by Heidi White – WriteWord Associates
March is National Reading Month and many communities across the nation feature book festivals in celebration of this pastime. Authors of all genres and professional levels converge for several days of 
readings, discussions, book signings, and events. It’s fun, informative, and quite entertaining to hear how many of these books, new and old, came to be.
A year or so ago, at the annual Virginia Festival of the Book, I attended a memoirs session in which three authors shared personal stories they had written about cherished family members: 1) a deceased father, memorialized by wife & children; 2) the death of a beloved husband and his wife’s grief; and 3) the everlasting strength of a wife and mother who courageously lived and died. These writers penned family memories that will be read now and for years to come.
Imagine how interesting it might be for you or a loved one to read some of your own family histories at some family gathering far into the future. Capturing the fascinating and exciting story about fighter pilot “Grandpa Charlie’s” WWII encounter somewhere over Germany, as he desperately attempted to return to England, may be just the kind of important family history that is similar to your own family’s story.
Or, how many times have you heard the story of your grandparents’ first meeting? Wasn’t it during high school typing class, sophomore year, when your granddad—an upper classman—walked in and caught your grandma’s eye? You’ve heard the story a hundred times, but have you ever written it down so your own great, great grandkids might know it one day?
Image by henriquesaf on Pixabay
Whether it’s March and National Reading Month, or it is any other time of the year, reading, listening to, or viewing family stories is a priceless gift. Organizations such as the Life Story Professionals of the Greater Washington Area, can help you capture these kinds of personal histories, so you may read and listen to them for enjoyment, as well as posterity, today and in the future.
By the way, not only does this group of personal historians feature talented writers, editors, and book designers, but it also showcases gifted audio and video professionals who can assist in producing family documentary works of art, because you just never know, there might be an upcoming film festival just around the corner!!!