I keep running into dark walls writing my book

[City_Hall]

I am writing a book based on my life. I don't know where to start, I've broken down chapter 1 with like 6 different time frames, giving a very long paragraph about each. I did this in order to discover where to start my book. Its depressing writing about my life, and I hate wasting my time if I don't know exactly what I'm doing and where to begin. I need some advice in order to keep going. I have a working title, all 20 chapters named with nor more than 3 words, I wrote words to describe each chapter. I am really trying, I just need some assistance please with this. Thanks.

[sandySG]

some random bits of advice I've found helpful

I start with whatever part of the book comes to me the clearest and is easiest for me to write - it doesn't matter if it is the beginning, middle or end - I just write it down.  You can always go back or forward when you're writing you don't have to start from beginning to end.  So start where ever you want.

I've learned that books aren't about how many pages or how many chapters you have - it's about how many words you have.  It's all about word count because each book is reformatted when printed.  

Chapters - I make them up as I go.  

I make an outline with a few words of what happens when, where or with who. just enough to remind me what's supposed to happen.

I also read one of my fav. authors daily blogs - she posts writing advice fairly frequently.  lilithsaintcrow.com/journal  also the deadlinedames.com  has writing advice if you're interested.

[CharlieG31]

You should try googling for writing tips there are some blogs that are written by authors who have actually got the chance to get their works published so sometimes what they have to say is very interesting. You should make writing a habit, dedicate an hour or 30 mins daily to writing so you can get the chance to progress in your story and dont feel uninspired , feel like it is something you have to do for yourself for you, not for a secure publish book or something.

[Brandi_R]

You may find it helpful to focus on one aspect or a particular time in your life. Memoirs are written with that kind of focus. Joan Didion's A Year of Magical Thinking focuses on the year after her husband's death, which happened while their daughter was in the hospital in a hospital. Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes tells of McCourt's childhood. Focusing in on one part of your life might help make things seem more manageable, too. Good luck. Do let us know how it goes.