by Laura Hedgecock | Memories, Journal writing, Writing Advice, Writing and Sharing Memories
When grief rears its dark, draining head, few of us think about writing. However when you write about loss, that putting pain and fears to paper can be therapeutic and can help others understand our journey. Loss isn’t limited to the death of a loved one. The onset of...
by Laura Hedgecock | Memories, Family History, How-to, Writing Advice, Writing and Sharing Memories
There’s a point to sharing ancestors’ stories—or at least there should be. Educate. Connect. Inspire. That happens best when you’re able to make family stories relevant. I could share a detailed tale about my grandmother, one that includes every bit of historical...
by Laura Hedgecock | Writing and Sharing Memories, How-to, Writing Advice
We want our memories and family stories to be warm and inviting. We want to welcome family into our lives—into our past—through our narratives. Which is as it should be. But (you knew there was a but coming) that can mute us when it comes to issues that weigh heavily...
by Laura Hedgecock | How-to, Family History, Journal writing, Writing Advice
Thinking about your audience can make you a better storyteller. Whether you’re writing your own memories or writing your ancestors’ stories, thinking about your audience matters. Who you are writing for will affect the way you write. For instance, thinking about your...
by Laura Hedgecock | Family History, How-to, Memories, Writing Advice, Writing and Sharing Memories
Writing coaches can help us with everything from developing a story arc to using better grammar. But, as storytellers, that’s not always what we crave. Great writing is, well, great. But family storytellers don’t just want to write better; we want to form connections...
by Laura Hedgecock | Family History, How-to, Memories, Writing Advice, Writing and Sharing Memories
How do we avoid or minimize the risk of misrepresenting the past as we tell our own and family stories? What exactly is our burden of due diligence when it comes to determining the accuracy of our narratives? This isn’t my normal soap box about truth versus accuracy....