Below are 20 questions about LifeStory that have been asked by interested people. They are listed randomly. Our hope is that in reading this you will have a better grasp of the rationale and process of this vital ministry. You are invited to join LifeStory at any point. Our email address is: kenosishym@sbcglobal.net.
Do I have to be a member of College Church Olathe, Kansas to participate?
Absolutely not! Click this link for the Electronic Group. We have participants from coast to coast.
Can I write just one story?
Sure you can! Currently we have 28 authors who have written just one story.
What's a pdf file and why is it used?
Well the letters stand for Portable Document Format and it is software manufactured by Adobe called Acrobat. This product is readable by every computer (regardless of the platform) that has the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed which is probably 99% of them. It is a file that will look the same on the screen and in print, regardless of what kind of computer or printer someone is using and regardless of what software package was originally used to create it. Also it's easy to email as an attachment which is the backbone of LifeStory delivery.
What if I don't have a computer, can I still participate?
Yes you can. We transcribe hand-written stories and accept your photos through the US Mail. You can live anywhere and participate. And we make sure your photos are returned safely.
Do I have to be a member of a group?
No! However if you live out of town we would probably try to persuade you to join the Electronic Group. There are advantages.
Why should I hold my word count to 750?
Part of our motto has the phrase, one brief story at a time. This makes it manageable. And 750 words leave room for photos, titles and a flag area that identifies the author and his/her copyright. Also we want readers to spend no more than 15 minutes reading your story. Over a period of time you'll have the makings of an autobiography with scores of stories at 750 words apiece.
What do you actually do with my story?
Once we receive copy and photos we use computer publishing software to design each story in a unique way. Every story looks different. You can compare it to a well-designed magazine page. It's then converted into a pdf file (the look stays the same) and emailed back to you or someone of your choice. Click this link for a sample.
Will you support a group from another church?
Yes! Click this link for: Marshfield, Missouri Church of the Nazarene.
How are you defining story?
When you think of story you should think of putting on paper the re-creation of your life experience. You should avoid putting on paper what you think, what you know, or what your opinion is, these are potential articles for publication. Story, as we are defining it, is a memory of what you have experienced. Story is a handy way to carry around your life experience. Read More
Is there a way for me to electronically send my finished story to my grandkids?
Yes. Once you receive it back finished in pdf format simply hit the Forward button and type in your grandkids email address and hit the Send button.
Is it mandatory that my finished story be posted on the web site?
No! You have the option of declining to have it posted. Just let us know.
What types of groups are available to me?
If you live in Olathe, Kansas or within driving distance you are welcome to join our group. See the menu titled The Group Process. Otherwise you can join the Electronic Group if you're not a member of College Church. If you are a CC member but not a group member you're simply designated as a Freelance Writer and can participate at your leisure.
Is there a time when I should quit writing stories?
Probably but that's up to you. You'll know!
Do you ever edit my story?
Rarely. Only if we find a typo or a glaring grammar issue will we edit your work. It's your style, your voice, and your story. An exception would be to make sure your title doesn't give away your story. If it does, we would work on your title. You want to lure the reader in with your title, not give the story away.
What if I don't know where to start?
We have 275 writing prompts (ideas) to get you started. Click the 275 Writing Prompts menu, upper left then pick and choose.
Are there books I can read about life story?
Yes! We suggest you consider these six. They're featured on this web site under the menu titled: Books on LifeStory. Click and go.
Why do people do this?
Well first of all we've had our own regrets that we didn't ask our parents the questions we know now to ask, but it's too late. And this is a powerful motivator. Second, most of our children are so preoccupied with life that they're not really cognizant of the questions they should be asking us. So why not answer their questions before they know to ask? LifeStory beats them to the punch, so to speak, and attempts to answer these questions. Third, we are motivated by the love of our families to leave for them the knowledge of who we were and the life we've lived in Christ. Fourth, we are people to whom God has given experiences too valuable to fade into oblivion. And that's exactly what will happen if we fail to capture our memories by recreating our life experience.
But what if I'm not a writer?
We're not looking for writers. Rather we want people who are motivated to get it down for the benefit of their children and grandchildren before it's too late.
Why would people be interested in my boring life?
First, never underestimate how grateful your kids and grandkids will be that you're making this effort. Second it's simply a matter of delayed interest. Your descendants may have to be age 50 to begin wondering about the events of your life. Like, I wonder what were my mom's thoughts and feelings when she learned that dad was in the first wave at Normandy?
Do I have time for this?
No! But few of us do! However being involved helps us take the time. Don't leave this earth not having captured a few important memories for your family!
