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!
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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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