You don’t have to know where your family story begins — just where it calls to you. In this week’s Storylines, we’ll explore how following your heart can be the perfect place to start.
Category: Story Planning
When Too Much Description is Really Too MuchWhen Too Much Description is Really Too Much
Ever find your prose bogged down by page‑after‑page of lush detail? In today’s Storyline, we’ll explore exactly when ‘more’ becomes ‘too much’ and share simple strategies to keep your writing vivid—and your story moving.
10 Essential Tips: Bring Your Ancestor’s Journey to Life10 Essential Tips: Bring Your Ancestor’s Journey to Life
Last week we looked the character arc, you can watch it here. Before we dive into today’s video which continues our conversation on this important element of story, let’s talk about why it matters. Your ancestor’s life wasn’t just a series of dates and facts—it was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and transformation. In this video, I’ll walk you through 10 essential tips to help you turn those key moments into a compelling narrative, showing not just who they were, but how they changed over time. Whether you’re new to storytelling or have been writing for a while, these tips will help you bring your ancestor’s journey to life with depth and emotion.
Learn How To Add Depth to Story with Your Ancestor’s AgeLearn How To Add Depth to Story with Your Ancestor’s Age
Today’s discussion is all about how age influences character development in our writing. It’s more than just a number; it’s a dynamic element that can shape your ancestors’ perspectives, decisions, and interactions.
Scene vs Summary: How to Strike the Perfect Balance in Your Family History NarrativesScene vs Summary: How to Strike the Perfect Balance in Your Family History Narratives
Today, we’re diving into an essential topic that will elevate your family stories from good to unforgettable. We’re exploring the art of using ‘Scene’ and ‘Summary.”Just like a chef knowing when to add a dash of spice or a sprinkle of sugar, as family history writers, we need to understand when to use a scene or a summary. Are you ready to master this delicate balance? Watch today’s Storylines.
Finding the Seeds of a Story in Your ResearchFinding the Seeds of a Story in Your Research
Sometimes with so much research its hard to see the stories that are hiding within. Our research can be big and cumbersome and overwhelming. As a whole our research is not a story, we have to learn how to breakdown that research so that we can see the story ideas. That’s what we learn to do in today’s Storylines.
How to Find a Story Filled with Page-Turning ConflictHow to Find a Story Filled with Page-Turning Conflict
Conflict is the mark of a great story?
But what about when your family history is full of boring peasants and farmers with no big conflict? How do we find a story with conflict?
In today’s Storylines, we’re offering up 5 tips to help you find conflict in your research, that you can use to shape into a page-turning narrative.
Where do I begin and end my ancestor’s story?Where do I begin and end my ancestor’s story?
Hey there, fellow scribes! Welcome back to Storylines, where we dive deep into the art of family history storytelling.
Are you writing a birth to death tale of your ancestor’s life?
Is it coming off rather boring and dry?
In today’s Storylines, we look at an alternative that allows for a much more engaging and entertaining story.
When writing a family history story which writing skill is the most important?When writing a family history story which writing skill is the most important?
Do you ever wonder which of all the storytelling techniques is most important to learn? Which one you should put at the top of your list for mastering. Today we discuss.
How to Craft an Engaging Inciting IncidentHow to Craft an Engaging Inciting Incident
Last week we discussed what is the inciting incident and the importance in your story, along with 3 types of to consider. If you missed it click the link below to watch first. This week, I’ve got 6 tips for you to consider when crafting your inciting incident and placing it in just the right moment in your story to engage your reader and launch your plot.