Your Story

Story Ideas

"Photo albums and archives carry particular connection to our lives. It is not difficult for any of us to get in touch with a profound sense of meaning, through a process of reflection with a set of images from our lives." (CDS)

Go first to your photographs - and other personal archives - to prompt story ideas.

Do your photographs suggest a story about:

A special place?
Describe the place considering sounds, smells, and textures as well as its appearance. Describe your connection with this place. Why is it special to you? Talk about the people with whom you share the place. Did something significant happen at this place? Has this place changed in any way? Has this place changed you in any way? Have you learned anything by coming to this place?

A special person in your life?
Describe the person's character. Talk about an incident that illustrates particular traits. Tell what you enjoy about the person and anything that annoys you about him / her. Talk about moments that you have shared. Explain the relationship that exists between the two of you. What is it about this person that makes him / her special (or otherwise) to you? Do other people see in him / her what you see? What have you learned from this person? If you could talk to this person now, what would you say to him / her?

A special treasure - a toy, a pet, an heirloom, a game? Describe the pet or item. Do you keep it in a special place? How do you keep it safe? Tell about an incident in which it was involved. Has it ever gone missing or been damaged? Tell what you enjoy about it - why it is so special to you? Did this item add quality to your life - did it play a part in any important events? What do you know about yourself because of this item?

A special moment / event / adventure?
An embarrassing moment? A fight or an argument? The first day of school? Something funny? A scary moment? A tender moment? An awe-inspiring moment? A shared experience?

Perhaps you would like to write more reflectively about:

A challenge, or a struggle overcome (e.g., recovery, survival, or accomplishment)

A life-changing experience

A time gone by (something nostalgic)

An issue, or a question, that is important to you

Something that inspired you

A journey (physical or emotional)
Your story could be about personal growth - a journey from innocence, to maturity / wisdom / self-realization

Through collecting and analyzing family stories and artifacts, you may come across clues that will help you to better understand yourself and / or your family heritage.

A Universal Story

While your story may recount personal experiences, these should be universal so that the audience can identify with them, recall them, and perhaps be influenced by them. Aim to write a story that will resonate with readers - one that carries a message that can be broadly applied.

Do you have an insight to share about:

Childhood?

Friendship?

Love?

Death?

Faith?

Nature?

Tragedy?

Hope?

Allow personal archives to guide you. Whatever story you choose, you will need to be able to find images that help you to express the details and emotions of the story.

Narrative Models

Pay close attention to the digital story samples that your teacher will share with you. Many provide powerful models of narrative writing that may help you to compose effective personal narratives of your own.

References:

CDS: Center for Digital Storytelling Core Methodology.
<http://www.storycenter.org/coremethod.html>.