“Writing in scenes represents the difference between showing and telling. The lazy, uninspired writer will tell the reader about a subject, place or personality, but the creative non-fiction
A Path to Mapping a Story SettingA Path to Mapping a Story Setting
In our last instalment of setting and social history, we talked about how setting can be a key component in our stories especially when we view it as a
Setting as Character – 10 Research TipsSetting as Character – 10 Research Tips
When beginning any family history story, we look carefully at our ancestors as we attempt to understand and describe them for our reader. We develop an ancestor profile
A Setting and Social History Research Trip – The Do’s and Don’t’sA Setting and Social History Research Trip – The Do’s and Don’t’s
Now that we have our social history and setting research list ready to go it’s time to head out for our to archives to begin our setting and social history
8 Tips to a Social History Research Plan8 Tips to a Social History Research Plan
I’m getting ready to head to my ancestor’s town next week, but before I go, it’s important to have a research plan in place. Just as you would use
World BuildingWorld Building
I’ve been thinking a lot about my ancestor’s world as of late as I prepare to write the story of my 4th great grandfather. John Phelan immigrated from Kilkenny,
How to Fit Writing a Family History into Your LifeHow to Fit Writing a Family History into Your Life
Are you tired of saying some day? The number one excuse that I hear when it comes to writing family history stories besides not knowing how to start is
Ancestor Profiles: When there’s no time to write a bookAncestor Profiles: When there’s no time to write a book
How long does it take you to write 500 words? 1 hour? 2 hours? What if I told you that you could write your first ancestor story in the time
How Reading Can Improve Your Writing with 6 Actionable TipsHow Reading Can Improve Your Writing with 6 Actionable Tips
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” —Stephen King I believe three things make you
How to Use Index Cards to Plot a Family HistoryHow to Use Index Cards to Plot a Family History
I’m known as a plotter. This means I love to outline my stories in great detail before I begin to write. For me, it’s like creating a road map of