There was something magical about walking around on this ship of my mother’s past. I knew her story better and I could see it. If you have an opportunity to go to the place of your memories, do.
Read MoreMemoir with a Mission
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how the process of writing or telling our personal stories helps us to uncover the meaning and purpose in our lives. I don’t expect to answer the great mystery of existence with just these simple questions...
Read MoreAn Untouchable Story
Two young dance teachers in Nepal, Nisha and Raj, keep their relationship a secret for five years. When her family learns of their elopement they go to great lengths to stop it. They do not want their high-caste daughter to marry an "untouchable," the lowest rung on the social ladder of the caste system. Their story offers a surprising discovery of freedom.
Read MoreTime to Pause - Personal History Interview Tip
It does not matter on which side of the microphone you are sitting, if you are the interviewer or the interviewee, I’m here to tell you, do not be afraid of the "uncomfortable" pause. Make it your friend.
Read MoreUsing Memorabilia to Help you Write Your Memoir
It's the little things that spark our memories. I find one of the best tools to explore memories is an object of memorabilia. It could be a teacup, a handkerchief, a pair of scissors - anything that's been around for a while and can help stir up memories. I came across my swiss army pocket knife the other day. Then I was off down memory lane.
Read MoreThe Sound of Character: The Legend of Clyde Torrey
A true Maine storyteller gives tribute to a real character, Clyde Torrey, a hermit, accordion player, and a farmer who continued to use a horse and ox. This audio story has something we can’t have with just words on a page or a screen – Clyde’s music, and the way Sonny tells the story: his dramatic pauses, the timber of his voice, the emotion welling up in his throat, his characteristic expressions.
Read MoreCar Conversations
There is something about a road trip that lends itself to a good conversation. You’re sitting in the car for a long time, both facing the long road in front of you. While you gaze at the road stretching out ahead your mind’s eye is free to re-imagine your memories. The future is unknown. But the past is full of stories.
Read MoreToo Young for History
History isn’t just for grandparents and college professors. History is for all generations. Stories about the past have the power to connect us no matter what our age is, or how long ago a story happened.
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