Quick and easy motivation to start a loved one’s life history
Have you had your DNA analysed to discover your family history?
Certainly the results can confirm ancestors’ origins or come as a surprise (as was my case)!
Indeed results often prompt questions and conversations with older generations.
Undeniably these chats uncover family history but they also have surprising benefits…
Related article – How to start writing: The ultimate guide about planning to write life stories
Start family stories flowing
Once a loved one starts remembering stories more and more come to the surface.
For example, it’s like stirring up sand in a riverbed.
Before long you have uncovered buried treasure!
So be ready to record these memories when they start to flow.
Related article – Memory recall: How to fast track remembering childhood memories + long-term memory retrieval
Get set for adventure
One of the best things about talking family stories is making new discoveries.
For example, while interviewing my grandmother, I learnt she had also been a journalist.
So it was exciting to hear what it was like for her as a cadet reporter in the 1930s compared to when I became one 70 years later.
Undoubtedly helping a loved one record their life stories can be adventurous.
Related article – Get set to interview a loved one and record family stories
Related article – What a professional journalist knows about conducting life-story interviews
Let the fun times rule
Talking family stories is a great idea because it’s fun!
Indeed you and a loved one get to spend quality time together.
In addition you have a super excuse to look (and laugh) at old photo albums.
And also bond through an inate human love of storytelling.
Related article – Amazing ways to organise and present life-story interview gold
Final say: Family stories
Family stories are great for discovering basic factual information.
However, there are many other reasons that make such conversations rewarding.
This includes: uncovering long-buried memories, learning new things about a loved one and having fun together!
So appoint yourself the family storycatcher and get started today.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Learn how to interview a loved about their life with the Your Family Stories System. Sign up to get the first few sections for free!
Your say
What’s one of your memorable family stories? I’d love to hear it. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Have you hit a roadblock planning, creating, polishing or finishing a life story? Let me know so I can help!
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