Research? Not Necessarily Not all stories need research! This is a statement I would never have made when I began searching for my ancestors five years ago. My ancestral journey has never been one of "names, dates and places" For me, these have only ever been a means to the end, the end being the... Continue Reading →
Share Your Writing Introductory Hook
s world. I know it was dominated by the seasons. Rain and mud leads to long hours of back breaking harvesting to be followed by long nights of breathing life into newly born animals. So how did Thomas find that one piece of paper that was to change the life he led then to the life that was to come 12 thousand miles away on the other side of the world?"
Writing A Narrative Begins With Writing A Hook
We may not admit it, but, deep down all writers want readers. I have told myself that my readers will be the "future generations" of my scattered, extended family. Whatever your expectations one thing is certain, we want our readers to read more than the first paragraph! We want vindication that the stories we tell, matter. Did you disagree with my opening statement? Whether you agreed or not is immaterial My goal was to make a statement that would you, the reader, carry on reading
A “MUST DO” First Step To Writing A Family History Story
Have you ever wondered what it is like to write a novel? Well, here is your chance to find out. I extend to you a once in a life time offer! You are invited to join me on this "Warts and All " evolution of Fact to Fiction Have you ever wondered what it is like to write a novel? Well, here is your chance to find out. I extend to you a once in a life time offer! You are invited to join me on this "Warts and All " evolution of Fact to Fiction. The story will based on the journey my Great Grand Uncle, took when he emigrated from Norfolk, England to Kapunda, Australia in 1852. The research provides my facts. My questions become the fiction. From first draft to last your feedback, support and contributions will be acknowledged when (and if) we reach our successful conclusion.
How To Mix Fact and Fiction In Your Family History Story
Nothing is more likely to turn your family off genealogy than showing them than the much researched lineage of your 4x Great Grandparents and your 3rd cousin twice removed! I extend to you a once in a life time offer! You are invited to be part of a collaborative writing event in which we will journal the evolution of Fact to Fiction. From first draft to last, your feedback, support and contributions will be acknowledged when (and if) we reach a successful conclusion.
It’s Storytime: A Tale From Norfolk, England
The year is 1881 and my Great Grandfather (Theophillus Adcock) is 30 years old and his wife, Sarah, is pregnant with their 5th child. Queen Victoria has been on the English throne for 44 years and the Crown Hotel, which takes centre stage for this story, has already been serving the locals for over 200 years.
Make Words Your Family Heirloom
How do you turn your words into a family history? You write about them! If flashbacks to tortured school essays are the first images that come to mind have probably already decided that this post is not for you. But, it can be if you ignore words, like "autobiography", "memoirs" and "family history". Generations from now a simple sentence may offer an insight to your great great grand daughter that far outweighs any object wrapped in tissue paper or displayed in a cabinet.
5 Templates To Quick Start Writing Your Family History
Researching your family history usually begins with finding names, dates & places. It doesn't take long before you have a list of births & baptisms, deaths & marriages, occupations & residences. The thrill of the chase keeps us searching and our lists grow longer. But who wants to read lists? Now is the time to take those lists and turn them into something else. Something your family will enjoy reading!
Writing Stories For Your Family Heirlooms
In Downsizing Family Heirlooms I warned that you should "be prepared to be disappointed!" I wrote about "what is", "how to" and the history of family heirlooms. The more I wrote the more dissatisfied I became with my ramblings and explanations. It wasn't until I began writing my conclusion that I understood what I really wanted to write was the stories behind my own family heirlooms. Now, any blogger will tell you that if you make your reader scroll too far down the page you are in danger of them missing the punch line of your article. There is no way my mother's flying brass ducks were going to be relegated to blogger oblivion! In this post, family heirlooms are given back their stories that will go with them into the future for as long as those stories are remembered.
Downsizing Family Heirlooms
With it's roots in English Law, an heirloom is described as an item that is passed down the generations through family members. As heirlooms go, the Crown Jewels of the Queen of England have to be right up there alongside Monet's, Chippendale's and the Kohinoor diamond. They are perfect examples of how their history and their value guarantee their longevity as an heirloom. Ordinary family heirlooms, on the other hand, have a far more checkered existence. For some the emotional connection and life circumstances will see these treasures survive as family heirlooms. But, when the emotional connection is not shared and lifestyles change what then?
Warts And All 