Christopher

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: “Nobody will read my stories.” Hogwash!
 
If you’ve thought about writing your life stories, but a negative voice in your head-the one that sounds like Winnie the Pooh’s donkey friend, Eeyore- just keeps saying things like, “Nobody will read my stories,” or “I really don’t have the time,” or “I’m not a trained writer or an English major,” well, then we say, “Balderdash!” “Fiddlesticks!”

The people who love you will certainly want to read the stories that show how you came to be the way you are. If this project is important to you, some other busy-ness can take a backseat for a while so you can have the time and space to preserve the account of your life. And if you think you might need some help, we are all over that! The story prompt questions on your Porch Swing StorySite, as well a our story coaches and editors, will inspire, stimulate, and encourage you from start to finish. We want you to succeed!

(If you want a good laugh, look up synonyms for “hogwash” in a thesaurus, and say them to the Eeyore in your head next time he tries to discourage you. “That’s flapdoodle!”)

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com 

We’re always here to help.
 
Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Giving and Receiving

You may be familiar with the saying, it is more blessed to give than to receive. At this time of year, it would be logical to think this is totally about gift giving. But think of all the ways you could bless other people by giving that have nothing to do with an actual material gift!

What about the gift of listening? People want to know that you care about what they have to say, so lend your ear! (You’ll get it back when they’re done.) What about the gift of time? We’re all busy so it’s a great sacrifice to stop what you’re doing and spend unhurried time with someone, especially if they’re sad or lonely. And here’s one that just might smart a little: your undivided attention. Show your loved one how much they mean to you by putting away your device(s); prove that he or she is more important to you than whatever could possibly come up in your social media.

Then there is that good, old-fashioned hug, where the giving and receiving are simultaneous!

So, what stories can we help you with?

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Our Family Holidays

Recently helping edit a Porch Swing life story, I had to research some of the holidays the author mentioned, because they are not ones I’m familiar with — and they were so interesting! Probably her family knows all about why the family celebrates each holiday, who is usually invited, what foods are traditionally served, even what clothing is customary. What about when later generations read the stories? Will they know or remember? You know where I’m going with this….

Even if you think your readers will not need an explanation, putting those details into your book will help make clear what is important to you and why the information has been passed down over the years. This is essential when you consider that each family celebrates in their own unique way. Every family has entertaining stories to tell about “that one year on Rosh Hashanah when …” And your own perspective needs to be preserved because no one can know nor research the individual outlook of you!

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Gift Certificates: Easy & Thoughtful

Are there people in your life whom you have encouraged to write the stories of their fascinating lives, but they’ve just been a little reticent? Help them over their reluctance by giving them a Porch Swing Stories Gift Certificate!

Go to www.porchswingstories.com and scroll down to the five different available plans. Once you’ve decided which product fits your budget and provides the right encouragement, go to the Give as a Gift banner, just above, and click on Learn More to choose the package you would like. Now purchase and our Porch Swing team will take it from there by personalizing the certificate to your needs. If you’ve previously completed the process of writing and publishing your own book, you can also give your expertise as a bonus!

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Eat ’til your stomach hurts – or stop while you’re ahead?

Feasting at noon – or in the evening? Football game on TV – or out in the yard? The good dishes – or whatever dishes we have enough of? Candied yams – or ewww, yuck? What does Thanksgiving look like to you? ‘Cause it’s different for everyone. You might even know people who don’t actually have turkey. Wait, what?!

Now think back to your past and write down for your children and grandchildren how your family celebrated when you were a child. Does your holiday revelry look like your grandparents’? What is similar, and what is completely different? Likely some things have changed and it’s always fun to understand how things were done “back in the day.” Give your loved ones a glimpse into your cherished memories of Thanksgiving past.

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: My Not-Favorites

For the last several years as fall approaches, we start seeing “pumpkin spice” everything, as if it’s everyone’s favorite. Well, it’s not really mine, and I’m always a little baffled how it’s become such a thing. The taste of hot cocoa or tea sounds better to me, or the smell of a spiced apple candle.

Is there something in our culture with popularity that you just cannot fathom? Do you remember fashions during your lifetime that left you puzzled or repulsed then, or embarrassed in retrospect? (Ladies, remember that “big hair” fad of the ’80’? Whew, I’m glad we got over that!) Have there been technologies or gadgets you had no interest in, no matter who promoted them with, “But wait, there’s more!”

Tell your readers more about yourself by explaining notions or items that were not your thing, and why not. Everyone’s entitled to your opinion!

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Thank You, Veterans!

The eleventh hour. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines the eleventh hour as “the latest possible time before it is too late.” If you paid better attention in American History class than I did, you might remember that the armistice that ended “the war to end all wars” went into effect at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Each November 11th we recognize the valor and sacrifice of our country’s service members – and you probably knew that too.

But did you realize this year’s Veteran’s Day commemoration is focused on the centennial celebration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National cemetery? At 11 a.m. that day, in the customarily solemn ceremony, a wreath will be laid at this memorial, to be followed by speeches and recognition of various veterans’ organizations.

From the Porch Swing family, thank you Veterans, for your service in the United States Armed Forces!

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Feeling Stuck?

Have you worked on your StorySite and gotten some stories recorded, but now you feel stymied or stuck? All writers sometimes feel writer’s block, where the words are just not coming. Letting the project rest for a short time might help you “reset.”

Were you too busy for a time to do much work on your stories, and now it’s hard to get back to the discipline of writing? Set a manageable goal for yourself; when you meet it, set another. And then another. You’ll get back into the swing!

Are technical difficulties hampering you? Is it something with your Porch Swing StorySite? Do you need encouragement? Please feel free to call and ask for help. We want you to succeed!

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team

Porch Swing Tip of the Week: Supply Chain Disruption? No Problem!

If near-empty shelves in the grocery stores’ paper product aisles have you worried (Oh no! Not this again!), or you’re concerned that the items you planned to give this holiday season are still in the middle of the ocean somewhere, we’ve got good news!

You have a ready supply of personal stories that no ship from another country can disrupt! Finish writing and polishing the chronicles of your life, upload the remainder of the pictures that help tell the tales, and click on the magic Print My Book icon to get it published. This year, your family will enjoy a unique gift that traveled directly from your heart!

Need additional help? Contact us at 833-767-2411 or inquiries@porchswingstories.com

We’re always here to help.

Jayme & John Resnik and the Porch Swing Team