As "personal historians," Tom and I often use these terms interchangeably when blogging or teaching about the concept of writing one's life stories. But does that signify that they all mean the same thing?

Holidays, for better or worse, are family gathering times (followed closely by weddings, funerals, and family reunions). What better time is there to interview those family members you only see once a year? Give your auntie an excuse to stay out of the kitchen and hold her comfortably captive while you ask a few questions.

Here are a few tips that will help you get better stories.

Since it's Friday---and who doesn't love grammar advice on a Friday?---I'm going to show you a neat little trick that will make your writing clearer, stronger, and more to the point.

There is a difference between being honest, or truthful, and being accurate. 

Accuracy alone, while important in certain essential facts like birthdates and college degrees, can be the kiss of death in a memoir.

Why? Because you are a human being, not a recording machine. You have a soul that interprets events, molding them into your own personal truth that is expressed in a way only you can express it. That subjectivity is what makes a memoir interesting. You are showing your reader what it feels like to be you.