Genealogy and family history are popular today. Maybe it is because there are so many baby boomers reaching middle age and realizing the importance of preserving their heritage.
I have had the privilege of hearing many family stories from my grandmother, mother, and uncle. In the past few years, I decided to write them down and keep them in a binder. In the future, I may publish them in a book, not to be sold, but just for my children and future grandchildren.
How can we make these stories interesting, and not just dry accounts of the events? One method I have tried to use is Freytag's Pyramid. Many teachers use this to show students how to structure a short story. Pick one event and set it up in this way:
1. Exposition
Set the scene. Tell who the characters are, where and when it takes place, and give a little background information.
2. Inciting Incident
What happened to begin the story? What event begins the action?
3. Rising Action
Now start telling the events of the story. The action and suspense should build.
4. Climax
What is the high point of the story? What is the main event of the story? Make sure you elaborate on this. Use details to graphically describe this event.
5. Falling Action
The main event has happened. Now wind the story down.
6. Resolution
How did it end? What lesson was learned? How did your family member grow or change because of this event?
Now you have the basic structure for your family story. Take these notes you have jotted down and write them into a narrative.
If you want to, you can start collecting these stories and putting them in a three-ring binder. You will be preserving your family heritage as a treasured heirloom.
~Jessica Gerald~
http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Gerald
How to Make Family History Stories Interesting
By Jessica Gerald
Rotary #8 Activities | Oral History Video Taping | Rotarians Affected by Hearing Loss
Don Doman
P.O. Box 191, Tacoma, WA 98401
253-752-8262 - trainingmedia@yahoo.com
