Searching for a groom gift beyond the traditional watch or cufflinks? Surprise him with an heirloom book expressing your love and gratitude—meaningful, unique.

book ideas & inspiration, gift ideas, weddingDawn M. RoodeJuly 25, 2019wedding day groom gift, first family heirloomComment

When a parent doesn’t want to talk about their past

Why it's sometimes easier to talk about our life experiences with a stranger, and how to get a reluctant storyteller to genuinely open up about his or her past.

the art of listening, family historyDawn M. RoodeJuly 22, 2019difficult family history stories, painful memories, preserving life stories, essential reading, personal history interviewsComment

Life Story Links: July 15, 2019

Memoir suggestions to inspire your own autobiographical writing, business-building courses, and lots of first-person pieces that reveal the powers of story.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeJuly 15, 2019value of storytelling, first person storytelling, family history writingComment

The vignette: What to read to be inspired

Memoir reading suggestions to inspire your own vignette-style life story writing, from Annie Dillard and Kelly Corrigan to Robert Fulghum and Sandra Cisneros.

memoir & writing, book ideas & inspiration, reviewsDawn M. RoodeJuly 8, 2019memoir inspiration, writing vignettes, autobiographical writing prompts, how to write vignette for memoir, writing tips, book review, course resources Comment

Life Story Links: June 25, 2019

The value of attaching stories to our stuff, ways to organize your memories around the artifacts of your life, and a moving eulogy honoring Gloria Vanderbilt.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeJune 25, 2019leaving a legacy, dealing with death of a loved one, writing memoirComment

Writing prompts for life story vignettes: 300 words in 30 minutes

By limiting oneself in word count and time allotted for writing, undertaking any life story project becomes both more urgent and more relaxed. Ready, set, write!

memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeJune 17, 2019prompts for writing your life story, how to write vignette for memoir, timed writing exercises, writing tips, autobiographical writing prompts, course resources, writing vignettesComment

Life Story Links: June 11, 2019

Storytelling in unexpected places, piecing together personal WWII histories, plus writing prompts, Scrivener notes, and curating our own legacies.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeJune 11, 2019veteran voices, memory prompts, leaving a legacyComment

Writing prompts for life story vignettes: self interview

In Part Two of our Life Story Vignettes Writing Prompts series, guidance on conducting a probing self interview as an entry point to your stories and memories.