Time to Remember, Focus on Writing

 

 

 

November is a time to remember. On Nov. 1, we remember the saints. On Nov. 2, we remember those who have gone before us. On Veterans Day, we remember those who serve our country and those served many years ago. We remember the wars that are represented by Veterans Day, which used to be Armistice Day and still is in Europe. That was the day World War I ended. On Thanksgiving, we remember to thank God for our blessings. We remember family, and we remember those who couldn't be part of our celebrations. Therefore, November is a perfect time to remember our writing and add remembrances in writing.

1. Memoirs – Writing down events that took place in your life is called a memoir or autobiography. You can write these books to pass down your family for future generations to know what happened in your life and in the world when you were alive. You can write these books to pass on knowledge that you have that others do not. And, you can write them for yourself to remember the events, choices and actions that made you where you are today. Unless you are a famous person, you don't want to try to sell these. Publishers don't want them. Bookstores can't sell them. And, you would have a hard time selling them if you self-publish because readers don't want to read them. If you want to write a memoir, write it in a way that is relatable to others instead of just your personal stories and market it that way.

2. Fiction – Historical fiction must include remembrances from the past. You might have to do research on these to get your facts correct for the time period you are writing. Historical fiction can be set in any genre. You could write a military novel set in WWII. You could write a romance set in 1776. You could write a spy novel set during the cold war of the 1960s. These are all types of historical fiction. Each of those time periods require different clothing, different word usage and different actions. For example, you can't talk about telephones in 1776, but you can in WWII.

3. True Crime – By its nature, you are researching a case that happened many years ago and writing about it. You are remembering what happened and telling the story of the crime. Some crimes are famous and resolved. Others are cold cases that are unsolved. You also could write about crimes that others haven't known to bring them to light. You might be someone who wants to help the police find new clues. Often, a true crime novel will do just that.

4. Cookbooks – Although cookbooks include recipes and some are just recipes, most are distinguishing themselves with stories. These stories usually involve the past. They are a way for the chef to remember different aspects of the world. The fun part about writing cookbooks are finding the stories that go with the food and the section.

5. Religious Books – Writing religious books mean you have to remember the past and what God has done for his people. You can get inspiration from what happened before now whether it is the life of a saint or how the church used to be. You could quote the Bible, which is remembering how Israelites and Christians lived. You also can use the past to inspire others today with whatever they are facing.

Whatever you write, make sure you remember those who have gone before you. Write about remembrances and be a window to the past so others can remember too.