Sometimes the story you’re searching for isn’t in the next record…it’s already waiting inside the one you have.
What Makes One Ancestor Story More Powerful Than AnotherWhat Makes One Ancestor Story More Powerful Than Another
It’s easy to think powerful stories come from more dramatic lives.But often, the difference lies in how the story is shaped.
Why Family History Research Doesn’t Automatically Become StoryWhy Family History Research Doesn’t Automatically Become Story
You can spend years gathering records and still feel like you don’t have a story.Because research collects information—but story requires something more.
The Ancestor You Should Write About FirstThe Ancestor You Should Write About First
The hardest part of writing your family history isn’t the writing—it’s knowing where to begin.Let’s find the ancestor who’s already waiting for you.
The Myth of the Ordinary AncestorThe Myth of the Ordinary Ancestor
In this week’s episode of Storylines, we explore a belief many family historians carry with them: the idea that their ancestors were “just ordinary people.” But when we look more
The Secret to Writing Stories Your Grandchildren Will Actually ReadThe Secret to Writing Stories Your Grandchildren Will Actually Read
You don’t need more facts.You don’t need more time. You need one powerful shift that changes how you write your scenes — and today, I’m going to show you what
What I Look For First When I Read a DraftWhat I Look For First When I Read a Draft
Today, I want to let you in on a little secret. What I look for first when I read a draft. It might surprise you.
You Written the Draft – But Don’t Know What to Do NextYou Written the Draft – But Don’t Know What to Do Next
You’ve been working away on that first draft.Maybe it’s finished. Maybe it’s only partially complete. At some point, a new question begins to surface:What comes next? How do you improve
What Refinement Really IsWhat Refinement Really Is
Refinement isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about clarifying what’s already trying to emerge in your story.This week on Storylines, I’m unpacking what refinement really is, why it feels
Why Revision Feels Harder Than DraftingWhy Revision Feels Harder Than Drafting
Revision often feels harder than drafting — not because something is wrong with your work, but because the work is asking something different of you now. Drafting runs on momentum