Writing Your Legacy: 7 Steps to Preserve Your Family Story
Legacy writing is a powerful, meaningful way to capture your life story, connect generations, and create a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Inspired by Connie Jorsvik’s recent video interview with Mali Bain, founder of NextGen Story Custom Publishing in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, this guide walks you through practical steps to start your legacy writing journey.
Why Legacy Writing Matters
Family history preservation is especially valued in BC’s diverse communities, where stories of heritage and identity hold unique importance. Legacy writing does more than record memories—it is a gift, crafting a bridge between past, present, and future generations. Whether you live in Vancouver, Victoria, or smaller towns across the province, your story matters and can foster emotional healing, understanding and connection with your loved ones.
How to Start Legacy Writing in 7 Steps
Recognize Your Story’s Value
Every life holds wisdom worth sharing. Legacy writing allows you to capture your voice authentically—whether for deepening caregiving connection during illness, later-in-life reflection, or preserving cultural traditions.
2. Choose Your Storytelling Format
You don’t need to be a professional writer. Consider various approaches to make recording memories easier:
Write memories at your own pace
Record audio stories on your smartphone or computer
Use digital dictation tools to convert speech to text
3. Focus on Themes & Turning Points
Narrow your scope by choosing a theme—like life in your homeland, family recipes, or community stories. Mali Bain suggests framing your memoir as advice to your younger self or highlighting pivotal life events. To help, explore journaling prompts like those in Mali’s book, My Life, My Words.
4. Organize Photos & Memorabilia Thoughtfully
We often have rich collections of photographs and keepsakes. Select meaningful items by theme to avoid overwhelm and create a curated narrative. Think local landmarks, family gatherings, or cultural celebrations that illustrate your story.
5. Allow Yourself a Rough Draft
Writing sensitive or difficult stories can be emotional. Mali emphasizes that initial drafts are private and imperfect—that’s okay. Later, you can edit or anonymize details with professional help, if you wish.
6. Seek Community Support
Join storytelling groups or connect with others through online sessions like Connect and Grow by NextGen Story for motivation, encouragement, and sharing experiences.
7. Publish Your Legacy Book Locally & Affordably
Thanks to advances in printing technology, creating a beautifully designed legacy book is accessible and affordable for most. Opt for black-and-white prints or full-colour coffee-table style volumes, and consider working with design professionals to bring your story to life.
Dive Deeper
For a richer understanding of the legacy writing process, and heartfelt stories from Mali Bain’s experience, watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4uNE6HV0y4. Whether you’re in Vancouver, Kelowna, or anywhere across British Columbia, this video will inspire and empower you to take that first step toward preserving your unique story.
Additional Resources for Your Planning Journey
Legacy writing often prompts important reflections, including concerns around preparing for end of life. To support you through this process, Patient Pathways offers valuable resources:
Navigating the BC Healthcare System: Learn how to effectively manage your medical care in BC with this comprehensive blog series.
Advance Care Planning Workshops: Participate in sessions like Understanding Advance Care Planning to complement your legacy writing by addressing medical and legal preparedness.
End of Life Choice & Planning: Gain compassionate guidance on end-of-life transitions through this blog series designed to help families plan ahead with confidence.
