Researching Writing Lives- Alfred George Henry Lay (1869-1958)

The thing that drew me to Alfred George Henry Lay’s diary was the title, ‘Adventure’. I have always been a big fan of adventure stories and I was keen to learn more about his life. Alfred’s life really was an adventure. He was able to overcome so many odds in order to travel the world and explore America. He was able to make his own living and provide for his family through difficult times. As mentioned, Alfred had to overcome many difficulties in his life such as being homeless in America and saving a sinking ship. The way he overcame these difficulties with determination was inspiring. I think the biggest thing I can take away from this research collaboration is to never give up, no matter how bad things seem.

              I think by bringing Alfred’s story to life through this blog will show people the importance of perseverance and never giving up. Alfred’s story is one that teaches so many lessons all of which I think are important. He shows us how important it is to work hard, to chase opportunities and to not give up on them. Through his apprenticeship Alfred was able to provide a life for himself that took him to places many people can only dream of visiting. Even though his life has been difficult from an early age he never let it stop him from achieving wonderful things.

              Blogging is nothing new to me due to previous modules I have studied whilst at university, but by taking part in this collaboration I have learnt new ways of researching and ways of telling somebodies story. I feel as though taking part in previous blogging modules has allowed my writing to develop in a way that has allowed me to try and do Alfred’s story justice and tell it in a way that engages and inspires people like it has for me.

              I think the biggest thing that I will take away from this project is how lucky we are to have so many amazing stories out there waiting to be discovered and read. Before taking part in this collaboration I was not really aware this type of work existed, but now I am, I am looking forward to discovering what stories are waiting to be told.