Home
What
Story and Why
How
to
Tell
What's
New
Blog
Life
Story Resources
Research
is Fun
Get
Started
Sample
Writing
Free
Newsletter
Articles
About
Contact
Us
Privacy
Terms
|
The
"Your Life is Your Story" Blog Archives
© Tom
Gilbert
Read
about
quality family history and life story news, views, methods, products,
links, services
...and whatever else catches our fancy of personal
historian
March, 2022
current
blog entries
blog
archive
index
 How Story Breaks Help
March 22, 2022
There are times when breaks in your story can be a good thing.
Everyone needs to take breaks. We can't be constantly on the life story
treadmill. I liken it to the need to have some space where we let our
stories breathe.
I've been reflecting on how we put a story together. Memoirs are a
valuable way to tell about times or themes in our lives. They don't
always progress in a straight line. We can go back and forth in time,
pulling out nuggets from the past and looking at what we learned. Then
we compare it to our present. Or even contemplate how it will help in
the future.
In order to do good writing I know that discipline is necessary. You
have to commit to putting in the writing time. Otherwise you won't make
any real progress. And progress is key. But when you find yourself
bogged down or worried that the narrative isn't good enough then it
could be a good time to take a break.
Go for a walk. Do some reading. Cook a meal. Stretch and sketch.
Whatever gives your mind an opportunity to recharge. We are not
machines. If you try to force it you might get too discouraged. And the
writing might be bad.
I believe the key is progress, not perfection. Don't give up, but don't
try too hard. Writing about our lives can ultimately be a very
satisfying experience. It helps us gain perspective. Remember your
reasons for telling your life story.
You may find in your narrative that there are places where your story
also needs breaks. It's not necessary to include every little detail.
Finish telling about a time or event. Then on to the next one. This is
why most books have chapters. Sure, there can be a connection from one
to the next. But many life story projects I've been involved with are a
series of vignettes. Slices of life, pieced together, but each also
standing on its own can make for a satisfying tale.
So take a break when you need it. And when the break is over get back to it. There's a saying that was shared with me. By the yard is hard; by the inch it's a cinch.
Varied Hobbies and Activities Keep Life Interesting
March 15, 2022
I like music, reading, baseball and hiking. At one time, as a youth, I
collected stamps. My family loves to play cards on Sundays. And the
past couple of years I have been working on my culinary skills and
doing more cooking.
One of the things that keeps life interesting is having varied hobbies and activities.
I wrote about this a bit back in May of 2016
with some links to a variety of hobbies to give you suggestions. I
think it is important to have hobbies. There are many traditional
hobbies for men (but not limited to guys) you probably are
familiar with. Hunting and fishing come to mind. And yes, I know there
are women who are interested too. What about those hobbies that are
more unusual? Like axe throwing, blacksmithing, or quidditch. That't
right Harry Potter fans, quidditch has become a thing (minus the magic
flying around, but it still looks pretty fun).
Rough and Tumble Gentleman can tell you about 72 Odd and Interesting Hobbies for Men. See what you think. You might find a new hobby or activity that will keep your life interesting.
Book Production Master Class
March 10, 2022
Once you write your life story manuscript you are faced with what to do
with it. Print it out and put it in a three ring binder? You could, but
that's pretty simple and basic.
I like the feel of a book. You don't have to aspire to your memoir
being a best seller to have it printed and bound. Book production these
days can be done more affordably than ever. But how do you go about it?
The Memoir Network is presenting a FREE
book production Master Class. It will be held on March 16 at 7 PM
Eastern Daylight Time. There is no obligation to buy anything, but you
can learn next steps for getting your story in book form. But you have
to register for this free class.
Publishing your book your way allows you to:
• retain full control of the text, the design and the illustrations,
• act immediately on your goal of completing your project,
• make a book that reflects your taste, budget & dream.
The Master Class is free but you must register to receive details.
Want to explore e-book publishing? They will look at that, too! I think this could be time well spent. Get more info here.
Celebrating International Women's Day
March 8, 2022
Today, March 8, is International Women's Day.
It truly is remarkable the accomplishments of women from all walks of
life, diverse groups, histories, backgrounds and talents.
Women still are working for proper recognition in many ways and many
places. I am glad for their progress and advancements, but dissapointed
that too many still face discrimination or lack of opportunity and
respect.
My fifth graders are working on a research project where each of them
learns about a significant woman. I love this because not only do they
learn more - so do I!
There are so many great women to recognize. Famous or not. My mom
wasn't famous, but she was a great inspiration to me and others.
Thank you to women pioneers. To Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and
Sally Ride. To Harriet Tubman and Katherine Johnson. To Mary Oliver,
Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman. And so many more. If you don't
recognize any of those names I just listed then do yourself a great
favor and research them. Their courage and contributions continue to
spread ripples of wonder and good to those who hear their voices. For
their legacies are vital to our evolution.
|
