The simple reason your life story project never gets finished

Got a life story writing project that you've wanted to do for a long time that's just not getting done? How setting a deadline may be the key to completion.

family history, memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeJanuary 24, 2022creating a plan for your legacy book, the power of deadlines for writing projects, avoid overwhelm with your family history projectComment

Most anticipated memoir & craft books of 2022

Personal historian Dawn Roode of Modern Heirloom Books lists her most anticipated books of 2022 for fans of memoir and the craft of writing. Mark your faves!

reviews, memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeJanuary 9, 2022memoir recommendations, books about writing, the craft of writing your life, book review Comment

Life Story Links: January 18, 2022

Our curated roundup is back, filled to the brim with stories you'll want to bookmark: on memoir (reading and writing), preservation, family history & more.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeJanuary 4, 2022stories of our stuff, memoir writing, book recommendations, preserving memories of family lifeComment

Simple, modern memory-keeping: How to tell the stories behind your family photos

These 3 ideas for telling the stories behind your favorite family photos are easy-peasy—and they’ll get you well on your way to preserving your family legacy.

gift ideas, photo legacyDawn M. RoodeJanuary 3, 2022telling the stories behind your photos, photo stories, photo book ideasComment

Life Story Links: December 14, 2021

A wealth of reading on the topics of memoir writing, honoring lost loved ones through storytelling, and the best creative nonfiction pieces to read now,

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeDecember 14, 2021creative nonfiction, writing memoir, covid diariesComment

Two unexpected writing prompts about family

These two writing prompts about family—and what it means to you—may be just the ticket to more thoughtful storytelling and personal meaning-making.

family history, memoir & writingDawn M. RoodeDecember 6, 2021life story writing prompts, autobiographical writing prompts, meaning of family Comment

Life Story Links: November 30, 2021

This week's memory-keeping roundup includes audio recommendations, compelling personal essays, new memoirs, plus personal history news and trends.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeNovember 30, 2021memoir recommendations, memory-keeping gift ideas, personal history in the newsComment

3 Best holiday gift ideas that honor family memories

Give your loved ones a gift they will cherish for years to come—one that puts memories front and center. Here are 3 (doable!) ideas to inspire happy tears.