Everyone has a story. This likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard that statement. It is more common to hear with the publishing industry’s changes from traditional publishing to hybrid and self-publishing. The changes in the publishing industry is making writing and selling a book of your own creation much easier today than it was five or ten years ago. Many more people are not just wondering what if with that book they want to write, they are taking the steps to write and publish it.

Each of us has a perspective on life, relationships, work, study, etc. There is a principle that if four people witness the same car accident they will each tell a different version of the story.

Years ago, my aunt wrote a memoir about growing up. There was some controversy in her writing it, mainly because it was written from her perspective as the oldest of six children and from her memories. There were siblings who were upset at her portrayal of certain events as she did. Perhaps it was because her view of family was a much different story than the younger children would tell. Nevertheless, my aunt’s story is hers.

Telling your story may be about your life, but it also may be about what you know and how your life experience can help others. If you have a passion for business and share a technique or strategy that is helpful to others, bringing that strategy with a unique spin will help the story stand out.

What makes your story different or unique?
Sometimes this means your story is similar to others, but there is an aspect that makes your story different. It’s all about angle. All great stories contain elements that connect the story to the reader. Finding the uniqueness in your story may mean finding your writing voice through…writing. You can also use your writing to help pull out aspects of your story that are unique. Seasoned author Anne Lamott states that all first drafts are bad, but they can be revised and honed to perfection and that unique story can be brought to the surface.

Writing your story can be cathartic and healing.
Putting words to your experience and emotions can help in the healing process. According to studies, like the one from the American Psychological Association, writing about traumatic experiences can not only affect a person’s mental well being, but also their bodies as well. This can be everything from writing a daily journal (suggested 20 minutes daily) to writing a personal experience for a book, movie or other project. The bottom line is, writing can help to focus thoughts, intentions, experiences.

Pen and paper rules.
Writing for healing is best done through hand-writing content instead of using a computer or electronic devise, when possible. Writing with pen and paper creates a connection in the brain that goes deeper than typing on a computer or speaking. This goes for journaling and taking notes.

According to many studies, including The Pen is Mightier than the Keyboard, when students are taking notes in class, although they are able to reproduce the lecture, they don’t have the same level of understanding, comprehension and long-term memory as those who take notes by hand. Putting pen to paper can slow down thinking and create a solid and thorough train of thought.

The moral of the story.
Try writing longhand when you are recording your story and see if you have a more cathartic and therapeutic experience. As I started, everyone has a story. Most of us have experienced something traumatic, but all of us are working through our story, finding out identities, or just want to produce something people need to read.  No matter the topic, writing your story has value that goes beyond the pages produced.

If you wish to read about a couple of studies and articles on the benefits of writing, there are links below.
American Psychological Association
The University of Texas at Austin
The Pen is Mightier than the Keyboard (on Academia.com)

Have you had any experience with writing as therapy? Share tips you have found to help in your process in the comments.