Writing tips

Help with writing memories

Here are a few helpful tips to get started.

  • Give your story a title – that will help you focus, and it also helps someone browsing through the memories.
  • If you're stuck, take a look at some old photographs to jog your memory, or skim your diary or scrapbook from the time; our topic categories may also be useful.
  • If your story is long one – more than 300 words or about one page of text – consider splitting it up into smaller stories, but remember to give each one a different title.
  • Remember that all sorts of people will read your story, so give them a hand – spell out those acronyms or explain those terms.
  • Don't worry if you can't recall dates – this site is about your memories and experiences of the Vietnam War (at home or abroad, at the time or afterwards).
  • Take your time; there's no need to rush the process.
  • Enjoy the process – this is your chance to put into your own words your experience of New Zealand and the Vietnam War.

Contact us: [email protected]

How to cite this page: ' Writing tips ', URL: https://vietnamwar.govt.nz/help/writing-tips, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 23-Mar-2026