Comments on: Writing Fiction Using Family History

By: anngmesa

anngmesa — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:23:05 +0000

In reply to jagrout. I don't think we are all cut from the same cloth, but we encounter similar experiences as we write, despite the diversity of our backgrounds. Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed the comments.

By: jagrout

jagrout — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 21:50:47 +0000

Good advice all around. I'm impressed with the number of comments, the responses, and camaraderie that prevails. We writers are all "cut from the same cloth?"

By: anngmesa

anngmesa — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 13:19:54 +0000

In reply to Mary. Hi Mary. I'm sure your stories will honor your family. Happy writing!

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:17:05 +0000

I too use details from my family to enrich my stories. I have used family secrets, historical details, lots of pictures and letters but the stories are fiction. It’s my hope that the stories honor my family without serving as family memoirs.

By: anngmesa

anngmesa — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 23:09:54 +0000

In reply to Garrett Hutson. Garrett, thanks for reading, and I'm happy my article was of some help.

By: anngmesa

anngmesa — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 23:09:16 +0000

In reply to wendyleslie. I'm glad it was helpful, Wendy. Best of luck with your future stories.

By: Garrett Hutson

Garrett Hutson — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 21:50:11 +0000

Great suggestions! I have often considered using episodes in my family's past a jumping-off points for a novel, but have not been brave enough to tackle that. Instead, I've taken a more indirect route, using little pieces of things and weaving them into other stories--a character might have similar attitudes to my grandmother, for example. You've provided some other things to think about. Thanks!

By: Writing Links 12/11/17 – Where Genres Collide

Writing Links 12/11/17 – Where Genres Collide — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:09:06 +0000

[…] https://writersinthestormblog.com/2017/12/writing-fiction-using-family-history/ Obstacles you may run into writing family history. […]

By: wendyleslie

wendyleslie — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 08:58:12 +0000

Having just published my family history - no short winded affair - decades in the making, I have pinpointed a couple of really interesting family ancestors to spend time on. I can't believe they did so much without all the "necessities" of today like plane flights, even trains, the internet, email for quick replies etc. Thank you Ann, for your article - it's come just at the right time.

By: Ann Griffin

Ann Griffin — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 02:49:33 +0000

In reply to Judith Starkston. Yes, Judith, it will make a great discussion, and thanks.