Imagine sitting at the kitchen table talking with your dad or beloved auntie. What anecdotes will they share about their lives and the sagas of your ancestors? Are you a caregiver wanting to document the interesting tales you are told while you work?
This is your opportunity to gather family stories and history.
Perhaps you want to interview a grandparent, teacher, or colleague – someone with insight, experience, and wisdom. For Mitch Albom, author of the New York Times best-seller, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” it was his college professor. If he can do it, so can you.
Even if the relationship has broken down, this is a chance to hear the rest of the story. You will discover your elders’ life experiences, what inspired their actions, their personal identity, and the wisdom they are eager to impart.
In this guide, you will gain an appreciation of:
Interviewing those with dementia
Gathering end-of-life stories
Audio/video recording on your phone
How to ask open-ended questions
Different views on what is true
Photoscribing
Multi-generational perspectives
Legacy letters
Genograms & family trees
Handling family secrets
And… Making a message out of the mess of photos, letters, mementos, and collections!
To help facilitate your story-gathering process, we have included space for your personal notes and reflections.
175 pages
At Artichoke Press, our underlying message is “Finding the heart of the story in the journey of life.”
Judy Helm Wright is an Author/Personal & Oral Historian, and has taught writing for 25 years. Her approachable manner and non-judgmental guidance have helped hundreds of individuals capture family stories and write memoirs.
judyhwright