Which One?- Narrative Essay vs Creative Nonfiction NarrativeWhich One?- Narrative Essay vs Creative Nonfiction Narrative



Today, we’re exploring the differences between narrative essays and creative nonfiction narratives. Now these two may seem like two peas in a pod, but trust me when I say they have their own unique flavors. Join me in today’s Storylines and let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two powerful forms of storytelling.

What is Head-Hopping and How to Avoid ItWhat is Head-Hopping and How to Avoid It



Hey there, fellow scribes! Welcome back to my writer’s corner, where we dive deep into the art of family history storytelling. Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s essential for any budding writer: head hopping. You might be wondering, “What on earth is head hopping?” Well, fear not, because in this video, we’ll unravel the mysteries behind this sneaky technique and discover how to steer clear of its pitfalls. It’s like navigating a treacherous river, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you’ll be able to keep your readers engaged and immersed in your narrative. So grab your pens and notebooks, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together.

How much research do I need to start writing?How much research do I need to start writing?



As a professional family history writing coach, I understand that diving into your ancestral past can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most common questions I get is, “How much research do I need to start writing a family history story?” Today, we’re going to tackle this question head-on, providing you with practical tips and insights to help kick-start your journey into writing your ancestor’s stories. So, whether you’re at the beginning stages or already knee-deep, this video will provide valuable guidance on balancing research with storytelling.

Email Me Your Questions!

If you have any questions about family history writing, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you need help getting started with your project or have specific queries about a particular aspect of family history writing, please feel free to reach out. I’ll respond to you personally and your question may be answered in our next Storylines.

You can email me directly at lynn@familyhistorywritingstudio.com

How to Uncover a Story’s Theme Through ConflictHow to Uncover a Story’s Theme Through Conflict



Have you ever stared at a puzzle, unsure where to start, until one piece catches your eye and suddenly the whole picture starts to make sense? Well, that’s what conflict can do for your story. Welcome to our new Storylines video, ‘Uncovering Themes Through Conflict: A Deep Dive’. In storytelling, conflict isn’t just about creating drama or tension; it’s a powerful tool that can help us uncover the underlying themes of our narrative. In this video, we’ll explore the critical role of conflict in storytelling, demonstrate how it can lead us to the heart of our story’s theme. So let’s dive in, and discover how conflicts can help us see the bigger picture in our narratives!”

The Magic Formula for Solving Your Focused Writing WoesThe Magic Formula for Solving Your Focused Writing Woes



“Are you often overwhelmed by the writing process? Do you find it hard to stay motivated and focused, or struggle with efficiency? What if I told you there’s a Magic Formula that could solve all your writing woes? Welcome to our video on the Magic Formula for Focused Writing – the secret recipe that not only accelerates your writing process but also keeps you motivated throughout. In this video, we’ll unravel the critical elements of this formula and showcase how it can revolutionize your writing experience. So, if you’re ready to transform your writing journey, stay tuned as we dive into the magic of efficient and focused writing!”

6 Crucial Components for Crafting a Family History Scene6 Crucial Components for Crafting a Family History Scene



You probably heard before that in any given scene you need character, your ancestor, of course, and setting, but what else? Are you locking down all 6 key components in your scenes.  Scenes are so very important to our family history stories, and understanding these 6 components will go along way to getting it right and engaging your reader.  Watch the video lesson below and start crafting scenes that will entertain and engage your reader. 

How to Transition from Telling to ShowingHow to Transition from Telling to Showing



It’s not uncommon to start writing your family history stories using summary, telling our family history stories by summarizing our facts into paragraphs. But after a while we soon realize this does not make for an engaging story and we need to learn how to show rather then always tell. Today, we gathered together some tips to help you learn how to transition your writing from telling to showing.

How to Craft an Engaging Inciting IncidentHow to Craft an Engaging Inciting Incident



Last week we discussed what is the inciting incident and the importance in your story, along with 3 types of to consider. If you missed it click the link below to watch first. This week, I’ve got 6 tips for you to consider when crafting your inciting incident and placing it in just the right moment in your story to engage your reader and launch your plot.

Launching Your Story: Exploring the 3 Types of Inciting IncidentsLaunching Your Story: Exploring the 3 Types of Inciting Incidents



One could say the scene that launches your ancestor’s story is one of the most important events you will need to decide on. So make sure you have a clear knowledge of the scene that catapults the story forward. In today’s video lesson we lay out 3 different types of inciting events to look for in your genealogy research to help you propel your story to success.