-
How to Decide What Story to Tell in Historical Fiction or Genealogical Storytelling
When you’re writing historical fiction based on real people—especially your own ancestors—it’s tempting to start at birth and tell everything. After all, you’ve done the research. You’ve tracked down the census records, military registrations, and newspaper articles. You know when they were born, who they married, how many children they had, and where they ended up. But here’s the truth: you don’t owe the reader every fact. You owe them the truth of the story. And more importantly, you owe them a good read—something engaging, memorable, and making them want to come back for more. Start With the Burning Question…
-
52 Ancestors: Alden Williamson
Alden Williamson was born in 1750 in New Kent, New Kent County, Virginia. As we approach Memorial Day, it seems fitting to honor this patriot ancestor who served his country in its earliest days. Family Life Alden married Isabel Thompson in 1778 in Virginia. With Isabel, he had at least two sons: John Williamson (born May 19, 1781) and Richard S. Williamson (born 1786). Isabel passed away the same year Richard was born, in 1786. Records indicate that Alden married Mary Elizabeth Jackson much later in his life, likely around 1814 when their son Shadrick Williamson was born. Military Service…
-
From Chaos to Calm: A Mother’s Day Adventure
It was last Sunday. I was feeling pretty good about all I had accomplished for the week with social media and blog posts for both The Ancestral Pen and the DAR. My book proof had arrived on Saturday and I was pleased, so I hit the publish button on it Sunday morning. I still had a couple more blog posts to write but knew I would be on track, and then all hell broke loose.I’m sitting here in my lounge, a blanket over my legs because it’s still a bit cool here on spring mornings. My laptop on my lap…
-
Creating Character Profiles from Ancestral Records: A Guide for Writers and Genealogists
When writing historical fiction or simply trying to visualize our ancestors, we often face a challenge: how do we create a vivid character when we don’t have photographs? This guide will show you how to extract rich character details from historical records and transform them into both literary character profiles and AI art prompts. Records to Explore: Finding the Puzzle Pieces Historical records are like puzzle pieces – each one reveals a small part of a person’s life. Here’s what to look for: Census Records: Beyond basic demographics, census records reveal living situations, occupation changes, household compositions, and economic status.…
-
52 Ancestors: Thomas Miller Hoard – A Life Across America’s Heartland
Thomas and Martha with their three oldest boys.Like a wheel in motion, my 2x great-grandfather Thomas Miller Hoard’s life was characterized by constant movement across America’s heartland as he sought better opportunities for his family. Throughout his 69 years, Thomas’s journey would take him through multiple states – from Missouri to Nebraska, Arkansas to Kansas, and finally to Oklahoma – as he raised a large family and adapted to the changing economic and social landscape of late 19th and early 20th century America.Early Life and Family BackgroundThomas Miller Hoard was born on June 27, 1867 to James W. Hoard (1837-1911)…
-
52 Ancestors: Martha Ellen (McCombs) Hoard: A Life Across Three States (1870-1946)
211 N Pettit Ave, Hominy, OK as it appears today For this week’s #52Ancestros challenge, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of “At the Library,” I’m sharing the story of my ancestor Martha Ellen (McCombs) Hoard, whose life journey took her through Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma during a transformative period in American history. Early Years in Post-Civil War Arkansas (1870-1890) Martha Ellen McCombs was born on July 1, 1870, in Bentonville, Benton County, Arkansas. Her parents were John A. McCombs (1846-1921) and Lutitia Nichols (1850-1926). As the eldest of eight children, Martha grew up in Dickson, Benton County, Arkansas, where…
-
Historical World Building: Bring Your Story to Life
Family history research often yields a collection of dates, places, and basic facts that, while valuable, can feel lifeless on their own. In this post, I’ll show you how to transform those dry ancestral details into vivid historical narratives that can enhance WikiTree profiles, blog posts, short stories, or even books. Let’s use an example from my family tree – my 2x great-grandfather David Isiah Rollett. Starting with the Basic Facts At first glance, here’s what we know about David’s early life: Born January 26, 1866, in Stewartville, Missouri Lost his father, Abner Elmer Rollett, on October 16, 1866 (when…
-
Creating Historical Context for Your Novel’s Characters: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a historical fiction writer, I’ve discovered that creating authentic, three-dimensional characters requires more than just developing their personalities and motivations. It demands placing them firmly within the historical context of their times. Today, I want to share my process for building a historically rich timeline that has transformed my approach to character development. Why Historical Context Matters Before diving into my process, let’s consider why this work matters. Historical context isn’t just window dressing—it’s the foundation that shapes your characters’ worldviews, decisions, and opportunities. When William George Woolsey was born in 1865, slavery had just been abolished. By…