Category Archives: Storytelling

StoryCorps: Animated Shorts

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One of the things that StoryCorps has done is make animated shorts from some of the favorite stories. Here is one of them. Below is a link to all their animated shorts.

Eyes on the Stars

On January 28, 1986, NASA Challenger mission STS-51-L ended in tragedy when the shuttle exploded 73 seconds after takeoff. On board was physicist Ronald E. McNair, who was the second African American to enter space. But first, he was a kid with big dreams in Lake City, South Carolina.

Animated Shorts on StoryCorps

I would love to try doing a short animated video someday. I don’t really know what it takes but it looks like lots of fun. What about you, do you have a story that would be great as an short animated video?

 

Your Story Coach

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I found a new blog today that looks great for helping with all the writing aspects of a story project. It is Your Story Coach. I’ve only scratched the surface of what Tami has to offer but it is wonderful. Here is an example.

“I encourage everyone to write stories from their lives instead of writing their whole life story. Life story implies a chronological retelling of your life from birth to now, but writing stories from your life is more like telling stories at the kitchen table.

Many people take writing too seriously and worry about “doing it right.” Believe me, your family would rather have something from you rather than nothing at all—even if it’s not perfect! Writing your stories should be fun and easy. Here’s my formula:

  • Keep your writing relaxed and informal.
  • Write in your own voice—the way you talk.
  • Don’t worry about grammar and punctuation. You can always use spell check and grammar check on the computer.
  • Write your life in “small bites” of two- or three-page stories so it’s not too overwhelming.
  • Keep your audience in mind—your aim is to inform and entertain.

By writing short, two- or three-page stories from your life, a picture of you will begin to emerge. Before you know it, you’ll have a stack of stories to share with friends and family.”

I can’t wait to explore more of Tami’s blog. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more from Your Story Coach in the future. Pop on over to her blog and see what I mean.DOABLE Sidebar B

 

Mary Text – Next Revision

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Today I reread Brandy’s posts on Storytelling for Genealogist with the Mary book in mind. While it didn’t inspire me to take a whole new approach to the text it did help me to approach it a bit differently. I had been unsure about how to start the narrative off and Brandy’s advice on conflict and cost gave me better focus on what to do. I think the flow of the story is much improved. Plus I was able to improve the ending by comparing the beginning status to the end of the story. That was another great suggestion Brandy had in her third post in the series.

Another thing I came to better understand from Brandy’s series is that while my mom is very good at editing for spelling, punctuation etc., she isn’t able to help me with content editing. I was beginning to realize this but I didn’t know how to articulate what the challenge was. I also like Brandy’s hint to read it out loud. I was hoping to get my edits typed up today but I didn’t make it. But I should be able to get them done tomorrow and posted. Then I’m going to find someone to read it out loud so I can see how it sounds.

 

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I’m really enjoying Brandy’s series of storytelling with family history in mind. I can’t wait to really dig in and apply what she is teaching us here. There is so much here that I’ve not really thought through in the way I need to and want to in my own storytelling attempts. Thanks again Brandy for sharing your expertise.

 

Genealogy vs Story Telling

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There is so much great information out there and the main goal of my blog is to bring together in one place all the information you need to put together a great family story project. Though it is a task that will take a lifetime, I haven’t been doing enough of gathering these resources but I’m going to make sure that at least once each week I link you to a blog or other website with great information to help you tell your family’s tales. This post by Brandy is right on track. To really share you family stories you must have more than dates and other facts, story telling is the key. I’ll be watching Brandy’s series closely.