom Gilbert