Who doesn’t have a few stories from their lives that are pulled out and shared because they are entertaining or to help others get through a similar situation? The goal of Marjorie Bradford’s writing group is to write those stories down so that they can be shared with family during your life and even after your death. 

Almost a decade ago, Bradford felt a desire to write down a life history, but was overwhelmed with the idea of sitting down and writing her chronological history. Around this time, she read an article in the Deseret News about writing life histories and stories and felt inspired by the idea. She took six classes from professional historians through a class at the SLC Library and collected a lot of notes. Still having a hard time starting, she decided to start a group so that she would have a deadline each month to create a story. She invited friends and neighbors and attracted about 8-10 people to attend her group. Bradford shared information about writing life stories and then invited each person to write and share a story from their own life for the next class. Though she gives a topic to help inspire participants, members can write about anything they want. How they met their spouse, for example, or an important tradition in their family. Life-changing events, as well as some of the most embarrassing or hilarious stories. As the group members share their stories, a personal memory may be jogged. “Write these ideas down while they are fresh,” said Bradford, “the best writers are thieves,” they improve their ability to tell their own stories by listening to others.

She gives newcomers a topics list to help them get started: favorite time of year, first job, learning how to drive a car, favorite recipe, life-changing experience, houses lived in, friends, important beliefs etc. As ideas come, jot them down and then brainstorm later all the details that you want to include. Often while reading through a story already written, additional details will come to mind that you can take note of in the margins to be added later. Don’t forget to share the difficulties along with the triumphs, joys and sorrow, hopes and fears. Looking through photos can spark ideas of a story that needs to be written. Little things, ah-ha moments, or lessons learned can all be fodder for the stories that make up a fascinating, even epic, life sketch. Sometimes obituaries seem lack-luster and uninteresting because only general details are known. Writing down one’s own stories or obituary can ensure that the more pertinent, important details that encapsulate a life can be shared. Collect your stories in a binder, adding a few pictures or other memorabilia to keep it more interesting. Online forums like Facebook Stories or Family Search provide an easy way to share stories and pictures with generations to come. Family Search also allows users to record a story using one’s own voice. Stories shared to this forum are kept private until after a person’s death. 

Bradford has learned to love her writing classes. The writing class members have evolved over time and she is always willing to welcome a new member. She might have a dozen participants at any meeting which usually lasts about an hour and a half.

“Getting to know people through their stories” is very rewarding and helps spark ideas for your own stories, she said. Bradford has collected about 60 stories in the eight-plus years she has been holding the group and still thinks of things she would like to record about her growing family.