Orientation Questionnaire

“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” —Muriel Rukeyser

The First Step of the Storytelling Journey

As you consider beginning a personal history project, it’s important to ask yourself some questions. Doing so will help you identify your motivations, concerns, the various people who might be involved, and the resources you will need. These questions will also help you identify what you want to discuss with Mary.

• Why do I want to tell my life story? (If you are interested in helping a loved one record his/her memories, ask that person these questions.)
• Who is my audience?
• What time periods and aspects of my life do I want to share?
• Would I rather be interviewed about my life or write my personal history?
• What photos and images could be included?
• Who else could be involved in this project?
• What type of assistance would be helpful?
• What do I envision as the end product?
• When would l like to be finished with my book?
• How much time and money do I want to devote to telling my life story?