For today's memoir/memory writing, let's explore British queuing culture through your personal lens. What's your earliest memory of learning queue etiquette?
Did your parents teach you about it?
Was there a memorable moment when you realised this was a distinctly British trait? For me it was in the Caribbean and I went to buy something. I stood there waiting my turn. People came into the shop and went straight up to the counter to pay. Eventually, I figured out that unless I made a move I would stand there all day.
In your journal, describe the most significant queue you've ever been in. Was it for concert tickets? Your first iPhone? The Queen's lying-in-state? Write about who you met. Describe the conversations you had. Reflect on the weather and what you were wearing. Think about what you were pondering while waiting.
Memoir prompt: Write about a time when queuing taught you something about British character - or about yourself. What makes this memory stand out?
Each of these topics connects present-day observations with personal memories, helping build a richer picture of your life story.
Remember, when journaling about these topics:
Include sensory details (smells, sounds, textures)
Write about your emotions at the time
Connect past experiences to present observations
Consider how these changes reflect broader shifts in society
Think about how these experiences shaped who you are today
