Writing Tips

• 1. Simply recall some of the unique experiences you've had as a member of a particular folk group, and begin recording them, or 

2.Include or incorporate your knowledge, concerns, opinions and experiences into your writing.  This added dimension will help to develop your work as well as adding richness and flavor!  Here are some possible suggestions for writing topics:  

• •	Self Do you know yourself?  Your habits, talents, strengths & weaknesses? Do you understand your own belief system? Do you stand for what is right? Do you help others? Do you take the time to develop yourself physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually?  What is important to you? What interests you?  What bothers you? What do you enjoy doing?
  •	Family Are you a middle child? Were you raised in a single-parent household? Were you raised by a grand-parent?    Did you enjoy being the only girl/boy out of 6 siblings? Did you have to move every year or two because your parent worked for the military? Did you or do you have a pet?  What were, or are they like? What were the holidays you celebrated, & how did you celebrate? Did your family prepare special food dishes? Were your clothes different from your peers? What was your economical status? Rich, poor or middle-class? Were you a healthy child? Was your family healthy? What kind of relationship did you have with your siblings and/or your parents? Did you earn an allowance? Did you contribute to the family?  Were your chores difficult? Where did you live?  In the country or city? What kind of house did you live in? Did your family take summer vacations?
  •	Friends Did you have more girl friends or boyfriends? Were you popular or were you a loner? Were your friends true-blue -- always faithful to you? Were you always a true-blue friend -- honest & loyal? Did you have to compete to gain a certain person's friendship? How did you make friends? What friends did you want to lose?  Why?  And how did you keep them away? Describe your favorite friend.
  •	Student/School Describe the classes or schools you attended. What did you learn there? Who did you meet? Describe your teachers. What grades did you earn? Was homework easy or difficult for you?
  •	Culture Are you bi-lingual?  (speak in more than one language) Did your parents cook or prepare traditional foods?  What were your favorites? Did you ever dress-up in traditional clothing? Have you ever participated in a cultural fair? Do you know any folk dances?  Have you traveled to the land of your ancestors? What customs do you follow simply because your parents do?
  •	Social Describe the clubs you belonged to. What were some of the great, funny, or sad experiences you had? Why did these clubs succeed or fail? Do you use the phone, text, email or social networking to communicate? Describe any unique dating rituals.
  •	Career What was the pathway to your career? Have you had many careers? What was your first job? Did you enjoy your job once you reached your goal? Write about colleagues, friends and experiences on the job. Was your job only a stepping-stone to your next position? What was your boss like? Did your job spill-over to your personal life?  Was this beneficial or harmful? Do you like technology? What is your knowledge or expertise in your field?
  •	Community Were you ever involved with a non-profit organization to help out your community? Were you part of a community project? Did your project succeed or fail? Have you worked with children or seniors? Was the experience worth your time & effort? Have you ever entered any item in a County Fair? Have you ever experienced a city emergency? Temporary black-out? (lose power?)
  •	State Have you ever ran for a political office? Have you volunteered at a campaign headquarters? Are you a state representative? What's special about the state you live in? Have you lived in other states?  Why did you move?
  •	National Are you or have you ever been in the US military?  Have you ever won a prize at the national level? Were you born in America? Were your parents or grandparents born in America or did they immigrate from another land? And if so, why? Do you vote? Do you write or contact your Congressmen/women?
  •	Global Are you an international agent or do you know one? Have you ever participated in the World Congress, or go you know of anyone who has?
  •	Ecology Do you believe in global warming? Are you interested in preserving our environment? What do you do to help?  Do you recycle? Plant trees?  Eat out of your own garden?  Do you ride a bicycle or take the bus?