Outline for writing a life story

Many people would like to write their autobiography or personal life story. Here is an outline that I have found helpful. I will use it to structure my story about growing up in Orem, Utah in future postings. I hope you find it helpful.

Phase 1 - Family History

Gather and write down basic information and family history:

1. What is person's name including nick names?

2. Where and when was he or she born?

3. What are the names of person's parents and siblings?

4. Is the person the oldest, the youngest, or middle child?

5. Where did the person's family come from?

6. What is unique or special about the person's or family's background?

Phase 2 - Childhood

Information about childhood:

1. What was life like for the person as a child?

2. Where did the person live as a child?

3. Does the person have any special childhood memories? What are they?

4. Did the person ever get into mischief as a child?

5. Who were the important people in the person's life, as a child?

6. What interests and talents did the person have early on?

Phase 3 - School Days

Information about school days:

1. What was school like when the person was younger?

2. What was the person's favorite subject?

3. What did the person want to be when he or she grew up?

4. Are there any funny school-related stories to share?

5. Who were the person's favorite classmates?

6. What school(s) did the person attend?

Phase 4 - Interests and hobblies

Showcase the person's interests.

1. What interests did the person have?

2. Did the person collect anything?

3. What extracurricular activities did the person participate in?

4. What responsibilities did the person have at home or in the community?

5. What books did the person read?

6. What did the person enjoy doing in his or her younger years?

Phase 5 - Young adult experiences

Share experiences at college, in the military or religious service, Sports, etc.

1. When did the person first leave home?

2. What goals did he or she pursue at this time?

3. How did the person decide which path to pursue?

4. What were some of the challenges he or she faced?

5. What were some of the triumphs that he or she experienced?

6. How did the person serve others at this time?

Phase 6 - Friends and family

Tell about any of the special people that shaped the person's life.

1. When did the person fall in love?

2. What was the courtship, engagement, and/or wedding like?

3. What was life like for the young couple?

4. When did the person have children? (Give names and birth order of children)

5. What did the person like to do with his or her family?

6. What close friends did the person have at this time?

Phase 7 - Homes, careers, and interests

Emphasize the person's career and person achievements.

1. What special awards or recognition has the person received?

2. What strengths does the person show in the home or work force?

3. What special interests does the person have as an adult?

4. What talents and skills did the person acquire as an adult?

5. Did the person ever change jobs?

6. What are the person's goals as an adult?

Phase 8 - Holidays and vacations

Recall any memorable vaction or holiday stories and traditions.

1. Where is the person's favorite place to visit?

2. What is it like visiting his or her favorite place? How does he or she get there?

3. What holiday traditions carried over from the person's childhood?

4. Has the person had any adventures as an adult?

5. If the person doesn't travel, does he or she have any dreams of traveling?

6. Has the person had any special reunions with family or friends?

Phase 9 - Family life/Fond memories

Emphasize important family accomplishements or aspects of their life.

1. What strengths does the person have as a parent or family member?

2. What does the person enjoy most about being a parent or family member?

3. What does he or she enjoy doing with family and friends?

4. What was life like while raising a family?

5. Is there a funny or special story that occurred during the person's adult years?

6. What are the person's thoughts about being a grandparent?

Phase 10 - Leaving a legacy

Share important advice for loved ones.

1. What has the person learned from his or her life experiences?

2. Is there any advice the person is known for giving?

3. What special phrases does the person say?

4. What advice does the person have for his or her posterity?

5. What kind of legacy has the person created?