After the initial frenzy of the pandemic swept across the nation and globe, many of us in lockdown were forced to slow down and sit with overwhelming emotions such as anxiety, grief, loneliness, and righteous indignation. Collectively, we’ve lost so much, and we’ve even lost a sense of certainty and normalcy that we once took for granted. As the harsh reality that our world will never be the same again began to sink in, our priorities shifted to focus on who and what matters to each of us the most.
Personally, I reflected on how it could be possible to not shrink back in fear, and instead stand my ground in even the most difficult and darkest of times. As humans, we are acutely aware of how powerless we are during these unprecedented times. I wondered if anyone could relate with the desire to regain a sense of self by owning their unique experiences and finding the courage, hope, and vulnerability to share their bravest, most daring stories.
Everyone has a story to tell. Below is my initial questionnaire to help clients take that first step in storytelling by asking themselves, “How can I tell my story in a way that affirms, honors, loves, and values who I am right here and now?” As I create a safe and brave space for my clients to share their stories, I build a relationship with them that allows for more reflection.
Tip-of-the-Iceberg Questions
an overview of Your Manuscript
1. How did you decide to tell your story? Who is your audience?
2. Is there a particular writing style (first or third person) that you would like me to employ as I ghostwrite your manuscript?
3. Is there a particular structure you already have in mind for your story? (If not, we can explore ways to divide up your story.)
4. Who are the most important people in your life and why?
5. What places or experiences impacted you the most and how?
diving into the layers of your life story
6. Where did you grow up? What are your family’s roots? Can you give a brief summary of your family history and ancestry?
7. How would you divide your life into a handful of stages?
8. Think about the most important people from each stage of your life. Who were they? What role did they play? Why were they important to you at that particular stage in your life?
9. Think about two to three key moments from each stage of your life and describe them here. What happened? Who was involved? How did you feel? What was the impact on your life?
10. What social, political, economical or cultural issues mattered to you during each of the life stages you described in the previous question? How did current events shape or impact the way you viewed yourself, others and the world around you? What life experiences had an influence on you during each of these stages?
Beneath-the-Surface Questions
Glacier-Calving Questions
THE BREAKAWAY PIECES THAT CARRY THE MOST IMPORTANT Takeaway Message of your life
11. What are your core values? Take a moment to reflect on how they have formed and changed over the course of your life.
12. Some storytellers like to close their biography with a message to their loved ones and/or readers in general. What message do you hope to convey to the people you get to share your life with? What is the most important takeaway message of your life? Are there a few lessons or nuggets of wisdom you would like to share?