Why tell your story? 81% of people want to write a book before they die. But all books start with having a good story to tell. What’s yours?
Most importantly… who do you want to tell it to? Will they read it? And will they want others to know your story?
Lots of Questions – the Answers Lie Within You
Unfortunately, most of the 81% of people who want to write a book never get started. In reality, less than one percent of the 81% complete their book and get it published. As a result, the majority of people who have lived go to their graves with their stories trapped inside them. So the answer to “Why Tell Your Story” lies trapped inside you too.
A long time ago, in my mid-twenties, a wise person told me the answers to my questions and problems lay within me. Consequently, I did a lot of soul searching and discovered they were right. So, now I’m passing this little piece of wisdom onto you.
In other words, if you believe you have a story trapped inside you, then you should release it. It doesn’t have to be a best seller. You don’t even have to publish it commercially. If all you do is create something for your family history, then that’s enough.
Tell your story through a personal recorded interview with Deb Donnell. More info…
Why Tell Your Story: To Inspire Future Generations
For nine months in 2020, I worked closely with my extended family and helped them write their stories. Then I compiled them into a 528 page book (with photos). In February 2021 we had a huge reunion and launched the book. As a result, I met distant cousins. Best of all, I’ve encouraged younger generations within the family to connect. Furthermore, we got to know some of our ancestors and their stories.
Imagine Helping Your Descendants Learn About Your Life
The family history project I worked on in 2020 only covered one branch of my family. However, it has inspired me to explore the other branches. As a starting point, I pulled out some tape recorded interviews where my grandparents shared some of their life story. After digitising the cassette tapes, I listened to them, before transcribing them.
I confess it’s taken me nearly 32 years to listen to these cassette tapes! Because I had always wondered “why tell your story?” Furthermore, I thought I’d burst into tears hearing my grandparents’ voices. But instead, I’m transported into their living room, feeling like I’m sitting opposite them as they talk. As a result, I am loving learning about their childhood and all the years in between. Most of all, I wish I had a time machine so I could ask them all the questions I should have asked while they were alive.
Sadly, I can’t. But what I can do is preserve and share these records for others in my family. And, I can also help you record your life story and share it with your family and descendants.
Why Tell Your Story: Don’t Die with it Trapped Inside!
It’s my mission to ensure that you answer the question: “Why Tell Your Story?” In fact, I promised my publishing mentor before he died that I would help people to release their story. But first, it’s important that you record your life story. Indeed, this may be enough, just as it was for my grandparents. Or you can take it further and include your extended family with the goal to produce a family history book.
The best place to start is with creating an audio or video recording of your story. I provide one-on-one interview services in person or via Zoom or phone. Find out more about this service here.
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