- What was a time you took a risk and how did it turn out?
- How did you get your name?
- What’s the naughtiest things you’ve ever done?
These are the kinds of questions that help unlock the stories that make up your life, and at 12 Stories, we’re here to help you tell them.
How to Write a Life Story: The 12 Stories Approach
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably thought about jotting down the important events, people, and places that have shaped your life. But where do you even start? It can feel like an overwhelming task, with memories scattered all over the place and the sheer volume of stories to tell. That’s where 12 Stories comes in.
We’ve designed a simple, enjoyable way to help you write your life story in just 12 weeks. Each week, you’ll focus on a different aspect of your life—whether it’s your childhood, the people who’ve influenced you, or the places that have left a mark. By the end of it, you’ll have a beautiful collection of 12 stories that you can share with your family, friends, or even just keep for yourself as a cherished memento.
Why Your Stories Matter
Your life stories are the sum of you. They’re not just accounts of what happened but reflections of who you are. Sharing them allows others to truly know and understand you, and it creates connections that span generations.
Imagine your grandchildren reading about your first job or that wild adventure you had when you were younger. These stories give depth to who you are in their eyes. It’s not just about documenting events; it’s about sharing the essence of you.
And your stories deserve to be told by you. While it’s lovely in one way to hear about a person’s stories or life experiences in their eulogy, it’s also a poignant reminder that we often miss chances to share who we really are with those that matter most to us while living. Even sadder – our hearts go out to families who are left without the gift of stories when their loved ones pass.
Meet Judy and Cathy: The Heart Behind 12 Stories
So, who are we?
We’re Judy and Cathy, a mother and daughter team with a love for stories. We live just 10 minutes from each other on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, so we’re very lucky to be able to see each other often.
One of our favourite things to do together is to share an almond croissant with an affogato (Judy) and iced long black (Cathy) and have a chat. And it was during one such morning tea catch-up a few months ago that we touched upon the idea of creating a method for as many people as possible wanting to know how to write a life story.
You see, as teachers, we’ve always been passionate about helping people express themselves, and over the years, we’ve seen just how powerful personal stories can be. They connect us, help us understand each other, and preserve the wisdom of generations.
One of the most treasured items in our family is an autobiography written by Brian, Judy’s husband and Cathy’s father, back in 2010. It’s over 100 pages long, filled with stories of his life, thoughts, and experiences. When Brian passed away in 2021 after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND), that book became even more precious. It’s a piece of him that we can hold onto forever.
But we also know that writing 100 pages is no small feat, especially when life gets busy. That’s why we created 12 Stories—to make life writing something that’s doable for everyone.
A Simple, Achievable Way to Share Your Life Stories
12 Stories isn’t about writing a full-blown autobiography (unless that’s what you want to do!). It’s about capturing the moments that matter in a way that’s structured yet flexible. Each week, we’ll guide you with prompts, templates, and examples, helping you to reflect on different aspects of your life.
The beauty of this approach is that it’s completely up to you what you include. There’s no perfect formula for how to write a life story and there’s no pressure to write about anything you’re not comfortable with. With our Writing Kit and other support materials, you can take your time to ensure it feels right. Whether you prefer to type it out, handwrite it, or even speak it and have it transcribed, the choice is yours.
The Benefits of Writing Your Life Stories with 12 Stories
Taking the time to write your life story has some pretty amazing benefits. Not only does it give you a chance to reflect on the experiences that have shaped you, but it also provides something tangible that your family can cherish for generations to come.
By breaking it down into 12 manageable parts, we’ve made sure that the process is achievable, even if you’ve got a lot on your plate. And let’s be honest—there’s something incredibly satisfying about finally getting those stories out of your head and onto paper.
It’s a journey of discovery as much as it is a project, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Inspiration: The Story of Brian’s Autobiography
Brian’s autobiography is a big part of the reason why 12 Stories exists.
In the Preface page, Brian notes (referring to his own father, Clarence), ‘As Dad aged, I tried unsuccessfully to encourage him to write his life story, or share memories and let me write them for him. He had such a tale to tell and one that would have been so different from mine…’. Brian goes on to say that, in writing his own autobiography, ‘I wanted to ensure that I left something of myself for my children, grandchildren and future generations should they be interested.’
And we are so grateful for his efforts.
As we’ve gone back and read through his words, we’ve found ourselves understanding him in new ways, appreciating the nuances of his thoughts and life experiences. It’s also interesting to note his final reflection, ‘I have found the writing of this story extraordinarily reflective, unexpectedly entertaining, often evocative, sometimes cathartic and eventually remarkably rewarding.’
But we realise that writing a full autobiography is, well, a LOT. With 12 Stories, you’re supported with how to write a life story, by capturing the essence of your life, one story at a time, without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a way to honour your experiences and share them in a way that’s meaningful to you and your loved ones.
How to Start Writing Your Life Story
Starting can often be the hardest part, but we’ve got you covered. Each week, you’ll receive an email with a new topic to explore. We’ll provide you with writing prompts to spark your memories and get the words flowing. Don’t worry if you’re not a ‘writer’—this is about capturing your voice, not crafting the perfect sentence.
For instance, one week focuses on ‘People,’ including a suggestion to write about someone who had a significant impact on your life. Another week delves into ‘Place,’ where you might reflect on a location that holds special meaning for you. These guided prompts help to narrow down what might otherwise be an overwhelming task into something that feels doable and actually enjoyable!
A 12-Week Journey to Capture Your Life in 12 Stories
By breaking the process down into 12 weeks, we make it easier to fit life writing into your routine. You don’t need to set aside hours on end—just an hour or two each week will do the trick. And by the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll have a collection of stories that reflect your life, ready to be shared or kept as a personal keepsake.
The best part? You’ll have those stories for the rest of your life. Whether you decide to bind them into a book, save them on your computer, or share them with loved ones, you’ll have something that captures the essence of who you are.
What Sets 12 Stories Apart
There are plenty of resources out there for writing life stories, but what sets 12 Stories apart is our simple, structured approach. We don’t just give you a blank page and say, ‘Go for it!’ We guide you through the process, step by step, making sure you have the tools and support you need to succeed.
We believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and our mission is to help you share it in a way that feels achievable and enjoyable. With 12 Stories, you’re not just writing for yourself—you’re creating a precious gift that will be cherished by your family for generations.
The Power of Stories to Connect Families and Friends
At the end of the day, stories are about connection. They’re a way to bridge the gap between generations, to share experiences, and to understand each other on a deeper level. When you write your life story, you’re not just documenting events—you’re sharing your heart, your mind, and your spirit.
So, whether you’re looking to understand a family member more fully, reconnect with your own past, or create something beautiful for your loved ones, 12 Stories is here to help you every step of the way. We’re excited to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see the stories you create.
Welcome to 12 Stories. Let’s get started.
