Writing a testimony, especially one connected to Holocaust survival stories or family history, can feel overwhelming. I learned this firsthand while working on my grandfather’s story. The process was meaningful but also heavy, emotional, and sometimes confusing. Here are five struggles I faced, and how I found ways to move forward.

1. Organizing All the Ideas

At first, I had fragments of stories, years, and memories scattered everywhere. To make sense of it all, I created a timeline chart. On the left, I listed years, and on the right, the events. This visual tool helped me see the bigger picture before diving into details.

Tip: Start with a simple timeline or outline. Once the structure is in place, it’s easier to fill in the details.

2. Getting Overwhelmed with Details

Every detail felt important, and I didn’t know where to begin. What helped was starting with the broad, key events in order, and then slowly layering in details. I also added comments and notes so I could return later without losing important information.

Tip: Focus first on the overall story flow. Then add details in stages so you don’t drown in information.

3. Ensuring Historical Accuracy

I wanted to honor my grandfather’s story while making sure it was historically accurate. I relied on resources like JewishGen, Yad Vashem, and the Holocaust Encyclopedia. I kept track of sources in a separate document or added them as comments, then organized citations once the writing was complete.

Tip: Use trusted sources and keep a running record of them. It saves time and strengthens your writing.

4. Obtaining All the Information

Collecting information can be one of the hardest parts,  whether through research, recordings, or interviews. Survivors may find it difficult to talk about painful memories, and listening to those stories can be emotionally heavy. For me, organizing everything in my timeline kept the process from feeling chaotic.

Tip: Be patient, with the person sharing, and with yourself. Consistency matters more than speed. One question, one session, one note at a time.

5. Writing It Out

Even with all the information in place, actually writing was daunting. The themes were heavy, and sometimes the words felt too big to carry. What helped was writing in short, consistent sessions, 30 minutes a day, so I didn’t get overwhelmed. I also wrote in third person (he/him/they), which created a little distance and made it easier to focus on telling the story.

Tip: Break the writing into manageable chunks, and don’t pressure yourself to finish quickly. Just keep going a little at a time.

Final Thoughts

Writing a testimony is not just about recording facts, it’s about preserving memory, resilience, and humanity. The process may be difficult, but every step is worth it. Whether you’re writing for your family or for future generations, take it slow, stay organized, and remember that even small progress is progress.