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
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
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.
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 