Writing, Scrapbooking, Podcasting My Family History
The advantage of writing a story to add to your family history research means that you have already time lined the history that will form the infrastructure of your story. What follows depends entirely on the style of writing you feel most comfortable with
Why I went from "Never" to "I Do" Writing Prompts: Friend or Foe? I have to admit to coming late to the "writing prompt" fan club. Writing prompts were popular in the school days of my youth but, as an adult, I thought they were an exercise in writing where the results were usually consigned... Continue Reading →
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 stories of the people who have gathered around these facts. Frustratingly, for the last year, extensive & time consuming research has failed to uncover even the slightest hint of a story. No criminals, no land owners no monied gentry. Because of this my blog has stagnated. Until, that is, my daughter asked why I didn't write about the time we.................., and remember when Nanny................... It's true Not All Stories Need To Be Researched
"Never have so few words had so much influence over so many" The relief of writing the final page of your book. blocks out the realisation that, even allowing for proof reading, editing, re-editing and publishing your still have to give it a name. In a few words it has to convey genre, content and, most importantly, it has to hook potential readers. For those who would staunchly defend the argument that "content rules" think again and please, carry on reading, I hope to change your mind!
This is my introductory hook. Does it work? "I have lived in his world. I knew it was dominated by the seasons. Rain and mud led 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 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?"
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
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.
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.
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.
If the last time you wrote a pen portrait was at school then take a look at my earlier post to refresh your memory! The digital version is not that much different but it does have the added advantage to easily add photos, newspaper articles or copies of letters etc. Pen portraits also make great presents for those "hard to buy for" members of your family.
Warts And All 