The Chiddicks Observer Edition 19
Each week, I aim to share a cross-section of the posts that have caught my eye on Substack. Unfortunately, I can’t feature everyone! The more writers I follow, the harder it becomes to choose which pieces to include. In fact, I read and comment on far more posts than I feature here.
If you come across something you think I’d enjoy, feel free to tag me or mention it in the comments, I’m always on the lookout for great stories.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s highlights!
is one of those prolific genealogy enthusiasts who not only shares her ancestral stories but also offers valuable genealogy hints, tips, and ideas. In this post, she explores an essential aspect of family history research: writing about it! Turning those records into stories.
Let me introduce you to another fantastic Substack writer,
. If you're anything like me and have a deep appreciation for a good library, then you’re going to really enjoy Kate’s posts. She writes beautifully about libraries during wartime—exploring their resilience, quiet heroism, and the vital role they played in people's lives even in the darkest times.Discover the compelling story of Hannah Ahern, a young Irish girl whose life took an unexpected turn when she was sentenced to transportation. Follow
to learn about her courageous journey to Australia and follow her as she builds a new life far from home.
Are you writing to please the crowd, or are you writing for yourself?
This is a fascinating and important question for every writer to consider. Some writers focus their energy on crafting that one “viral” post, the piece that captures widespread attention and brings them the popularity and validation they seek. They tailor their content to what they believe the audience wants to see, often chasing trends or sensational topics.
On the other hand, there are writers who remain deeply true to themselves, writing from the heart and following their own unique voice and vision. These writers prioritize authenticity over popularity, valuing the creative process and personal fulfillment above external approval.
So, which one are you? Do you find yourself shaping your work to please the crowd, or are you writing for yourself, be sure to check out
post.
I always enjoy bringing you something a little bit different, and in this post, I invite you to listen as
and delve into a fascinating and mysterious story. They discuss the case of a person who vanished without a trace—leaving behind nothing but a set of spoons.
Have you experimented much with AI? I know I have! When I saw this post from
I had to smile because I had done the self same thing myself, asked ChatGPT “Who is Paul Chiddicks?” It’s frighteningly accurate! Why not try it yourself, it’s great fun!
I’m excited to introduce another fantastic Substack writer to you;
- Ellen is a self-proclaimed Family History Hound who passionately explores everything related to family history and genealogy. Whether you’re just starting your own family tree or a seasoned researcher, Ellen’s insightful posts offer valuable inspiration and practical tips to help you uncover your roots.Curious about what a typical day looks like for a dedicated family history enthusiast? Why not take a moment to explore Ellen’s blog? You’re sure to find fresh ideas, engaging stories, and plenty of motivation to dive deeper into your own family history journey. Plus it might just spark your next discovery!
One of the most challenging issues that researchers and writers of family history eventually face is the question of image copyright. Whether you're compiling a family tree, writing a biography, or creating a visual archive, the use of photographs, documents, and other visual materials can be legally complex.
To get us started,
from takes a closer look at the intricate and sometimes confusing world of copyright law—a true minefield for anyone involved in historical or genealogical storytelling.
I know that I feature a number of posts from
well the simple reason is that what she writes is always worth reading!“This is the summer you become a family storyteller.”
Retirement can be a ‘funny’ time of life. Some people arrive there with little or no preparation, while others, like me, planned it for over five years, almost like a military campaign. But when reality hits, it’s never quite what you expected. each week,
brings us a round up of some great Substackers who are in the ‘Retirement Phase’ of life. Why not take a look?We finish with another slightly different post to the norm. Thanks to
I have now started following and in this post Curing Crime shares their conversation with Dr Angela Buckley who is a historian who specialises on the history of detectives and their sleuthing. Her work examines detective practices, specific crimes, criminals, and the theories of criminologists. Fascinating interview.
That’s all for this week’s edition of The Chiddicks Observer. As always, thank you for taking the time to read and share these stories, whether they’re rooted in the past or sparked by the present, each one helps keep history alive. I’ll see you all next time; until then, keep digging, keep writing, and most of all, keep remembering.
Paul is going ot give out free Starbucks coupons for free Cappuccinos only on Mondays. Great content, too much to take in all at once. Will continue, Best, Ollie
Thank you so much for your mention! I feel great that you see the work that I am trying to do and so many other GenFriends!