Mixing It Up

Although this blog is dedicated to the many aspects of writing family history, it aims, also, to encourage individual talent in writing and self-expression. In other words, you don't have to be writing family history, per se, to participate and gain encouragement. So we will be mixing it up a little bit, based on interests expressed by our readers. When it comes right down to it, whatever you are doing today is making history. Here's an example.

One member of our writing group reports that when her grandfather passed away, the family found a box of poems tucked away in his closet. The children had no idea their father, not one you would call a sensitive man, was writing poetry. In sifting through and reading the poems, it was found that some of the poems had been published. Active in his labor union, many of the poems were about labor loyalties and were published in the local labor magazine. Some of the poems, apparently written during the 1950s, were little ditties of a commercial nature. During that era, advertisers held contests, inviting the public to submit jingles and rhymes to be used in advertising their products. One wonders if that was the purpose of these little poems. In all, through his poems, the children gained new insights into their father's life.

For those interested, a movie entitled, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, based on a true story and starring Julianne Moore, explores the era of the jingle contest. The movie is rated PG-13.

Writing Group

For members of our local writing group, you can check here for follow-ups to our discussions and post your own comments and questions. The blog is a good way to keep the momentum going between group meetings. We hope the writing group discussion will inspire others to explore their own talents and interest in writing.