This was inevitable: If you have followed the how to write memoirs lessons, you now have a lot of hand-written pages that need to be computerized in order to be published. For some of you, it will be a relief to finally put your hands on a keyboard. If, however, you are unwilling or unable to do your own typing, find a friend or family member who is willing to work with you. Typing your memoirs is not an overwhelming job, and even a teen might be willing to do the work just for the chance to be the first to read “grandma’s book.” Here are practical tips for whoever types your material into the computer.

1. Create a directory (folder) on your computer in which to keep all your memoir documents. Be sure to name it in such a way that it is distinct and identifiable. A good choice is “YourNameMemoirs.”
2. If you are using Microsoft Word 2007 as your word processor, download this Remembers When Memoir Template and save it in the directory you created for your memoirs. For earlier versions and other word processors, use the RTF format version here. Each template contains instructions, so open the template and read the instructions before typing your first memoir.
3. Save the new memoir with a unique, recognizable name. Usually the title you have chosen for the memoir is adequate, but to make sure it is unique, you might want to progressively number the entries as well. For example: 1MyChildhoodHome.doc, 2HighSchoolProm.doc, etc.
4. Single space between sentences. Many people who learned keyboard entry on a typewriter were taught to put two spaces after periods and question marks. When working with a computer this is not necessary, and the results are more pleasing with a single space.
5. Leave a blank line between paragraphs. (Hit the Enter key twice.) While this is not normally advised when preparing manuscripts, the software used to post memoirs on-line is not smart enough (yet) to tell when you have started a new paragraph unless you leave a blank line.
6. Do not format anything in your text; do not use bold or italic styles. When uploading files for publication, the software strips out all special formatting like bold-face text and italics.
7. Save the file often as you are writing.