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Category Archives: Commentary
“The Kid Kit: All you need to interview your grandparents” from Dawn Roode
I’ve found a partial solution to how to blog while experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic-related form of writers’ block: I’m sharing resources offered by friends/colleagues who are finding their own ways to help “ordinary” people cope in such an extraordinary time. … Continue reading
COVID-19 Musings, April 15 edition (or: How to Blog through Writers’ Block)
On this morning, April 15, 2020, I sit looking out at an unnaturally quiet street, feeling like a stranger in a strange land. How, in this new place, will I use True Stories Well Told? How will I blog while … Continue reading
Down the Rabbit Hole with COVID19
The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down what seemed to be a … Continue reading
Check out Brevity (the magazine and blog) for Flash Nonfiction
For several years now, I’ve been intrigued with Flash Nonfiction, specifically the subgenre of Flash Memoir. What’s that? By my definition, tightly-focused, scene-based, observant, true stories from life. That’s mostly what I publish here on True Stories Well Told, just … Continue reading
Posted in Call for action, Commentary
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Musings on Author’s Notes, Disclaimers, and Such
I have recently returned from my first residency as a student in the University of King’s College MFA-Creative Nonfiction program. One of the reasons I chose this program (let’s not speak of the attractions of a program requiring visits to … Continue reading
Throwing a Perfect Family Reunion Party
By Aimee Lyons Planning a family reunion this summer? Here are a few things to keep in mind before the crowd arrives. Before Aimee shares her tips, let me reminisce… Family reunions can be remarkable moments that bind a family … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary
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Storytelling: Global Reflections on Narrative:: A Highly Unusual Conference Format
Ponder this: 70+ people invited after submitting 300-word proposals to present 20 minutes (basically a TED Talk) on something related to the announced conference theme. People from 23 countries come to Mansfield College, Oxford, rooming in the dorm. Those presentations … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary
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What does “freedom” mean?
Last week I convened another discussion on “thoughtful aging.” Amid the talk of life’s mixed gifts, Kathryn C. gifted me with an “Aha Moment”–“When I retired, I was giddy I was so happy! Such freedom!” Something rang hauntingly familiar. When Kathryn said … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Writing prompt
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Shame or Guilt?
David Brooks, the columnist I love to hate/hate to love, has done it again–published an essay that cogently covers an issue I’ve been ruminating on for the past half year. The article is titled The Shame Culture. In it Brooks writes, “In a guilt … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Writing prompt
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Martie McNabb, “Heartist”: Holding Space for Story-Sharing and Listening
I’ve found a partial solution to how to blog while experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic-related form of writers’ block: I’m sharing resources offered by friends/colleagues who are finding their own ways to help “ordinary” people cope in such an extraordinary time. … Continue reading →