I’ve known I wanted to be a writer since I was in the third grade. I had a writing assignment, I believe the theme was camping (??), and we were given a single piece of paper with lines on it. My story filled the lines, went on to the back, and I had to staple several pieces of notebook paper to finish it. I had way more story than a few lines could contain. So began my love for writing. 

Not so long after, I remember talking with my friend’s mom about where I was going to college. She told me that the University of Iowa had a Creative Writing Workshop. I was like, yes, that’s for me. I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism and English and my master’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Iowa. I didn’t attend the Writer’s Workshop, but I did learn a lot about writing there. 

Since third grade, I’ve always been writing in some form or another. That includes poems, short stories, newspaper articles, flash fiction, a start of a book, blog stories about inclusion, stories about fashion, newsletter stories about reveling in discovery, family stories in Annual Reports, stories about people’s homes, press release stories, website copy etc., etc., etc. At my previous job, I often connected with families to hear how the organization had supported and improved their lives. I loved this part of my job. 

Even though I’m an introvert, I love connecting with people one-on-one and learning more about them. I love hearing their happy stories, sad stories, and best of all, funny stories. Of course, most stories don’t feature just one human emotion. Like, yes, your parents got engaged, but then maybe your grandmother disapproved, or maybe your dad flubbed the proposal, making your mom laugh and then say yes. 

Perhaps your great-great-grandmother was an early settler in the U.S. and lived in a sod house. I’m sure her life was really hard, but what an interesting and inspiring story it makes now. And she, too, likely found joy in her days. 

There are probably stories you’ve heard your folks tell over and over, and other stories you’ve never heard. The point is, you don’t know until you ask. And I love to ask, listen, and then ask follow-up questions. I love to research to clarify and illuminate certain points of a story. I love, too, turning these family stories into narratives that can live on, even after your loved one passes. You may not live forever, but your stories can. Let us help.