Having the Last Say: Capturing Your Legacy in One Small Story

Description

As the baby-boomer generation ages, its members are looking ahead to the biggest challenge of all: making sense of life in its third act. HAVING THE LAST SAY takes life review out of the realm of memoir writing and journaling - making the rich and timeless tradition of authentic storytelling accessible to those who have never considered themselves "writers." In creating "legacies" in the form of short personal narratives, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the people, actions and events that have shaped your life and your values and to share these stories with those who matter most. Gelb's reassuring and straightforward advice will help you every step of the way, from identifying an engaging topic to employing creative writing techniques to construct a compelling story.

Alan Gelb is a writing coach and author of Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps. Now in its second edition, this slim volume has taught thousands of students to uncover special stories that overburdened admissions counsellors remember.

"Having the Last Say makes you want to pick up a pen and write-even if you're certain that you're not a writer. Alan Gelb gives you a reason to try, and the conviction that you can. He wagers that you will enjoy writing a 'small' story to leave behind. 'A last say' to share among family and friends or be read aloud at your memorial service. Perhaps you want to convey a deeply held value, describe a passion, reveal a bit of family history that shaped you. Follow Gelb's clear instructions about how to craft a short piece, and, Voila! You'll find that you've expressed something heartfelt and filled with meaning." -Janna Malamud Smith, author of An Absorbing Errand: How Artists and Craftsmen Make Their Way to Mastery "With humor, compassion, and an expert's understanding of the difficulties inherent in putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys), writing coach Alan Gelb offers a step-by-step guide to all of us who yearn to examine our lives, validate our unique individuality, and create a valuable and touching slice of family history to bequeath to our offspring. He gently and skillfully guides readers to find a topic and point of view, produce a first draft, and move through the stages of revising and polishing to the finished life story-a 'gift' to oneself and to others." -Katherine Ketcham, coauthor of Experiencing Spirituality and The Spirituality of Imperfection