"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: P is for Procrastination

But I’ve been here before. I am a master procrastinator. I have a real talent for it.

I am not saying this is a good thing. I am sure it creates more stress than I need. I tend to pile on lots of work in my life and then I have a hard time getting to it. And when I stress about deadlines it can often freeze me into waiting even longer.

Nevertheless, I sometimes can be very productive (another “p” word) when the deadline stares me in the face. If I have to do it I will find a way to push (yep, a word that starts with “p”) through it.

Some work, truth be told, is not as visible, because it is percolating in my head. This is particularly true in the prewriting stage (hey, I’m going to milk the “p” thing for all it’s worth!). Prewriting involves brainstorming and also thinking. So while I walk the dog, do the dishes, and drive my car I am also often pre-writing.

The next time you find yourself procrastinating on your memoir, autobiography or life story do an internal check. Have you done the prewriting? Do a mental preview. Visualize, prioritize and get on with your personal and potentially profitable personal history.

Thank you to all the new subscribers. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. You are receiving this e-zine because you signed up for it or someone who is subscribed passed it along to you. If a friend DID forward this to you consider subscribing by visiting our signup page . Also, let me know what you’d like to see more of in this newsletter – simply reply to this email e-zine.

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: Journal Writing Reflection

Keeping a journal allows you to read about your thoughts, emotions and life happenings from various times in your life.

One of the comments I often hear from others who want to write about their life is that it is hard to keep it up. And they are correct! Life writing is not easy. But there are simple things we can do on a regular basis.

All productive writers tell us that regular writing sessions are essential. I best practice this by writing in my journal.

All writing should be done with an audience in mind. My public writing appears in my blogging, websites and teaching. My journal writing is personal, but there is still an audience - it is me! That being the case, the "me audience" needs to take time to go back and read past entries and reflect. This can yield lots of benefits.

Read more of this article on life-story writing here.

Featured Resources

Get valuable life story resources from Denis Ledoux's vast experience as a writer, editor, consultant, coach and teacher. He has many helpful books and teleclasses to help you get your memoir written.

He also has some excellent programs to assist personal historians in their professional development. This includes the Memoir Professional & Associate Teacher Packages and Business Development Seminars. I have invested in the Memoir Professional package and it’s been a big help. In addition to the curriculum and marketing assistance there is ongoing support. Just today I was reading his excellent article about setting goals. I've found these resources to be personally helpful and I've developed an affiliate relationship SLN. Click here to visit Soleil Lifestory Network.

Legacy Keepers

How do you want your story to be told? Many great packages available to help you preserve your story, be it a book, video or oral history. Preserve your family history with a professionally conducted interview. You talk and the recorded interview is shaped into a high quality narrative for you and future generations to enjoy. Click below to find out more.

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