We all have life stories, some good and others well, perhaps, unforgettable. But now is the time to be certain our stories are recorded for posterity. So you think that no one will ever be interested in your story. Really – read on.

For 10 years, I have had the privilege to teach creative writing classes and after all the art form is really storytelling. I ask my students to keep a daily journal and become very observant. I have found this technique is excellent when recording and as well creating stories.

In my last class, I had a lovely lady who wanted to write her grandmother’s story. My student felt inspired to record this exemplary life for her grandchildren and the next generations to come. As we worked through the life of her grandmother, I could see a pious Christian lady who perhaps did not think her life was of any significance, although she had been inspirational in every step along the way. It was a life dedicated to others.

Yes, your life is a story which future generations will be amazed to hear, but first, you must record it, either written or orally. Just buy a simple recorder, maybe even use your iPhone, but most importantly, tell your story.

Have you ever thought about one of your deep, dark secrets, you know the kind of stuff that you would die before divulging a single word? Uh-huh – then in about two generations or so a great grand, who is creatively inspired, makes a Million, no, a Go-Zillion bucks off of it. The story, inspired by true facts, garners multi awards which has made a huge career for that great grand. It could happen. And not to worry, because by now you’re skipping down the streets of Heaven, far removed from it all.

Now what if you had not written some of your life events in a daily journal that someone had the foresight to keep stuck away in a desk drawer. What if?

Take a look at my ideas listed below for writing stories.

Anne McKee’s GOLDEN RULES FOR WRITING

1. Know your voice.

2. Know your readership

3. Know your writing category – compare your writing category to the bestsellers of today.

4. Read as a writer.

5. Observe as a writer.

6. Think as a writer.

7. Seek others who have like-writing interests (not everyone will talk-the-talk).

8. Volunteer reading your work at church, the local library, school or Pre-K, civic clubs, etc (you will learn from the feedback.)

9. Write some everyday – if possible at the same time (morning, noon, night or once a day, once a week).

10. If you decide to seek placing your work for publication (magazines, newspapers, journals, online or hard print), persevere by sending two to three pieces out per week. If you seek to publish a novel, search the bookstore shelves or online books that are in line with your work – the publisher’s name and usually their website address is listed in the front of the book. Visit the website to make certain they accept unsolicitated manuscripts or work from authors who do not have an agent. Be sure to read and become familiar with the publications where you choose to submit in order to make certain your work is a good fit. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES. And don’t be discouraged by rejection letters. Each award-winning writer has received their share of rejects along the way.

11. Seek writing competitions with written critiques.

12. Read as many bestsellers as possible. (You will learn the writing categories that are being published) – Most established publishers will not venture into the unknown. They had rather stay with the tried and true.

13. Write with emotions – when sad, when mad, when happy.

14. Finally – never give up. Writing is a journey.

So I encourage you – write or record, because only you know your story.

Happy 2018, my friends.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Performing Artist and Teaching Artist Rosters. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com.