Memory Matters—But to Whom?

Photo of Unlucky-Economist347’s grandmother and mother in the Belgian Congo in the 1950s. (photo from Reddit)

By Allison K Williams

As an editor who coaches writers to publication, I’m often asked:

I have my [parents’/grandparents’] [love letters/diaries/journals/taped interviews] and [photos/memorabilia/public documents] about them. What can I do with this material?

The quick, crass answer: Nobody cares. Put them in a shoebox and remember to label them so your kids know who the h...