Ancestry & Ink
How to Begin Writing Your Own Memoir for Your Grandchildren
Writing Our Way Through History
Long before digital records and databases, lives were documented by hand. Letters crossed oceans. Journals captured daily hopes and fears. Books recorded the events that shaped families, communities, and nations. Through ink, personal stories became part of a larger historical narrative.
Ancestry Is More Than a Lineage
Ancestry is not only about where we come from — it’s about what we carry forward. The values, beliefs, and lessons passed from one generation to the next often live on through stories and books. When we read about the past, we gain perspective on our present and clarity for the future.
Writing a memoir for your grandchildren is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave. It’s not about being famous or having lived a “perfect” life—it’s about sharing your voice, your values, and your stories.
Here’s how to begin:
1. Start With Your “Why”
Before you write a single page, ask yourself:
What do I hope they understand about me?
What lessons do I want to pass down?
What parts of our family story shouldn’t be forgotten?
Your purpose will guide your tone and structure.
2. Don’t Start at the Beginning
You don’t have to begin with “I was born on…”
Instead, start with:
A vivid childhood memory
A defining moment
A family tradition
A story you’ve told many times
3. Write in Scenes, Not Summaries
Instead of:
We didn’t have much money growing up.
Try:
In winter, we stuffed newspaper into our boots to keep our feet warm on the walk to school.
Details make your stories come alive.
4. Focus on What They’ll Care About
Your grandchildren will likely be most interested in:
What you were like as a child
Mistakes you made
How you met their grandmother/grandfather
Hard decisions you faced
What the world was like “back then”
The values you learned the hard way
They want to know you, not just events.
