When we think of memoirs, we often think of what we should write about our own lives. There are people close to you, however, who may for one or many reasons have no voice of their own or ability to tell their stories. This series of how to write memoirs lessons will focus on how to write someone else’s memoirs.

There are probably members of your family who tell meaningful stories who are not able or willing to write their own memoirs. The job may seem too big, the time too short, or they may simply not know where to start. Many of the people with great stories to tell are of a generation that didn’t quite catch the current wave of technology. These and many others may need you to give voice to their memoirs.

We are becoming more aware of memory debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s—perhaps in your own family. What a loss if the memories and stories of those people are lost to their children and grandchildren. Getting patients with these diseases to relate their experiences may actually help to mitigate the effects of the disease to some degree. And recording those reminiscences will preserve not only the memories, but the very character of the person for generations to come.

Finally, with careful planning and a few helpful hints, writing someone else’s memoirs can be a rewarding experience for the storyteller and for the writer. And anyone can do it. Teens may find a new connection with the family by taking on the task of writing Granddad’s memoirs. Stories that they’ve “heard a dozen times” take on new meaning when they listen and record them for posterity. It is a great way for aspiring writers to practice their craft with material that is waiting for their pens.

Use Remembers When Lesson 17 Worksheet, “Who needs my voice?” to list potential candidates for memoirs and write down why that person might need you to do the writing.