• From Ancestry Message Board to Arson Files: Uncovering Catherine Seeley’s True Motive

    NOTE: This post has also been cross-posted to my genealogy blog, https://whoweareandhowwegotthisway.com/ I didn’t set out to write about a con artist. I wasn’t even researching criminals. I was trying to get the facts straight about my husband’s great-grandmother, known in the family as Catherine C. Fitzallen. I was scrolling through an Ancestry message board,…

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  • Me and My AI: A Performance Review (Spoiler: I Passed)

    I recently asked my AI assistant, ChatGPT—affectionately known as Scripty McPromptface—how it would describe my ability using it. Because if you’re going to collaborate with an artificial intelligence, you might as well ask for your annual evaluation. Scripty’s Report Card Apparently, I’m not too shabby. Scripty said I use it “like a seasoned collaborator, not…

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  • From Family Tree to Novel: The Real Lives Behind My Books

    NOTE: I first shared this story over on my genealogy blog, but I wanted to post it here too for those who follow my adventures in writing! On Saturday, October 4, I had the pleasure of being a vendor at Family History Day, sponsored by the Connecticut Society of Genealogists. I always enjoy chatting with…

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  • Finding Catherine, Finding Connection

    On the third day of our writing retreat in Ireland, Lynn Palermo asked us to reflect on the following questions: Think about the connections your story makes possible. What connections brought you to this story? Who are you hoping to connect with through your writing? How do you want that connection to shape the way…

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  • From Tara to Takeoff: One Last Irish Adventure

    We said good-bye to Temple House today. What an amazing week we had. After I get home and get some rest, I’ll be sharing more. By the way, you might not have realized that the only rain we had ALL WEEK was a bit of drizzle during our first day in Dublin. But I guess…

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