Suggestions for getting started, are deliberately not called ground rules for writing by Atkinson (1995) because being grounded is not advisable when writing autobiographically, he urges. Steer away from rules, as they restrict, with exclusion of one rule: "don't make any rules" (p. 56).
It is important to feel free to move around; to look down on yourself and gain a fresh perspective. In addition to a sense of freedom is inspiration—filled with enthusiasm: a spirit of wanting to express yourself and a "spirit of wonder, joy, and acceptance" (p. 57), as well as fuelled by motivation.
Atkinson's suggestions include:
- Write firstly for yourself—your own satisfaction and enjoyment—write in a way that let you feel good.
- Listen for your inner voice—authentic expression.
- Allow your deepest feelings to guide you.
- Recall, explore and reflect on memories—it is a source of strength.
- Get to what lies buried in your heart—the lived experiences: create a bank of moments and tap the feelings.
- Write the way you talk, don't waste time editing—get the story out.
- Allow your imagination, be creative and even fanciful. —don't be self-conscious and scared.
- Humour adds flavour and allows hidden truths to surface.
- Look for and make the connections—it empowers—connections are like treads in weaving or tapestry.
- Take a bird's-eye view of your life as a whole—it gives insight and perspective.
- Draw the tree of your life: "roots, trunk, branches, leaves and blossoms" (p. 64). Identify and label each part, where after you write the brief story of each.
- Begin with a time-line, flesh it out and look for distinct separate periods. Describe briefly the main themes or issues and the dominant feelings during each. Identify and arrange the chapters (refer to exhibit 4.1, p. 66, inserted below) in your life.
- Explore the uniqueness of your own birth and/or childhood—the context and the circumstances.
- Look ahead, envision your elder self.
Atkinson R. 1995. The gift of stories — practical and spiritual applications of autobiography, life stories and personal myth making. Westport, Conn.: Bergin & Garvey.
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