A Checklist for Writing Family Stories

I recently ran across a checklist for a workshop I gave on writing family stories a few years ago. It seemed like it would be worth using it for a post today with a little bit added. 

Families are forever, even when there are warring factions within. Families are the base of who you are. Families are for good times and bad. Families make you laugh and sometimes cry. Families can bring both pride and shame. 

We write family stories to preserve the history of the group of people who we claim as 'ours.'  Whether happy, funny, or sad, these stories should be written and passed on to future generations. The list below will give a little guidance on how to write your family stories. Remember, though, that there is no 'all right' or 'all wrong' in doing this. Use this as a guideline but put your own personal mark on the stories. 

DO:
1.  Tell one story at a time
2.  Give praise where it is due; consider skipping anything that might prove uncomfortable to others
3.  Concentrate on the important part of the story rather than small details
4.  Revise and rewrite (A first draft gets you started, but rewriting will make it stronger)
5.  Include dates when possible
6.  Give your story a personal touch by including your feelings
7.  Read your story aloud (This helps catch many small errors)
8.  Put the story aside after you’ve written it. (In two or three days, read it again. You’ll see it through different eyes and errors will become apparent)


DON’T:
1.  Tell too much in one story.
2.  Use too many passive verbs like was, is, and are (go for strong active verbs)
3.  Use too many short, choppy sentences (Balance them with longer sentences)
4.  Try to always tell a story in chronological order. (Sometimes rearranging makes for a more interesting story)
5.  Worry about how good it is. (It’s for you and your family; they love you no matter what)
6.  Start with “I was born on _________,19____  (A blow by blow description of a life isn’t necessary. Somewhere within your stories, you will be able to mention birth date and place. Within each story you write will be many tidbits of information. When put together, the bits and pieces will give a complete picture of you and other family members)
7.  Forget to set the story aside for a few days, then revise it.
8.  Use unnecessary words when writing (Part of revising is getting rid of those words that don’t add anything to the story. Watch for words like just, then, you know. We use them in speaking, but they deter from the important part of your writing)
9.  Use too many adjectives (A lot of flowery adjectives weaken the story. One adjective is descriptive, two or three becomes sickeningly sweet)
10.  Forget to enjoy what you’re doing


Helpful HInts: 
1.  Make a Memory Book, add to it each month of the year. Tell the stories that fit into that month
and keep adding to every year
2.  Make a list of questions to trigger your memory
3.  Go through old photo albums to bring back memories
4.  Interview older family members