The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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...



       







      

22 comments:

  1. Ha ha! You're on to me! I loved being the random passerby and amateur photographer for your event last night, Sioux. Thanks so much for including me at dinner, too. Your presentation was fantastic! I always learn something new from you ladies.

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    1. Dianna--I love being on the other side of the camera, so I'm envious of where you were. Thanks for coming. It was great catching up with you. And good luck Saturday. I know your book will be well-received...

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  2. Yes. Do it now. I had made the decision to record my father-in-law's story in the summer. He grew ill and died that spring. The man was almost 90. Why did I wait? *sigh* One of my biggest regrets.

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    1. Lisa--I was too late with my mom, and Alzheimer's made it way too late for my dad. But, you should start telling your story and making sure your husband gets his story down. As you said, "Do it now."

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  3. Sioux, what a great idea to help someone else get their story down on paper. We did have fun!

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    1. Linda--Considering the women involved, fun was inevitable.

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  4. Thanks for sharing! I wish I could have been there because it sounds like a wonderful event!

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    1. Pat--You could have knit and listened and chatted.

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  5. I love seeing this picture. I saw one with another angle on Linda's page. I am enjoying see you gals and YOU look like you are having too much fun! You are right about story--I see stories everywhere, some more vivid than others but all stories.

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    1. Claudia--I tried to digitally "grab" one of the pictures where we were all turned to the side--made me look thinner--but I couldn't.

      And how about you? Are you getting yours and your husband's story down on film? If not, why not?

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  6. Sound advice.

    Your face probably hurts from laughing. Because that's quite a crew. And I'm only talking for sure about the three of you I know!

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    1. Val--Yes, there was lots of laughter. But if you had been there, the zingers would have been ricocheting around nonstop.

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  7. Absolutely, Sioux, everyone has a story! I did a Muffin post (with your help!) on How to Get a Story in CS Books and it had the most hits of ANY post I've ever written. I'm talking TONS. So wonderful what y'all are doing with these writing workshops!

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    Replies
    1. Cathy--I'm glad you got lots of response on the post. Linda O'Connell has been published in so many places--and in so many CS collections--so I'm sure people were excited to hear her advice.

      I'm sure if you and Lisa and some other Georgia gals got together and pitched it to a library, they'd jump at the chance to have you as part of a panel discussion.

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  8. I write so much about my Grandparents who sadly died many years ago. It would have been wonderful to have things from their perspective. Discovering other peoples stories is a fascinating business.

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    1. Sarah--Perhaps you would consider putting your grandparents' stories together in a book for your family? That would be a lovely, priceless gift.

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  9. Replies
    1. MZ--So, have you gotten some of your family's stories down? (nudge nudge)

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  10. The evening was so much fun! I enjoyed it all, and hope we can get together again soon.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  11. The evening was so much fun! I enjoyed it all, and hope we can get together again soon.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  13. I think the evening was a great success. Not only do I feel we may have helped the ones in the audience but I felt that we learned from each other as well. I know each of you inspired me. In fact, my husband, who was in the audience, said that he learned more about writing an essay, in that hour, than he learned in any English class. Plus, I met some very nice ladies. Thank you all for everything.

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Thanks for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by...