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... Using the photo memoir approach, I wrote a memoir that my friends and family LOVED. I had to keep printing more and more copies because everyone who read it, wanted to keep it. And I don't consider myself a writer at all. Thank you, Trish, for helping me create a treasured personal biography!

Betty Jo Strong, San Diego, CA, author of Life is Wonderful, Self-published memoir

Writing a memoir is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. At 7memories, we make it fun and easy. Even if you think you're too busy or you've never written anything before, you'll be amazed at what you can create.

An excellent way to start is with your photos and/or memorabilia.

1. Select 10 photos or memorabilia items for your memoir. Choose images that show:

• the significant formative events in your life
• the important lessons you have learned

• the most influential people in your life
• your most cherished items (and why)
• those special events in your life
• your favorite holidays or celebrations
• your the happiest or saddest times
• your successes or worst mistakes
• your greates accomplishments
• your political causes or social values
• your favorite customs or traditions
• activities you inspired or respected
• how you would like to be remembered
• the special people you love
• a final thought, saying, or expression

2. Sequence your selected images so they tell a good story. This takes awhile and you may decide to substitute one image for another. Know why you're including each image. Mull it over until you're satisfied with your visuals. These create the framework of your memoir. Identify one photo for the front/inside cover. Number and name your photos for easy reference and access, e.g, grandma, postcard, letter, etc.

#1 Grandma

#2 First Postcard

#3 Letter from Dad

3. Scan each photo or memento as a digital file/jpeg for optimal resolution and clarity. Open a new folder on your computer to store your jpegs. Give each jpeg the same distinct name, as in #2 above, e.g. grandma.jpg, postcard.jpg, letter.jpg.Most printers have a "scan" function. If you don't have a scanner, take your photos to FedEx/Kinkos or Copy Club. They have self-serve scanners or they'll do the scanning for you.

4. Open a new document file on your computer and insert the first photo. Be sure to place photos top, middle, and bottom for variety. Important or favorite photos may be enlarged to cover an entire page. Add a caption for each image to focus the reader's attention on the important aspect and to hint at exciting things to come.

5. Enter the memories that go with each image. Recall family stories, legends, and anecdotes, teachers, landmarks, lonely rooms, favorite hangouts, and hideouts. Include the outstanding memories that still frighten, annoy, or add laughter. Be sure to label each memory with its associated photo. If you get stuck, remember to include the Ws--who, what, where, when, why, and also how. HINT: If you hate to type, record your words into a digital recorder (on your phone, for example) and then have the material transcribed. Transcription services are cheap and fast!

Photo top

Photo Middle

Photo Bottom

6. Be sure to add interest: vary the length of paragraphs and sentences; alternate long pages with short pages; alternate serious pages with lighter ones; start each page with a fresh, new subject; open the story at some dramatic point rather than at birth.

7. Make each photo as large as possible on the page. Each text page will hold 200-250 words. Place photos opposite pages of entire text for variety.

8. For the title, consider the theme/message of the memoir. What do you want the reader to remember most after reading it? Make a list of titles to consider.

9. Reread and revise the memoir and use the spelling/grammar checker to catch any errors.

10. Print your memoir using this suggested outline: page 1, front cover photo/title/author; page 2, copyright; page 3 dedication; page 4 is left blank; page 5 inside cover photo/title/author; pages 6-22 contain your text/photo pages; page 23 blank; page 24, back cover with author photo and author bio/message.

Click the photo to see an example of the amazing photo memoir you can create.

Copyright © 2010 by 7 Memories. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information system, without explicit written permission from 7 Memories.

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