Everybody

       Everybody has a story to tell. I firmly believe that. In fact, most people have many stories to tell. Or they have one really long story to share.

       Last night I had the privilege of dining with some fabulous women... and then I was lucky enough to be on a panel with them.

From left to right: Donna Volkenannt, Linda O'Connell, Sherri Stanczak,
Pat Wahler, and some random passerby (Dianna Graveman--
not pictured as she--cleverly--chose to be the photographer for the evening)

      The message of the night was: write. There were people in the audience who are dreaming of being published. There were people who are hesitant--they're on the brink of being a writer. The panel shared some tips for getting a story published by Chicken Soup but really, they were all great suggestions for writing in general.

       And for some of us, we might have to be the one taking down another person's story. If you have a parent or other elderly relative (an aunt/uncle, a cousin or grandparent), maybe you need to sit down with them, turn on your phone or your tablet, and start them talking... while you're filming them. Simple questions like, "What did you do for fun when you were a kid?" and "What were holidays like with your family?" and "Talk about any trips you took with your family" are invitations for them to talk. And talk. And talk. Make it casual and fun.

        If you're thinking, 'I can do this during the summer,' or next month or next year, do it now.

       Because this summer or next month might be too late...