In 2022 I received a birthday present from my daughters from Storyworth. I was sent a question a week which prompted me to write a story from memories and experiences that I’ve had in my life. I was able to change the frequency that I received my questions during the summer when I didn’t have as much time for writing as I did the rest of the year. I was also able to change the question if I felt the desire to share an experience that I haven’t yet received a question about.  At the end of the year the questions stopped but I had time to fine tune my stories or add photos.  Once I was happy with my book I pressed the button to print and waited for it to arrive in my mailbox. 

I have to say that this was one of the best gifts that I have ever received.  It was so much fun to reminisce about my childhood and share my thoughts about my relationships with grandparents, parents and siblings as well as life experiences. I loved hunting through old photo albums in search of photos to insert which really livened up my stories.  

Storyworth has very basic editing features so I used photoshop elements to create photo galleries when I wanted to insert a row of photos. They also offer limited designs for their covers but these issues don’t diminish the value of the writing and publishing experience. 

I sent some of my stories to Ashley which she read to the kids here and there before the book was finished. My grands got a kick out of hearing how different my childhood was from theirs.  

I’ll put this book into Abby’s hope chest which is in my bedroom for now. Abby loves to poke around in the chest from time to time and discover any new treasures that I’ve added. I hope she’ll read a few stories now and again. Wouldn’t it be great if it sparks an interest in Abby to research her ancestors herself? 

Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year!