You want to write about your life, she said, approximately. How much do you know about your life? Do you know the major industries of your hometown? When was the town settled? Do you know the seasons, the flora and fauna, the population size, the climate, major historical events ... on and on she went, rattling off points for us to check. And off... See more

You know the least about your life precisely because, for living in it, you might barely notice the details, or push into the history. And even if your family or friends tell you stories of the past, you might never fact-check it.

Research yourself. Where were you born? Why? What were your parents doing at the time? Can you fact-check the family story, the family immigration story too? What records are there of it? What are the stories they always tell? Can you interview those who know you or knew you as to what they remember? Is there any documentation? Old letters, old... See more