Writing Family History Without Starting A Family Argument

Richard Evans, President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival

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Ask two relatives about the same Christmas lunch and you may hear two different stories. One remembers Uncle Jack’s joke about the pudding; the other remembers the remark that stung for years. Both are sincere. Both are, in their way, true.

When writing family history, your task is not to prove who was right. It is to preserve what happened, what it meant to you, and why it still matters.

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In my novel Horrible People, I drew on my own pre-selection battles as a former federal Member of Parliament: the lies and political manipulation of those who would have preferred I was not in Parliament. As the title suggests, I didn’t think much of them. But turning those events into fiction let me explore motives, consequences, and moral grey areas without putting any real person on trial.

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Memoir asks something similar of us. When we write about family, we are not simply reporting facts. We are interpreting a life from where we stood. A sister, brother, parent, or cousin may have stood somewhere else, and seen another truth.

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Three simple rules can help.

• Own your perspective. Phrases such as “As I understood it”, “In my memory” or “From where I stood” signal honesty without surrendering your story.

• Separate the event from the verdict. Describe what happened, how it affected you and what you understand now. Resist turning the page into an indictment.

• Protect what needs not be public. Ask whether a detail is essential to the story or merely wounding. If it isn’t essential, leave it out. Use initials or changed names, or write privately first.

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Where accounts clash, treat the disagreement as part of the record. It is perfectly fair to write, “My brother remembers it differently,” or “Mum always said the farm was sold for another reason.”

You might also look at old letters, photographs, and records, or talk to older relatives. Let the evidence and the memories sit side by side. The aim is curiosity, not judgement.

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Your writing challenge this week

Choose one family event that is still told in different ways. Write 300 words in your journal about it from your own point of view. Include one sentence acknowledging that someone else may remember it differently.

A family story does not need to win an argument to be true. Sometimes its greatest value is that it allows several truths to be heard.

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Celebrating local creativity

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Whitsundays Writers Festival
Richard Evans
Festival Director and President
hello@whitsundayswriters.com

Save the date for the 2027 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 10-12 September.

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Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com

Creative Connections Whitsundays supports local artists through exhibitions, workshops, and manages the Community Gallery in Proserpine.

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Get in touch

If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event news please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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Community Gallery Opens Its Doors To Creative Workshops

Glenda Brown, President Creative Connections Whitsunday

Creative Connections Whitsunday’s Community Gallery in Proserpine is expanding its offering, with a new program of hands-on art workshops giving locals the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills.

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The workshops cater for beginners and those keen to try something different, with small groups, friendly guidance and all materials supplied.

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Local artist Debbie Stephens is presenting a series of step-by-step soft pastel classes, teaching participants how to create texture, depth, and character in their artwork. Each $60 class includes all equipment, with upcoming subjects including a tiger on Saturday 14th November, a Christmas platypus on 21st November, and a bumblebee on 28th November. Classes begin at 10am.

On Wednesday 25th November, local artist Lucy Seddon-Brown will lead an introductory fluid art workshop. Running for approximately 1.5 to two hours, the $55 session explores paint mixing, colour, and different pouring techniques, with participants creating artworks to take home. No painting or drawing experience is needed.

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Both workshops will be held at the Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

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To find out more or register, visit www.creativeconnectionswhitsunday.com

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Christmas Has Come Early to the Gallery
Glenda Brown, President Creative Connections Whitsunday

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If you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas, the Creative Connections Whitsunday Community Gallery in Proserpine is a great place to start.

The Gallery has been adding to its range of original artworks, handcrafted gifts, and creative supplies, offering plenty of ideas for thoughtful and unusual Christmas presents.

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A particular highlight is the collection of uniquely Whitsundays-themed Christmas cards from local maker Made by Leah – a lovely way to share a little of the region with family and friends.

There’s also handmade ceramic paintbrush holders and ink and paint wells, beautiful hand-covered journals, and an expanding range of greeting cards and gift cards.

Whether you’re shopping for an artist, an art lover or someone who appreciates handmade gifts, there’s plenty to discover.

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Every purchase also helps support local artists and the ongoing development of the Community Gallery.

Visit the Community Gallery at 192 Main Street, Proserpine, and make your Christmas shopping a little more creative.

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