Writing

Many of us feel the need to ‘make our mark’ as we get older, by writing down our life story. We want to record our ups and downs, achievements and what ifs, for ourselves and others

People have different reasons for writing their life story. Reliving the past in this way can help make sense of it. Or perhaps you want to pass on family history to younger members and future generations, so it will never be lost or forgotten.

 

Here you can read about the experiences of some of our Bookbite readers who have written their own life story, poetry or fiction, to give you some inspiration.

 

A Long Life Story

I will be 85 years old this year, and I’ve recently had my autobiography published. I thought that was it. But things keep happening and if it goes on like this I’ll have to write a sequel.

 

Rosemary's Story

I semi-retired in July 2009 and decided that writing might be something I would enjoy taking up with my new-found freedom. I first discovered Bookbite in April 2009 from the local library and looked up the website to see what it was all about. On the strength of this I then joined a short creative writing course at my local FE college and enjoyed it very much. 

 

Published for the First Time at 73

I have just had a book published... a romantic, comedy, crime novel 'Dancing with the Captain'. Nothing very unusual about that, I am sure you are probably saying. Perhaps not, except that I am now 73 and it is the first book I have ever written or even attempted to write.

 

Kate Conquers Computers

Writing has always been a passion for 86-year-old Kate. Now computers have helped her make her hobby even more satisfying. When Kate retired from nursing, she wrote down her experiences in an autobiography for her family.

 

Joe's Gift

Joe Moisey, 87, turned his memories into a wonderful book. With support from the Furzedown Project in London, Joe published Moisey into Sacks himself last year.

 

You don’t have to write an autobiography. There are many ways to record your life – it depends on what appeals most to you. You can:

 

• Keep a diary every day
• Send and keep letters
• Make scrapbooks using bits and pieces you’ve collected on holiday, or from special events such as a wedding or the birth of a child
• Write notes in your photo albums – give photos a caption and description. There are computer programmes that will put it all in one file for you, including photos and video clips. You could ask UK Online centres about this.