When I was growing up, my family was working class. But my mother, whose parents had been owners of small businesses, had ambitions for us. My parents, both African Americans from the South, had talked about the past, but my father had always been reserved about his. His parents had died within … [Read more...] about Family Secret Uncovered: A Revelation in (Property) Deeds
genealogy
Combining Family History and Travelogue
Writer Barbara Boudreau has written a good deal about her life and her family over the years. She's successfully used the tools of creative writing to bring her stories to life—and add humor to them. When I learned she would be researching her Lithuanian roots, I was captivated. When I was in … [Read more...] about Combining Family History and Travelogue
QUESTIONS ABOUT WRITING ABOUT YOUR LIFE OR YOUR FAMILY?
Have you been mulling over ideas about writing life stories—stories about your life or your family, but just can’t seem to get going? Or, have you started writing, but find yourself stuck by a seemingly intractable obstacle? Need to know what to do next? Send me your questions. Perhaps … [Read more...] about QUESTIONS ABOUT WRITING ABOUT YOUR LIFE OR YOUR FAMILY?
Compelling Reasons to Write About Your Life or Your Family
Can’t think of reasons why you should you invest the time or effort to write about your life or your family? Here are just a few reasons to write down stories about your life or your family. To create a record To preserve memories To protect personal and family history from being lost To … [Read more...] about Compelling Reasons to Write About Your Life or Your Family
Memoirist Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. Wears Many Hats: Part 1
For years, I have admired the work of Linda Joy Myers, prominent author, memoir writing instructor, and founder and president of the National Association of Memoir Writers. She now appears here to share her wisdom and experience with all of you who write and read memoir and family history. - … [Read more...] about Memoirist Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. Wears Many Hats: Part 1
Memoirist Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. Wears Many Hats: Part 2
In Part 2 of this post by Linda Joy Myers, prominent author, memoir writing instructor, and founder and president of the National Association of Memoir Writers, she continues to describe her wide ranging work in the field of memoir, both for herself and other memoir writers. - Lynette The … [Read more...] about Memoirist Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D. Wears Many Hats: Part 2
Top 3 Reasons Baby Boomers and Seniors Put Off Writing About Their Lives
Are you among those who chide themselves for not doing anything about those anecdotes your friends keep telling you that you should write down? Or maybe it’s those personal memories you feel you ought to share with the world? Or, you might feel weighed down by a nagging desire to preserve the … [Read more...] about Top 3 Reasons Baby Boomers and Seniors Put Off Writing About Their Lives
Book Review: Women Writing on Family
Interest in genealogy, family history, and memoir* is so intense these days it’s about time a book to guide writers working in these genres became available. Women Writing on Family: Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing, an anthology edited by Carol Smallwood and Suzann Holland, is that book. … [Read more...] about Book Review: Women Writing on Family
Family History Writing: Guest Post by Linda Gartz, Part 1
In Part 1 of her guest post below, Linda Gartz, who writes the ambitious and impressive Family Archaeologist blog, shares the intriguing story of her research into her family’s history and the discoveries she’s made. Part 2 offers tips to others interested in documenting their family … [Read more...] about Family History Writing: Guest Post by Linda Gartz, Part 1