I’ve read a lot of books on writing, but none that has helped me as much as Bill Roorbach’s “Writing Life Stories”, and I’ve only just begun reading it.
Early on, like No. 3, is a section on map-making that spoke to my visual side. He suggested you “make a map of the earliest neighborhood you can remember”, and then describe it. Use details, sights, smells, sounds, etc and see what pops up. It was an incredible experience. And allowed me to write about the house my dad built when I was 4-5 years old. The memories were wonderful and laid the groundwork for many others I had long since forgotten about.
Then I went digging for images that matched those memories and they made for a wonderful family story that is not just verbal. Do try it and do read his book. I’m grateful he took the time to write it and I’m glad Writer’s Digest recommended it.
Until next time.