I’m constantly writing mini-memoirs (one ancestor, one event, one success, one failure, or one story at a time). I’m a passionate about family historian who loves to teach audiences across Central Kansas the craft of Generational Storytelling. Here’s a sneak peak.
First of all, never let the word “memoir” intimidate you. If you journal, blog, or write Christmas letters, you are a writer. Give yourself credit, become your own Editor in Chief, and DO IT.
Want the basics? Just gather info, docs, and pics…then write, save, and repeat. Let me share exercises designed to help you discover or unpack memories:
Create a Timeline to Revisit the Past
Take a moment to revisit any event, then write your thoughts as you remember its impact. How historically-aware are you? Consider the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the Civil War, the assassinations of JFK & MLK, the NASA space program, the Vietnam War, 9/11, or even the recent Covid Pandemic. These events may not be memoir-worthy in and of themselves, but their impact definitely is. As you revisit the past, listen to music of the era. Music is known to reach a part of the brain that transports people back in time.
As you create a timeline, you’ll find the research triggers memories. Embrace questions, as they enhance your story. Where were you when (whatever) happened? What did you hear, see, or feel? Who was with you? How did you react? How did they react? What impact did that incident have? Write as you recall.
Revisit a Key Location
Take time to revisit a place – even if it’s done online – making note of whatever comes to mind. Think of a familiar location (your school or home, a neighbor’s home, Grandma’s house, your dorm, church, business, or the city in which you once lived). As you remember these places, sketch a rough floor plan or map out the city streets and neighborhoods. What do you remember? Were there hardwood floors? Carpet? Painted or wallpapered walls? Was the exterior brick? What was the view from the window? Was the home/building located on a hilltop, near a pond, or overlooking a city skyline? This exercise has been known to produce amazing results. Oh, how I love hearing stories fleshed out by those who give it a try. Feel free to share yours with me if you want: BFFGramma@gmail.com.
Embrace Generic Story Prompts
One-word prompts often unlock memories, and many can be found online with a simple search for “Story Prompts.” If you get stuck, refer to such a list of prompts like these: Friends. LOL Moments. Retirement. Music. Motorcycles. Tragedies. City Life. Country Life. Pregnancy. Chores. Church Camp. Sleepovers. In-laws. Stock Market. Travel. Recipes. Quotes. Priorities. Thankfulness. Binge Watch. Weather. Body Image. On Stage. Cousins. Blessings. Sentimental Trash. Embarrassing Moments. Celebrities. Selfies. Shattered Dreams. Technology. Faith. Picnics. State Fair. Hellos. Goodbyes. Empty Nests. Ethics.
Always Use Basic Writing Tools
Use all of your senses when writing. What do you see, hear, taste, feel, and smell as you remember the past? Who is your audience. Are they young? Old? Family? Strangers? Sometimes it’s helpful to write as if you’re telling your story to a specific person; an audience of one. I use this technique often, writing as if I’m having a conversation with someone special. Always show – don’t tell. Here’s an example: Rather than writing “we drove on a deserted highway” replace it with this phrase “the summer heat radiated from the asphalt as we hugged the curves on that desolate highway.” Descriptive words increase readability. If research is needed, remember always to CITE as you WRITE. It’s easier than searching for the source of a fact or quote after the fact. Always be creative. Add suspense in your story. Throw in an unexpected twist, conflict, or cliff-hanger. If you’re writing for someone else – as a ghostwriter – identify his/her voice, then get into character like Jim Nabors did to portray Gomer Pyle. Voice is important.
That’s generational storytelling in a nutshell; the drastically condensed version. I hope it encourages you to pick up a pen, and write. Give voice to ancestors who no longer have a voice in an attempt to preserve stories for descendants who are not yet born. Let me hear from you about your storytelling adventures.
(c) Elaine McAllister 2026
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