Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Oldshue.
Hi Lynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m from a newspaper family in Mississippi. I always liked writing, but didn’t think I was good at it. I did other things until my 40s. I was a stay-at-home mom with my two boys and started reading and learning as much as I could about good storytelling. Went to the library and read a lot of feature stories in Rolling Stone and other magazines. It was time to try, but no one would hire me because I didn’t have experience. I started The Southern Rambler magazine to cover art and music on the Alabama Gulf Coast and wrote stories about artists and musicians. It was a good way to get started–no one told me I was doing it wrong. The subjects expanded and I wrote a story about the bus riders in Mobile. I rode the buses for months, listening to stories about people taking the bus to work, dialysis, chemo, and grocery shopping. They appreciated someone just sitting there paying attention and that they got to be a voice for the other riders. That story opened my eyes and changed my life. My husband gave me the book Humans of New York–Brandon Stanton walks up to strangers, listens to their stories, and shares them with the world. I started doing the same thing in the South ten years. I’ve done more than 2,000 interviews, a few in Cuba, Morocco, and the UK. Souls led to writing in-depth stories for a local newspaper and magazine and reporting for Alabama Public Radio. Stories help us feel life from another perspective. They break down walls and fear and teach you about yourself. It’s where caring and understanding begins. Every one of these stories have changed me in some way and made me a better person.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been doing this storytelling for 12 years. The hardest part has been learning how to write. I’m not a creative writer. I love reading strong sentences with simple language that keep the story flowing and moving to the next paragraph, but it takes me a lot of time and work getting close to that. I still struggle with structure, narrative, and tone. I may never be a great writer, but I learned that being a great reporter can make up for that. I love finding stories in the people all around us–they are great subjects. If the reporting, quotes, and details of a story are good, then the story will be good. Real life gives plenty of interesting moments and details, so I don’t have to be super-smart or clever. I finally have confidence in my work. The blank page is still intimidating, and my first drafts are terrible, but I know I can report my way through to the other side.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I tell people’s stories. I usually walk up to someone out of the blue for Our Southern Souls and talk with them for a while. People rarely say no because it feels good when someone else cares enough to make time to listen-even a random stranger. Souls works because I care about each person from the moment I meet them. Photography has become an important part of the story. I have published two books of Souls stories and the pictures arewhat pulls you in.
You can buy Our Southern Souls, Vol. II at www. BuyOurSouthernSouls.com.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
AI will change many things, but it can’t go out and find stories, talk to humans, and bring out the heart in stories. We are built for personal connection, and there will always be a place for authentic stories to bring us together and help us understand ourselves. I hope there will always be a place for the seekers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.OurSouthernSouls.com
- Instagram: OurSouthernSouls
- Facebook: OurSouthernSouls
