Without a great beginning, a beginning that draws the reader in and hooks them your story is dead. The beginning becomes especially important in a family history narrative. We all
Category: Story Planning
Goals, Motivations and StakesGoals, Motivations and Stakes
You’ve chosen your Protagonist Ancestor, and now it’s time to structure his or her story in a format that will keep your readers entertained and engaged from beginning to end.
Finding the Conflict and the ObstaclesFinding the Conflict and the Obstacles
One of the fundamental components of any good family history story is recognizing a conflict your ancestor faced in their life and bringing that to the front of the story.
Enriching Your Story with HistoryEnriching Your Story with History
In the Getting Ready to Write and Authentic Ancestors workbooks, I mentioned historical timelines and their importance in organizing your research and writing your ancestor’s stories. Not only is it important to map your
Turning Back TimeTurning Back Time
When compiling a family history story, writers often get tripped up by time. They start writing and quickly find themselves time traveling and before you know it the flashback has
Starting at the EndStarting at the End
All stories must end in a different place from where they began. Family history stories are no different. They are not obligated to stop at the conclusion of a life,