You’ve spent hours, maybe years, gathering the details of your family’s past. You know the names, the dates, the milestones. But when you put it on the page, something’s missing. Today, I want to show you why so many family history stories don’t land the way we hope—and what you can do to change that.
Ever find your prose bogged down by page‑after‑page of lush detail? In today’s Storyline, we’ll explore exactly when ‘more’ becomes ‘too much’ and share simple strategies to keep your writing vivid—and your story moving.
Too many ancestors, too little direction? In this quick 5‑minute video, I’ll share a simple, three‑step framework—impact, available detail, and emotional resonance—to help you instantly zero in on the perfect ancestor to write about first. Ready to stop guessing and start writing? Click play and let’s find your story starter together!
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Hey there, storytellers, today we’re tackling a writing trap that slows down even the most exciting narratives: the dreaded info dump. Click play on video below and I’ll share five simple strategies to weave your backstory into the flow—keeping your readers hooked from the very first line.
Are you struggling to maintain your writing routine through the summer months. This week Lynn shares 5 tips to help you enjoy the summer and still keep a writing habit.
Download our Free 3-Day Ancestor Profile Challenge
Do your ancestors feel like cardboard cutouts—going through the motions but leaving no lasting impact? Let’s change that.
In today’s crash course, I’m sharing five quick hacks to make your ancestors feel real enough to walk off the page and sit down beside you. From tiny contradictions to emotional blind spots, these tips will help you create ancestors your readers won’t forget.
Let’s dive in!
Lynn Palermo’s Storylines presentation categorizes writers into five types based on a quiz: scene collectors, over explainers, solo scribblers, idea hoppers, and perfection paralyzers. Each type has distinct challenges and tailored next steps, such as focusing on story structure, practicing show-not-tell, seeking feedback, committing to a single project, or timed writing without editing. The presentation encourages writers to recognize their stage and offers the Story Foundations Learning Center as a supportive resource.
Next steps and outcomes:
Chapters:
Introduction and Quiz Setup
Quiz Questions and Writer Type Categorization
Scene Collector Writer Type
Over Explainer Writer Type
Solo Scribbler Writer Type
Idea Hopper Writer Type
Perfection Paralyzer Writer Type
Support for Writers and Next Steps
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing your ancestor’s stories? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll break down the storytelling process into simple, manageable steps—so you can stop stressing about perfection and start making real progress. Whether you’re writing family history, a memoir, or just trying to capture meaningful moments, I’ll show you how focusing on one piece at a time can transform your storytelling journey. Let’s dive in!
Welcome to Storylines! In today’s video, we’re exploring a question that comes up all the time: Is sharing the facts enough when telling family stories? We’ll look at the difference between fiction and creative nonfiction. We’ll examine how to use informed speculation responsibly. And we’ll identify the tools that help us stay transparent with our readers. If you’ve ever wondered how to write stories that are both truthful and truly engaging, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!