The Common Creative S6E105: Episode 105: James R. Hagerty: The Last Word on Creativity
Dec 19, 2023
James R. Hagerty, longtime Wall Street Journal obituary writer and author of Yours Truly, shares why crafting life stories matters. He discusses the three questions to frame a life, when to start writing your story, using humor in difficult narratives, prompts and structure for memoirs, and practical habits to actually finish and preserve your life-file.
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Three Questions That Reveal A Life
- Three simple questions unlock a life story: What was your plan, why, and how did it work out?.
- James R. Hagerty uses these to start obituaries and recommends them as a periodic life checkup at any age.
Use Obituary Questions As A Life Checkup
- Do ask yourself What am I trying to do and Is it working out so you can change your game plan if needed.
- Hagerty recommends using these questions as an early and regular self check rather than a deathbed exercise.
Start A My Life File Today
- Do start writing your life story as soon as possible and keep a file called My Life with notes and posts.
- Hagerty suggests short entries, letters, or social posts to gather material for future use.
