Aspiring family history writers can greatly benefit from a technique often used in journalism, which I like to call the “Newspaper Naming Technique.” This method not only varies how you refer to a person after their initial introduction but also enriches the narrative with descriptive identifiers.
Consider this example that lacks the application of this technique:
“In 1940, Lewis found employment at a chicken processing plant. A colleague mentioned he was dating someone nicknamed ‘Chicken.’ Skeptical, Lewis expressed his desire to meet her. That introduction marked a turning point, as Lewis and ‘Chicken,’ whose real name was Louise, quickly developed a deep connection, leaving the colleague to search for a new partner.”
In this passage, the repetitive use of first names makes the story monotonous. A key aspect of engaging storytelling, particularly in family histories, is to avoid overusing pronouns that can confuse readers. However, the narrative also suffers from a lack of variety in referring to the characters.
Applying the Newspaper Naming Technique, the passage could be transformed into something more engaging:
“In the heart of 1940, Lewis, a new recruit at a local chicken processing facility, encountered an intriguing tale from a colleague. This co-worker, smitten with a lady whimsically nicknamed ‘Chicken,’ sparked Lewis’s curiosity. Unbeknownst to the colleague, this introduction would lead to an unexpected romance blossoming between Lewis and the enigmatic ‘Chicken,’ or Louise as she was formally known. As Lewis and Louise’s love story unfolded, the colleague found himself back in the dating scene.”
This revised version avoids the dullness of repetitive naming by introducing Lewis with his job role and later referring to him by his relationship or role in the story. Similarly, ‘Chicken’ is introduced with a nickname, adding a layer of intrigue, and later identified by her real name, Louise, creating a more dynamic and engaging narrative.
Navigating Name References in Family Histories
When writing family histories, it’s crucial to establish clear and varied references for individuals. Drawing from the guidelines of the AP Style Guide and newspaper practices, here are several effective methods to refer to your ancestors and other characters in your narrative.
- Initial Full Name Introduction
Start by introducing the main characters of your family history with their full names. This approach also applies to significant family members. For peripheral figures like friends, neighbors, or acquaintances, you can decide whether to use their full names based on their relevance to the story. For instance, a close family friend might warrant a full name introduction, whereas a brief mention of a mailman might not.
Examples:
- Lewis Sherman Brown
- Honoré Philippe Bailly
- Mary Louella Wood
- Subsequent Use of Given Names
After the initial introduction using full names, you can switch to using given names for a more personal and familiar tone. This approach is particularly effective when the narrative focuses on these individuals, making the story more relatable and less formal.
From the previous examples, they become:
- Lewis
- Honoré
- Mary
By incorporating these techniques, your family history writing will not only adhere to professional standards but also become more engaging and accessible to readers. Remember, the way you refer to individuals in your narrative can significantly impact the flow and clarity of your family’s story.
Diverse Naming Techniques in Family Histories
In family history writing, varying the way you reference individuals can add depth and clarity to your narrative. Here are some effective methods to refer to your ancestors and other characters, inspired by newspaper writing styles and the AP Style Guide.
- Using Titles and Surnames
Incorporate titles like Mr., Mrs., Dr., or familial titles like Uncle and Grandma, followed by the surname. This approach not only indicates gender, relationship, or occupation but also adds a formal touch to your narrative.
Examples:
- Mr. Brown
- Grandma Wood
- Dr. Henshaw
Note: Be cautious with ancestors whose given names are actual titles, like Major James Townley.
- Titles with Given Names
In certain cultures, like in the Southern United States, it’s customary to address adults with a title followed by their given name. This approach is less formal and can indicate a closer relationship.
Examples:
- Ms. Penny
- Sister Martha
- Uncle Wyatt
- Initials (With or Without Surnames)
If your ancestors were known by their initials, feel free to use this in your writing. You can use initials alone or pair them with the surname, depending on the context and clarity needed.
Examples:
- E. K. Gill
- E. King Gill
- E King
- E K
- Nicknames (With or Without Surnames)
Nicknames can add a personal and intimate touch to your story. Use them as they were used historically, with or without the surname.
Examples:
- Bubba Jung
- Chester the Elder
- Mary Jane Thompson (real name Anne, nicknamed for her love of Mary Jane shoes)
When using nicknames, especially those that might cause confusion, it’s helpful to explain their origin at least once in your story. This technique ensures clarity and adds an interesting layer to your family’s narrative. By employing these diverse naming methods, you can enhance the readability and engagement of your family history writing.
Enhancing Family Histories with Varied Identifiers
In family history writing, adopting a versatile approach to naming can enrich your narrative, similar to techniques used in newspaper articles. Here’s how you can apply this to your family stories.
- Surname-Only References
Just like in sports journalism, where players are first introduced by their full names and then referred to by their surnames, you can use this method for family members or individuals in your story. This style suits descriptions of colleagues, team members, or any group with a strong bond.
Example: Initially introduce “Dante Hall” and then refer to him simply as “Hall” in subsequent mentions.
- Descriptors Over Names
Journalists often replace names with descriptors, such as a person’s occupation, personality trait, or physical characteristic. This technique adds variety and depth to your writing.
Examples:
- Occupation: “The engineer worked at Boeing for 20 years.”
- Personality: “The distraught youth sought an escape after his mother’s death.”
- Appearance: “The gangly, ginger-haired girl tried to save her dog.”
- Implementing the Newspaper Naming Technique
Let’s apply this to the story of Lewis Sherman Brown. Initially, introduce him with his full name, then switch between various descriptors and relationships to keep the narrative engaging.
Example: “In 1940, Lewis Sherman Brown worked at a chicken processing plant. The slender, glasses-wearing man doubted his co-worker’s claim about dating ‘Chicken.’ The skeptical twenty-two-year-old challenged his friend to prove it. Eventually, the friend introduced Lew to Louise Eleanor Long, known as ‘Chicken.’ Despite their similar names, Lew and Louise quickly fell in love, leaving the former boyfriend to find new love.”
By using this technique, your family history becomes more dynamic and engaging. Start by reviewing your draft, identify where you can diversify your naming approach, and watch your story transform from mundane to captivating. Remember, while it’s good to use the given name frequently for clarity, mixing in other descriptors can significantly enhance your narrative’s appeal.
