Memoir Writing
8: A Life Worth Living is a Story Worth Sharing: Overcoming Doubt
In the eighth of a series of stories designed to address concerns and fears about writing your memoir, Dr. Michael Williams shares the story of Eleanor who doubted the value of her life experiences until her grandson and a friend in her book club suggested otherwise. Will Eleanor write her memoir?
Eleanor sat by the window in her cozy living room, gazing out at the garden. The idea of writing her memoir had been lingering in her mind for a while, but she couldn’t shake the nagging doubt that her life wasn’t interesting enough to warrant a story. She was just an ordinary woman — what did she have to share that anyone would want to read?
One Sunday, her grandson, Daniel, came to visit. As they chatted over tea, Daniel noticed a stack of old photo albums on the coffee table. “Grandma, these pictures are amazing. You have so many stories to tell.”
Eleanor smiled softly. “Oh, they’re just memories. I don’t think anyone would be interested in hearing about them.”
Daniel looked at her with surprise. “Grandma, your life is fascinating! You’ve lived through so much — raising a family, running your own business, travelling the world. I’d love to hear all about it.”
