Try the “Note Card System” for organizing your memoir
When writing a memoir, it can be challenging to organize your thoughts and memories into a coherent and compelling story. However, the note card outline system can be a powerful tool to help you structure your memoir and ensure that you cover all the essential elements of your life story.
The note card outline system is a simple but effective way to organize your memoir. To get started, you’ll need a pack of index cards, a pen or pencil, and a clear workspace. Begin by writing a single word or phrase on each card that represents a significant event or memory in your life. These could be anything from “birth” to “graduation” to “first job.” Once you have a list of around 50 to 100 cards, you can begin to sort them into categories.
The categories you choose will depend on the structure of your memoir and the themes you want to explore. For example, you might create categories based on different periods of your life, such as childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Alternatively, you might organize your cards around specific themes, such as family, relationships, career, or personal growth. As you sort your cards, you may find that some events or memories fit into multiple categories, which can help you identify key themes and connections in your life story.
Once you’ve sorted your cards into categories, you can begin to arrange them in a logical order. You might choose to arrange your cards chronologically, starting with your earliest memories and working your way forward in time. Alternatively, you might arrange your cards thematically, grouping related events and memories together. As you arrange your cards, you may find that some events or memories don’t fit into your chosen structure, which can help you identify gaps in your story that you need to fill.
Once you have a clear structure for your memoir, you can begin to flesh out each section with more detailed notes and memories. You might use additional index cards to jot down key details, such as dates, names, and locations, or you might use a notebook or computer to write longer notes and reflections. As you work on each section, you may find that you need to move cards around or add new ones to fill in gaps or create a more coherent narrative.
One of the benefits of the note card outline system is that it allows you to approach your memoir in bite-sized pieces. By breaking your story down into smaller, more manageable sections, you can focus on one aspect of your life at a time and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the sheer scope of your memoir. Additionally, the physical act of moving cards around can help you see connections and patterns in your life story that you might not have noticed otherwise.
Another benefit of the note card outline system is that it allows you to be flexible and adaptable in your writing. If you find that a particular section of your memoir isn’t working, you can simply move the cards around until you find a structure that works better. Additionally, the note card system allows you to easily add or delete cards as needed, which can be particularly helpful if you’re still in the early stages of your writing and your story is still evolving.
If you’re struggling to organize your memoir or feeling overwhelmed by the writing process, consider giving the note card outline system a try. With a few simple supplies and a little bit of time, you can create a roadmap for your memoir that will help you stay focused, motivated, and on track to achieving your writing goals. So, grab some index cards, start jotting down your memories and ideas, and see where the note card system takes you on your memoir writing journey.
