We’re coming out with a down-to-earth story of a hard-working man from the above family: Oil Man by Walter Dechant.
Passing down family stories has been a part of human nature for quite a long time. These real-life anecdotes contain lessons and triumphs as well as shape our identities. Many people would argue that family stories absolutely have value when it comes to their own. But are they really worthy of a book deal?
They are—if done right.
Family stories are important to you because they are personal, they shape your identity, and they’re interesting. Readers want the same thing from the books they read. Sure, it’s not their family’s story, but if they feel connected to it in other ways, they still won’t want to put it down. Here are five ways to make sure your story gets the credit it deserves.
1. Step back
When your parent or grandparent tells you a story from the past, you’ve probably heard its characters and settings mentioned before. You’re familiar with the quirks and mannerisms of everyone in the story, and you know the significance behind things like your grandfather’s favorite coffee mug or why your aunt liked wearing blue. However, as someone who isn’t a part of your family, your reader needs to be let in on all of these important details.
These details build context for your readers. When you’re telling a story about a silly mistake your cousin made in college, make sure to mention that they were the first person in the family to go to college. Don’t just say your grandfather didn’t like moving around. Show readers that your grandfather didn’t like moving around because of how much he moved homes as a child. This kind of context makes your story more profound for readers who aren’t already connected to the story by family.
2. Have your target audience in mind
This is perhaps the most common (and most important, in my opinion) writing advice you’ll find. However, it’s especially important here. Our family stories shape our identities, but a family story that readers love helps shape them, too.
One great way to do this is to pinpoint the perspective or angle the story is being told from. Is this the story of growing up with immigrant parents? Is this the story of your great-grandfather, who was openly gay in a much less-accepting society than now?
No matter what your story is, there is a reader out there looking for it. Readers want something they can connect themselves to. If you know who that reader is, you can write the story with them in mind. Include personal and profound thoughts and feelings of the character in focus, and your reader will feel closer to the story and less alone in their own struggle.
3. Plot it
Many people make the mistake of thinking that you only have to plot out fictional stories, but marketable, memorable non-fiction books are still told in a format that keeps readers intrigued. You’ll need to identify the major points of your story, the overall conflict, and its resolution, or takeaway.
Much of this goes back into generating interest in your story for your readers, especially once you have your target audience in mind. This doesn’t mean fabricating your story—it just means that you’ve identified the story’s strongest and most important points and brought them to the forefront.
If you’re having trouble with this step or any of the steps, fortunately, we specialize in nonfiction stories. We’ve helped writers tell their story and write a book according to industry standards for years through services like ghostwriting, coaching, and publishing. If you’d like to find out more, you can always book a free Clarity Call to get clear on your ideas. You can also download our Free Guide to get started.
