Ask Nicola Q&A: Amazing ways to record family stories this holiday season
Hello and welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
As a life-story coach I’m asked lots of questions around planning, writing, polishing and publishing.
And in this Q&A series my answers set out to help new writers!
So this Ask Nicola edition begins with the question:
Can you please suggest Thanksgiving games or Christmas games that involve family stories?
Firstly, fantastic you want to record stories for family, friends and future generations!
Next let me introduce a fun life-story challenge for the upcoming holidays …
Related article – Writing tips: The ultimate guide of life-story tips for new writers
Getting started
At your next family catchup, I suggest you start with a small life-story challenge.
For example, pick one achievable topic or person you want to discover more about.
Then brainstorm yourself or get help from relatives.
Also ask your kids. Children come up with great, quirky suggestions!
Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
- What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving or Christmas memory?
- What is your earliest memory from childhood?
- What’s one memorable moment from being at school?
- What did you want to be when you grew up? Why did you choose the career you did?
- When I was 21 I …. (finish this sentence)
- When in your life were you most happy? Why?
- When in your life were you most afraid? Why?
- What’s one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
- Tell me about a time you had to be courageous?
- Tell me about one life lesson you have learnt?
Related article – How to write a story: Burning questions about inspirational stories, writing tips + writing mistakes
Ideas for Christmas and Thanksgiving games
Let’s narrow things down for Christmas and Thanksgiving games.
Next pick one question to ask many people (vox pop) or ask a few questions of one specific person (interview).
However, if you pick one person, tell them beforehand you want to record their memories for family and future generations.
Usually this is a welcome invitation!
Then get the ball rolling with questions that build trust plus interest.
Related article – Life-story interview: How to set-up an interview + family interview tips
How to record your stories
All you need for these Christmas and Thanksgiving games is a smartphone with free recording apps or software.
Simply turn on and hit record before starting your interviews.
However, remember to periodically check the recorder is still on as you progress.
As a backup, I use a notebook and pen to jot notes at the same time.
Alternatively, rope in a teenager or other family member to video your interview/s.
And remember to always be respectful but encouraging of your subjects.
Related article – How to beat memoir writer’s block in 8 simple steps
How to share stories
Congratulations! You have recorded family stories to share, celebrate and treasure.
But how to make sense of all your Christmas and thanksgiving games notes and recordings?
Indeed, a simple way is to transcribe the choice sections.
For example, sit down and write these onto paper or into a computer.
Certainly once your notes are in a digital form you can share them in many ways.
Related article – Writing challenge – part 3: How to fast track, finish and celebrate your family stories!
Final say: Christmas and Thanksgiving games
Family gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas are perfect opportunities for a life-story challenge.
Indeed family stories flow so naturally at these events it can be hard to stop them!
So get started on fun Christmas or Thanksgiving games by: brainstorming questions, deciding on an interview format, compiling answers and sharing collected memories.
Certainly relatives will enjoy games that let them share highlights from their lives.
And others will love hearing their wisdom and insights.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Check out the Your Family Stories System to learn more about recording and sharing family stories. Get the first few sections for free by signing up here!
Your say
Who will you interview this holiday season? I always love hearing from different people. So drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question or an idea for a future article? You can let me know here!
Don’t miss an article
Sign up here to get instant notifications when new material is published.
First published November 22, 2018: This article has been updated and improved.