I just saw that a memoir for David Archuleta––winner? finalist? contestant?––from American Idol was released on June 2nd. He's 19 years old. But he's not the youngest, by any means, to write his life story. Singer and TV star Miley Cyrus started writing hers at age 15, and it was released by the time she was 16, in the spring of 2009. Ten year old Rubina Ali, child star of Slumdog Millionaire, released her memoir in 2009.
"How can someone write a life story, when they haven't yet lived a full life?" you might ask. I maintain that it doesn't matter how many––or how few––years you've lived, but that you've lived that deserves a story. David, Miley and Rubina all have stories to tell. They've all packed a lot of experiences into their short lifetimes.
And you have too...no matter what your age.
If you haven't yet begun to write down some of your experiences, what's stopping you? It's never too early, but someday it really could be too late. If you've started, but can't seem to get moving again, just buckle down, pick one topic that you MOST want your family to know about, and write about it today. It may be a month before you feel like writing again, but don't wait for the inspiration to strike. Set a date with yourself two or three times a week, and each time write about another memory. It doesn't need to be more than a few paragraphs per story, though once you begin, I bet you'll find lots to say on the topic.
Just get something down on paper (or tape yourself telling your stories, if that's easier.) Your family will thank you for it!
Comments