How can I write about my life when I am still living it?

The three most common excuses I hear for not writing about your life “yet,” and how—and why—to overcome them. It’s not too soon for your memoir, I promise.

memoir & writing, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeOctober 13, 2025am i too young to write my memoir, inspiring memoir examples for new writers, when is the best time to write about my life in a memoirComment

Should I hire a professional biographer?

My biased opinion: Working with a professional biographer can be one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make. Here are a few reasons why.

why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeSeptember 15, 2025what does a personal historian do, what is it like to work with a biographer to tell my life story, who can i hire to help me write a book about my lifeComment

“I’m scared.”

Are you nervous about undertaking a life story project? Working with a personal historian or memoir coach can help alleviate many of the most common fears.

memoir & writing, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeApril 28, 2025common fears about writing my life story, how to get over fears about writing my memoir, what are common fears about writing about my lifeComment

What do you wish you had asked them?

“I wish I knew why Mom moved to New York when she was just 16.” “I wish Papa told me how he makes his Sunday sauce.” Don’t wish for stories; ask for them.

family history, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeFebruary 24, 2025ask your parents questions before it's too late, how do i get my parents to tell me stories about their life, i never got to ask my parents about their memories before they died, how to preserve a legacy for my childrenComment

No readers, no matter—your life story benefits YOU

Walking down memory lane can be fun, but writing about your life has big benefits beyond that, including making meaning out of your lived experience.

why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeJuly 15, 2024finding meaning in m y life through writing, how memoir helps form identity, the benefits of writing about my life, psychological benefits of writing memoirComment

Why a recent life writing book isn’t on my recommended list

It’s important to me to stress some sense of urgency about writing about your life—but I don’t think you’ll have regrets if you don’t write about it ALL.

dawn's musings, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeJune 10, 2024why you should not worry about forgetting your life, don't write your memoir from a place of fear, worry about forgetting my lifeComment

Are you weighed down by the stuff of your family’s memories?

Boxes of old letters, family photos, and mementos from a generation ago can feel like a burden if they’re passed down without context. What to do with them.

family history, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeMarch 25, 2024what to do with box of family memories, i don't want my parents stuff, what to do with heirlooms and old letters, who is the custodian of your family history archive, stories of our stuff, family heirloomsComment

“It was more for me than anyone else—what a surprise”

You may think you are writing about your life for your family—to honor your ancestors, to give a gift to your descendants. But the truth is deeper. You’ll see.

dawn's musings, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeNovember 20, 2023is writing about my life good for me, is writing memoir conceited, the gift of telling my storiesComment