Story Planning | The Family History Writing Studio

10 Essential Tips: Bring Your Ancestor’s Journey to Life10 Essential Tips: Bring Your Ancestor’s Journey to Life

October 15, 2024 0 Comments

Last week we looked the character arc, you can watch it here. Before we dive into today’s video which continues our conversation on this important element of story, let’s talk about why it matters. Your ancestor’s life wasn’t just a series of dates and facts—it was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and transformation. In this video, I’ll walk you through 10 essential tips to help you turn those key moments into a compelling narrative, showing not just who they were, but how they changed over time. Whether you’re new to storytelling or have been writing for a while, these tips will help you bring your ancestor’s journey to life with depth and emotion.

Learn How To Add Depth to Story with Your Ancestor’s AgeLearn How To Add Depth to Story with Your Ancestor’s Age

August 13, 2024 2 Comments

Today’s discussion is all about how age influences character development in our writing. It’s more than just a number; it’s a dynamic element that can shape your ancestors’ perspectives, decisions, and interactions.

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Scene vs Summary: How to Strike the Perfect Balance in Your Family History NarrativesScene vs Summary: How to Strike the Perfect Balance in Your Family History Narratives

November 14, 2023 4 Comments

Today, we’re diving into an essential topic that will elevate your family stories from good to unforgettable. We’re exploring the art of using ‘Scene’ and ‘Summary.”Just like a chef knowing when to add a dash of spice or a sprinkle of sugar, as family history writers, we need to understand when to use a scene or a summary. Are you ready to master this delicate balance? Watch today’s Storylines.

Finding the Seeds of a Story in Your ResearchFinding the Seeds of a Story in Your Research

October 17, 2023 4 Comments

Sometimes with so much research its hard to see the stories that are hiding within. Our research can be big and cumbersome and overwhelming. As a whole our research is not a story, we have to learn how to breakdown that research so that we can see the story ideas. That’s what we learn to do in today’s Storylines.

How to Find a Story Filled with Page-Turning ConflictHow to Find a Story Filled with Page-Turning Conflict

October 3, 2023 0 Comments

Conflict is the mark of a great story?

But what about when your family history is full of boring peasants and farmers with no big conflict? How do we find a story with conflict?

In today’s Storylines, we’re offering up 5 tips to help you find conflict in your research, that you can use to shape into a page-turning narrative.

Where do I begin and end my ancestor’s story?Where do I begin and end my ancestor’s story?

September 26, 2023 3 Comments

Hey there, fellow scribes! Welcome back to Storylines, where we dive deep into the art of family history storytelling.

Are you writing a birth to death tale of your ancestor’s life?

Is it coming off rather boring and dry?

In today’s Storylines, we look at an alternative that allows for a much more engaging and entertaining story.

When writing a family history story which writing skill is the most important?When writing a family history story which writing skill is the most important?

September 19, 2023 2 Comments

Do you ever wonder which of all the storytelling techniques is most important to learn? Which one you should put at the top of your list for mastering. Today we discuss.

How to Craft an Engaging Inciting IncidentHow to Craft an Engaging Inciting Incident

June 13, 2023 4 Comments

Last week we discussed what is the inciting incident and the importance in your story, along with 3 types of to consider. If you missed it click the link below to watch first. This week, I’ve got 6 tips for you to consider when crafting your inciting incident and placing it in just the right moment in your story to engage your reader and launch your plot.

Launching Your Story: 3 Types of Inciting Incidents

Launching Your Story: Exploring the 3 Types of Inciting IncidentsLaunching Your Story: Exploring the 3 Types of Inciting Incidents

June 6, 2023 4 Comments

One could say the scene that launches your ancestor’s story is one of the most important events you will need to decide on. So make sure you have a clear knowledge of the scene that catapults the story forward. In today’s video lesson we lay out 3 different types of inciting events to look for in your genealogy research to help you propel your story to success.

How to Tell A Whole Story When Details Are MissingHow to Tell A Whole Story When Details Are Missing

May 2, 2023 5 Comments

When attempting to tell the story of a family’s history, it can be difficult to fill in the blanks when details are missing. Through research and investigation, it is possible to piece together an accurate and engaging story of your family’s past, even when details are missing.