I believe everyone has a story to tell and I started Laurel Writing Services to help people record their stories.
Through workshops, online courses and personal coaching, I provide encouragement and direction to those struggling to tell
their stories.
Memento Mori: Classifying Nineteenth Century Ontario Gravestones
Aside from genealogists researching family history, gravestones have received little attention from historical researchers, at least here in Canada. Information gained from the stones relating to birth and death dates, surnames and family relationships has a practical application to identify the deceased. Even the epitaphs are often viewed in a whimsical way, as entertaining reading. As a result the iconography or pictorial imagery of the gravestones has largely been ignored as an expression of culture worthy of study.
"Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go." -
E.L. Doctorow, author
With over 15 years experience working in the non-profit/charitable field, Laura Suchan's writing credits include newspapers, magazines, newsletters, grant proposals, policy manuals, research, presentations and business writing. Her articles have appeared in the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun, Oshawa Life, ArtsForum and on - line. Laura also acted as Project Co-ordinator for the award winning Lakefront Memories Memory Book Project.
As a member of the Oral History Association, Laura works with organizations and individuals interested in recording their personal history. She has developed a series of workshops entitled "Your Life and Times: Writing Your Memoirs" to encourage and inspire people to record their history. Workshops have been successfully facilitated for the Oshawa Historical Society, Whitby Public Library, the Oshawa Senior Citizen Centre and the City of Oshawa. Laura also faciltates a workshop for women interested in starting a home based business.
As a firm believer in life long learning, Laura completed a Certificate in Adult Teaching and Training with Durham College. She is a member of the Oral History Association, the Writer's Circle of Durham Region and Women for Women International.
