5.0 out of 5 stars It Takes You Through All the Steps, Beginning to End

P. · September 15, 2015

A useful, motivating resource for anyone who wants to write a life story and particularly for those who feel trepidation, overwhelmed by the perceived size of the task, or just can't figure out where to begin. Among the full complement of memoir-writing tips offered here are clear, specific guidelines for getting past the internal roadblocks that prevent so many of us from starting and, once started, how to stick with it.The book is firmly rooted in the highly-regarded Guided Autobiography method, developed nearly 40 years ago by gerontologist Dr. James Birren to help people write the stories of their lives. Richard Campbell & Cheryl Svensson expand on Dr. Birren's method, sharing the accumulated insights they've gained through years of facilitating Guided Autobiography groups. A collection of ten life "legacy" themes (e.g., Forks in the Road, My Family, My LIfe's Work, From Secular to Spiritual, etc.) make up the heart of Dr. Birren's method and of Campbell & Svensson's book. Combined with accompanying probing questions, they provide writers with both a point of departure and a way to dig deeply into their pools of memory.The two-page rule is another core principle of Guided Autobiography. Writers set out to compose just two pages--approximately 1000 words--on each legacy theme. Suddenly the task of writing a life story becomes achievable, for it has been divided into ten manageable two-page chunks. It also becomes more interesting, for the themes and two-page rule encourage writers to relate stories abut "life moments" as opposed to an event-by-event life chronicle, guided by a timeline.So what have Campbell & Svensson added to Dr. Birren's highly-successful method? Plenty. After years of experience and insight gained through leading Guided Autobiography groups, they take their expertise beyond their classrooms to share it with a wider audience. Working from their deeply-held conviction that everyone is a survivor and has a valuable story to tell, they serve as encouraging companions, gently guiding the writer, one two-page step at a time."But I'm not a writer!" Yes you are. You have a story to tell. Campbell & Svensson offer a plethora of simple tips and activities to help you get the writing juices and memories flowing: silencing the internal critics; using the senses and details to immerse your readers in your story; using humor; finding your voice and the right tone; avoiding clichés, crutch words, and overuse of adverbs; interviewing family and friends to fill information gaps and learn other perspectives; how to deal with thorny issues; portraying others. I particularly like the chapter that discusses the challenges of writing a story in which the author is the principal character. If you find you need the motivation and accountability that comes with a writers' group, you will find suggestions on organizing a Legacy Writing Club in the Resources section of the book."I've written on the ten themes, but there is so much more to tell!" No problem! The book supplies you with 25 additional themes and guidelines for creating your own. You can write forever!"It's finished, now what do I do?" Great! Congratulations! There are chapters devoted to editing how-to's, organizing the content & adding final touches, and printing.While concise, this is a complete "step-by-step guide to crafting your life story" for it includes all the steps, from getting started to "uncorking the champagne". It's an excellent, practical addition to the ever-burgeoning body of memoir-writing manuals. As you consider writing your memoir you will most likely want to consult several guides; be sure this is one of them.

5.0 out of 5 stars INDESPENSABLE TOOL FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL WRITING AND REFLECTION

D.P.O. · December 14, 2017

Everyone should tell his or her story. This is an enormous gift to loved ones who want to know more about us but do not know what questions to ask. Equally important, gathering our thoughts, reflecting on our lives, then writing about the experiences we have had, the choices we have made and what we have felt about them allows us to work through issues we may not even know we had. This is a powerful healing tool. If this makes sense, then this is the book to guide you. Based on the teachings of Dr. James E. Birren, renowned academic and founder of Guided Autobiography (GAB), 'Writing your Legacy' takes us on a step-by-step journey in autobiographical writing, providing helpful hints, explanations, examples and insights along the way. Co-author Dr. Cheryl Svensson, was a close colleague, friend and teaching partner of Dr. Birren, and has committed herself to carrying on his legacy, taking it beyond its original roots and enhancing it in both depth and substance. As a former student of Jim Birren myself, I am intimately familiar with both his and Dr. Svensson’s work on GAB. This book is well researched and remains true to the methodology, goals and content originally conceived and implemented. I cannot recommend it enough.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good ideas to get you started

P.B.L. · January 25, 2016

This book is a terrific guide if you'd like to reflect on your life or share your stories with your family. Most of us have no idea where to begin. This book takes that stress away with clear direction and inspiring ideas for story topics. There is a lot about how to keep going if you get stuck, more than I think is necessary, but its there if you need it. Along with writing tips and themes, there is info on how to create a book if you want to go that far. I'm not at that point, but it is a good resource to have if/when I need it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A guide for writing the stories of your life, a few pages at a time

I.M. · September 6, 2015

I have never written a review on Bolo Books before but am compelled to write one now in praise of this excellent book. It is beautifully, skillfully, and wisely written, and I love the ease of it all. It is a fitting tribute to Dr. James Birren's vision for creating a deeply personal and meaningful life history, one story at a time, through Guided Autobiography. This highly readable book updates and modernizes the themes, descriptions, and probing questions, introducing the time-proven process of Guided Autobiography to a much broader audience. Our lives are full of stories. If you would like to create an enduring gift for family members for generations to come, buy this book and start writing down the stories of your life, a few pages at a time. That's all it takes to get started. You will be amazed at how enjoyable and meaningful the result can be!

5.0 out of 5 stars An exquisite gift, a MUST READ, a treasure for yourself AND everyone you love!

B.B. · January 10, 2016

An exquisite gift, a delicious offering, a MUST READ for every one of us who has ever had the thought to write even a few stories about our lives! Richard Campbell and Cheryl Svensson have written THE book you must have if you, your parents, or anyone you know, has ever ever wanted help with personal storytelling. This book does it all. Even if you write one thing — perhaps the legacy letter — you are offering a treasure most of us would cherish, some words from people who matter to us. They answer all the hesitations, doubts, concerns in a welcoming, warm, and mostly importantly, helpful, direct way. Instead of writing a tedious chronology that is hard to appreciate, they offer themes and prompts to get you going, and help of every sort to create something of meaning and value both to the writer and to the reader. Buy this book, TODAY! (I have no financial interest in this book. I am just a huge fan!) Give it as a present to everyone you know. What more meaningful way can you say to people you love, including yourself, that these stories are valuable. Bonnie Bernell, author of the award winning book, Bountiful Women.

Writing Your Legacy is a gateway to personal fulfillment

M. · October 5, 2015

This is such a helpful book and I can't wait to introduce more people to the methods outlined by Richard and Cheryl. For anyone contemplating writing their life story I recommend "Writing Your Legacy..." which shows how simple it is writing just two pages at a time on given subjects. I guarantee it will be an uplifting and therapeutic experience.

well written and immensely helpful guide

M. · September 19, 2015

I have often thought of committing my life story to paper but have always been intimidated by how huge a task it seemed. What these authors offer so successfully is a road map that includes features to facilitate going forward step by step in manageable increments. What makes those steps so much easier is the wealth of suggestion that addresses things like not so good old memories, or themes that can trigger memory around a specific aspect of one's life such as "Forks in the Road". Easily readable and so well organized...I am looking forward to embarking on this journey rather than seeing it as such a daunting one!

Practical and Clear Guide to Your Personal Life Story

D.G. · September 26, 2015

Writing Your Legacy will be a wonderful guide to anyone who wishes to undertake the writing of their own personal story in my opinion.Exceeded my expectations as a major help on how to undertake the daunting task to properly record what has happened in my life and how to discuss those impacts respecting the person that I am now.Book covered the multiplicity of ways that I might bring together the various themes for best presentation.Finally, there is much practical advice regarding how to edit and proof read and the host of choices if one elects to publish the final work.

A thorough and comprehensive guide for getting memories on paper

m. · September 5, 2015

A valuable reference for anyone wanting to write their life stories or assist someone else with getting their memories on paper. It takes a life story beyond the usual, "I was born in... and attended school..." to the meat of our lives - the feelings behind the events. "Writing Your Legacy" runs the gamut on possible themes to twig forgotten events and memories so that our legacy book is thorough and unique. I have many books on the writing of life stories and know I will be using this one exclusively. Thanks, Richard and Cheryl, for this comprehensive guide to life story writing!

Very Good Book

A.C. · February 7, 2025

For anyone considering writing their life story this book carefully takes you through the steps. It will get you thinking about your life.