How to Start a Family Story?

How to Start a Family Story

So you want to start a family story.  As someone who hasn't started her own yet, I have garnered information from research that I am putting here for you and me both.

A family story is personal. 

You have to consider how much of it you want to share.

You also have to consider if you're view is going to be the only perspective.

Do you want it to be just that?  Your perspective? Or do you want to

interview family members who will give their insight as well?

Will you write, type, audio record, or video document this story?

I'm going to put in my two cents here and encourage you to record video with good audio whenever possible.  Whether you use your phone or hire a professional video production service, there is something to be said for capturing the scene, the style, as well as expression, emotion, and voice. 

That's exactly what my business does.  From the moment we start the conversation, I will be taking notes to ensure we record valuable conversations about the people who mean the most to you.  Having listened to people's stories with sincere interest for as long as I can remember,  I would be honored to work with you and your family to do the same for you.  Get in touch to learn how I can help you on this journey.

Will you be speaking to people over the phone, on a virtual call, or in person?  Make sure the connection is good.  If you're recording, play it back to ensure the quality is what you expect it to be.  You may want to do a short test run to be safe.  

Where will you keep these stories?

Regardless of where you store them, I recommend backing them up.  I recently read that Toy Story 2 lost 90% of their film before it was released because it wasn't properly secured.  Don't let your story have to be rewritten.  Saving it in multiple places rather than one is the best way to secure it so it will be available when you're ready to continue working on it.   

When it comes to putting it together, consider who your audience is.  Is this collection a gift to your immediate family, or is it something you want to share with the world?  Would you like it to be cataloged with the Library of Congress?

Your family story is yours to keep or share as you see fit.

Sequencing a story is what makes it interesting.  While you could start from the beginning, perhaps when you were born or when your parents started dating, another option is to begin at a life-changing event in your own life and go back to the beginning later on.

Breaking the story up with photos always provides interest.  Whenever possible, have the photos professionally scanned to ensure the best quality.  If the photos need restoration, that is another service I offer. Images can fade, bubble, or deteriorate over time.  Get in touch to discuss if that is the best option for you.

While I could go further into writing your story, this should get you started.  After all, that is what this blog post was intended to do, get you started on your family story.

If you found it helpful or have questions, put them in the comments.

Cheering for you, 

Zoe