Writing a story for your leaf honouree can be very emotional and many people have told us getting started is the hardest part. We hope these tips can help – if not please contact us at info@waterfrontfriends.org and one of our volunteers would be happy to help!

 

Things to keep in mind when writing the Bio/Story for the person you are honouring:

1. Keep it short (500 words or less)
2. Highlight their main achievements and/or the main reasons they have influenced you
3. Let your personality show, since you are honouring this person; make the writing sound like your own.
4. Make it easy to read (short paragraphs)

 

Suggestions of info to include when writing your Bio / Story:

Early Years

• When and where was your honouree born?
• Who was the most influential person to them growing up?
• What were some things they did for fun as a child?
• What activities did they enjoy in school (primary, high school, college/university)?
• Where did they attend high school?
• What was their favourite school subject?
• Did they play sports? Which ones?
• Were they involved in any clubs?
• Was there a teacher that was particularly influential?
• Did they have a teen idol? Who?

 

Education

• Did they attend college? If so, which one? If not, why?
• Why did they decide to attend college?
• Did they get a degree? In what?
• Career
• What was their first occupation?
• What is their most significant accomplishment as a professional?
• What would be their ideal job?
• Were they ever in the military?

 

Family

• How did they meet their spouse?
• Do they have children? If so, how many and what ages/sexes?
• Where are the children now?

 

General

• Do they recall any wartime experiences?
• What are some of their favourite things to do now?
• What is their most memorable travel experience?
• What is their happiest memory?
• What accomplishments are they most proud of?
• How do they hope to be remembered?
• Who is their biggest fan?
  What do they like to do in their spare time?
• What is their greatest hope?
• What are the main lessons they’ve learned in life?

 

When telling your story remember to include:

• When/where the honouree was born
• A little history on the honouree (see above sample questions)
• How you first met the honouree
• What your relationship is to the honouree
• How they have influenced you (Do they just brighten your day or have they changed the course of your life?)
• What you have accomplished because of their influence
• Why you have chosen to honor/appreciate them in this way

 

For additional writing tips visit:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/673/01/
(Used with permission)