When I became an eGenerations columnist more than a year ago, my first column “Tell Your Story!” began with these words: “Have your children or grandchildren been begging you to record your fascinating experiences? Have you considered sharing your life story? Think about doing it now, even if you’ve never considered yourself a writer.”

I was reminded of that column and motivated to read through the archives by our editor’s recent poll questions, “Is Your Life Interesting?” and “Would You Prefer Someone Else’s Life?” The answer to the first question is “Yes,” no matter who you are or what the circumstances of your life. The answer to the second might give you a great chance to let your imagination soar. Would you like to be Bill Gates? Paris Hilton? J.K. Rowling? Anyone besides yourself?

Why do so few eGenerations members bother to write blog or journal entries? One of the best ways to enliven this web site would be for each of us to contribute those interesting life stories, not all at once, but piece by piece. Your stories may become part of your legacy. And of course we need to read and comment on what others write as well.

One of our greatest success stories thus far has been Aneway. He has compiled his life story for his many family members and branched out into poetry (see my previous column). Aneway provides a good example of how an older, physically challenged person can discover joy and meaning through writing—and remember that Aneway never was an English teacher or writer.

Speaking of ex-English teachers, I notice that Bill admits to being one. He writes well, and surely doesn’t need my help, but how about sharing more with us, Bill? “What Aunts are Good For” in the Poll Talk forum is very interesting! How about more of those family stories in your journal? We all have experiences and memories to share. I urge our editor to make members’ blogs and journals more visible from the connect page, and I urge everyone to read what fellow members write.

If you need encouragement, why not go back to the archives of this column? (click on “Archives” at the top right on the Connect page). For a quick review, here are a few highlights:

1. Excuses? You’re never too old or too young to start writing, and you don’t need to be a “writer.” Just express your ideas as you do in speech.

2. Why write? To discover where you’ve been and where you’re going; To heal or recover from a tragedy or disaster; To share your story with your family; To discover the joy and power of writing.

3 Suggested topics: Favorite possessions, changes through the years, humorous family stories, mementos or souvenirs, photos, military experiences, highlights or lowlights of your career.

4. What to write? Memoirs, interviews or self-interviews, fiction, poetry, travel journals, anything that interests you. Give it a try!

5. If you are too shy to write about your own life, try our editor’s second suggestion: Whose life would you prefer? Who would you like to be, and why? Be serious. Be funny. Be outrageous. Just go to your “My Stuff” section and begin, or write elsewhere and copy and paste your work.

Any questions? I’m here to help. Send me a message.