Start Writing Non-Fiction - One Memory at a Time
It’s hard to start writing non-fiction, but everyone has a story worth telling.
A memory. A lesson. A moment that changed everything.
And yet, when it’s time to sit down and write, many people freeze. They stare at the blank page, unsure of where to begin or whether they’re even “good enough” to tell their story. Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with people who say:
“I want to write, but I don’t know where to begin.”
“I have ideas, but my grammar’s not great.”
“I’m scared I won’t sound smart.”
“What if no one wants to read it?”
Here’s what I always say:
Start anyway. Write anyway. Just begin with what you know.
Because the truth is, you don’t need perfect grammar, the approval of critics or an audience, and don’t need a fancy degree in writing. You just need one thing: the willingness to show up for yourself.
Take a look at this article by Kristin Wong of the New York Times regarding How to Finally Write Your Nonfiction Book. Wong provides excellent insight on starting your journey in writing if you ever need more information.
In this post, I’m going to show you 5 simple ways on how to start writing non-fiction about your own life, even if you’ve never written a single word before. No pressure. No judgment. Just you, your memories, and the blank page, ready to become something real.
Contents
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1. Start With What You Know
You don’t need to invent anything when writing non-fiction. You’ve already lived experiences!
Start with a memory, a moment, or even a version of yourself from another time. Writing about what you know removes the pressure of making something up. It lets you tap into real emotion, and that’s where the magic happens.
When I first started writing, I made things up. I would write based on inspiration alone, without realizing why it felt so difficult. Sure, writing is hard, especially trying to do it right, and that’s why it can feel overwhelming for so many people.
My first assignment, back in high school, was to write a short story. Not gonna lie, I was nervous. I didn’t know what I was doing and was honestly scared. Thanks to a great teacher, I wrote something comfortably, but the story I turned in was completely made up with no real truth behind it.
The premise: A haunted ancient clock.
Looking back, it wasn’t as good as I had been told at the time, but my detailed descriptions were strong, and that encouragement meant a lot. That’s actually what led me into screenwriting.
It wasn’t until years later, when I returned to college for my second degree in English that I learned one of the most important lessons about writing: always start with what you know. Always begin with your own experiences.
When it came time to choose what to write about, I was overwhelmed with all the scenarios I had lived through. I picked one that fit the moment best: a story called The Client, based on my early experiences as an amateur real estate agent. Writing that non-fiction story was a whole new feeling, it was enjoyable, honest, and it made the process flow naturally. (Although I do wish I had written more! We were limited by a page count.) It even took me eight hours just to finish the first draft because I was reliving every detail.
That experience taught me that even great fiction usually has truth woven into it. Writers either draw from their personal experiences, from the news, or from other sources, and then stretch, exaggerate, or reshape them. No matter what, writing what you know makes the process easier, more natural, and far more rewarding. It’s truly the best way to start.
2. Forget Grammar (Seriously, Forget It)
One of the biggest blocks new writers face is worrying about how the writing sounds. But here’s a secret: every great writer started with bad sentences.
When you’re starting out, grammar doesn’t matter. I’m talking about punctuation and perfect sentences does’t matter. What matters is capturing the feeling. Write like you’re telling a story to a friend. The polish can come later but right now, just get the words down.
When I first started writing, my grammar was poor and at the same time, I was a perfectionist. It was a dangerous combination that completely blocked me from writing for a long time. I was too focused on writing perfectly instead of just writing.
But the truth is, no one is going to read your first draft except you. It doesn’t matter how sloppy or chaotic it looks, you just need to get the words down. That’s why I was able to write the first draft of 8-Bit with ease! Writing for myself alone made the draft process much easier.
Every story I’ve ever written started messy, and I’m sure most authors would tell you the same thing. When you’re chasing inspiration, trying to capture everything pouring out of your imagination, you’re going to make mistakes. Your grammar will be horrible. Your sentences will be rough.
That’s okay. The first draft isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum.
The goal is to get your ideas out as fast as you can, without worrying about structure or technicalities. You’ll have time to fix it later. Don’t put pressure on yourself to impress anyone, not even yourself. Just embrace the mess. Write fast, write badly, and worry about cleaning it up after the story is alive on the page.
3. Write for Yourself First
Before worrying about sharing your work publicly, focus on writing privately. For example, create a journal, open a locked Google Doc, or even scribble in your phone’s Notes app. When you write just for yourself, you free yourself from judgment. It’s just you and the page, and that’s where the most honest, powerful writing begins.
As I gained more experience writing, my imagination started running wild. Every day, I had a new idea. I felt overwhelmed trying to keep up, so I got myself an idea journal where I could jot down random thoughts whenever they came to me.
Side note: a dream journal next to your bed can be just as powerful. Your subconscious can come up with cinematic ideas you’d never expect.
Of course, you’re not always going to have a notebook handy. That’s where technology comes in. Your smartphone’s notes app, or any of the free writing apps available, can be a lifesaver.
The important thing to remember is: you’re writing for yourself first. This means you don’t have to worry about how your writing sounds. You don’t have to think about whether other people will like it.
When you write just for yourself, you’re free to test out ideas, experiment with scenes, and even abandon projects without judgment. I’ve written entire stories that no one has ever read and that’s okay.
Sometimes, an idea doesn’t pan out the way you hoped. Other times, you can salvage parts of a scrapped story and use them in something new. I’ve done this often, especially with screenplays and now even with my novels. For example, The Devil’s Disciple contains a key scene that originally came from a completely different story I scrapped.
Because I wrote that early story just for myself, I had the freedom to mine it later for pieces that truly mattered. Whether or not you ever share what you write, writing for yourself gives you permission to grow, experiment, and create without fear.
4. Use Simple Prompts to Get Started
The hardest part of writing is often staring at a blank page. That’s why having a few simple prompts can be a lifesaver. You don’t need a plot or a polished idea to start. You just need one memory.
Here are three personal prompts to help you get going:
– Write about the most vivid memory from your childhood.
– What’s a moment that changed your life forever?
– Who was your childhood hero, and why?
You don’t have to write a masterpiece. You just have to start.
I’ve created a free downloadable guide with 20 personal writing prompts to help you build your non-fiction writing habit. They’re perfect whether you want to journal, blog, or simply explore your own story in private.
[Click here to get the full list when you sign up for my newsletter.]
Start with one prompt a day. By the end of the month, you’ll have pages of real, meaningful writing and a stronger connection to your own voice.
5. Writing About Yourself Is Powerful Practice
When you write about your life, you’re doing far more than just recording memories. You shape your voice, build confidence, and discover what truly matters to you.
Writing about yourself forces you to slow down and look inward. It teaches you to pay attention to the details most people rush past. These are the emotions, the turning points, the small victories and defeats that make you who you are.
At first, it might feel uncomfortable. You might second-guess whether your story is “important enough” to put on the page. But here’s the truth: Your story is important because it’s yours.
By writing honestly about your experiences, whether joyful, painful, or ordinary, you learn how to:
– Reflect without judgment
– Recognize your own growth
– Tap into authentic emotion
– Tell stories that resonate with others, even if you’re just writing for yourself
It’s one of the best forms of writing practice because it strengthens the two muscles every writer needs: observation and truth-telling.
And whether you eventually want to write blogs, books, memoirs, or even fiction, learning to tell your own story is the foundation everything else is built on.
Because if you can tell your own story with honesty, you can tell any story.
Recommended Books and Media to Start Writing Non-Fiction
Books
On Writing Well by William ZinsserA classic. It’s clear, encouraging, and very practical. Zinsser teaches you how to write non-fiction with simplicity, clarity, and warmth.
Best for: Beginners and intermediate writers who want to build clean, readable, engaging non-fiction.
Bird by Bird by Anne LamottWhile not strictly a “how-to” manual, it’s an inspiring and honest look at the writing life. Lamott talks about first drafts, perfectionism, and trusting yourself—all huge lessons for non-fiction writers.
Best for: Writers who need emotional support and practical tips while starting out.
Everybody Writes by Ann HandleyFocused on modern writing (especially blogging, online writing, content creation), this book is super helpful for non-fiction writers who want to write clearly, humanly, and persuasively.
Best for: People writing blogs, newsletters, website content, or personal essays.
Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPheeWritten by a Pulitzer Prize-winning non-fiction writer. He dives deep into structure, creativity, and revision. It’s detailed but very readable.
Best for: Writers who want to learn how to structure longer non-fiction works (like memoirs or reported essays).
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up by Lee GutkindLee Gutkind is called the “Godfather of Creative Non-Fiction.” This book specifically teaches how to write compelling, true stories while staying factual.
Best for: Anyone interested in memoir, personal essays, or narrative journalism.
YouTube
How to Write Creative Non-Fiction | Reedsy
Final Thoughts
Starting your writing journey can feel overwhelming, but the truth is no one begins fully confident. Every writer starts with uncertainty, and that’s part of the process.
Writing non-fiction about your life is a powerful way to build your voice. You don’t need perfect grammar or years of experience, you just need honesty and the willingness to put words on the page. Your experiences already hold stories worth telling.
The more you practice writing about yourself, the more connected you’ll become to your own voice. And once you trust that voice, your writing will only grow stronger.
You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.” You’re ready enough to begin right now. Start simple, stay honest, and let your story unfold one word at a time.
If you haven’t done so already, download the 20 Non-Fiction Prompts to help you get going with your writing.
If you liked this post, then check out my page Tips for Writers for more!
