3 Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your Family History Story3 Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your Family History Story



Embark on your family history storytelling journey with clarity and purpose. In today’s post, we delve into the essential questions that lay the foundation for crafting compelling narratives from your ancestral past. Join us as we unravel the key inquiries that will guide you in outlining a story that resonates through generations. Let’s unlock the secrets of your family history tale together.

Do you know the difference between plot and story?Do you know the difference between plot and story?



Imagine a plot as the carefully laid path winding through a forest, leading your readers on a journey through time and emotion. Story, on the other hand, is the very heart of the forest—the trees, the whispers of the wind, the tales that linger in the air, waiting to be discovered. Join us as we delve deep into the essence of plot and story, exploring how these elements intertwine to breathe life into your family history narratives.

Incorporating Prep Time into Your Writing RoutineIncorporating Prep Time into Your Writing Routine



You know, writing is a lot like baking a cake. You don’t just throw all the ingredients into the oven and hope for the best, do you? No, you measure, you mix, and you prepare. So, why should your writing process be any different?

Today, we’re going to look at one of the most overlooked yet crucial ingredients in the recipe for a compelling family history narrative – prep time. Just as a chef sharpens his knives before cooking, a writer must also hone his thoughts, ideas, and research before setting pen to paper. 

How to Turn Writing Dreams into Daily Doing: 3 StepsHow to Turn Writing Dreams into Daily Doing: 3 Steps



Hello, aspiring writers! Last week we discuss Transforming Dreams into Tangible Goals. We know the journey from dreaming about writing to actually putting pen to paper can feel like climbing an insurmountable mountain. But here’s the good news: it’s doable in 3 steps. In today’s Storylines, we’ll unravel those 3 steps to help you achieve your “writing dreams” in 2024.

How to Transform Writing Dreams into Tangible GoalsHow to Transform Writing Dreams into Tangible Goals



As the curtain falls on this year, it’s time to take a moment to celebrate our triumphs, envision grand dreams for 2024, and transform those dreams into achievable targets.

Don’t miss out on today’s episode of “Storylines”. We’ve got a special treat for you – six thought-provoking questions that will kickstart your goal planning journey for 2024. Click, watch, and let’s start crafting your future together!

The Superpowers of Short StoriesThe Superpowers of Short Stories



Welcome back to our cozy corner of the web where we explore the magic of writing. Today, we are going to delve into a topic that’s truly close to my heart – the superpowers of short stories. Now, you might be wondering, Superpowers? In writing? Absolutely!

Short stories possess remarkable power. They can conjure up entire worlds, ignite emotions, and transport us to places far and wide, all within a limited number of words. 

So, if you’re ready to find out just exactly how you can benefit from writing family history shorts, then stick with me and click the link below. Let’s start unraveling the magic hidden in those brief narratives, shall we?”

How to Outline the Scenes in Your Ancestor’s StoryHow to Outline the Scenes in Your Ancestor’s Story



In this video, we’re going to delve into why you should embrace outlining your scenes but also some of the basics of outlining a scene in your ancestor’s story. We’ll guide you through the various elements you should identify in advance of writing the scene and also introduce you to a couple of tools that make it easy and fun.

If you missed last week’s Scene vs Summary video you’ll find it here.

Here’s the three tools I reference in this video

Scrivener

Trello

Plottr

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



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.