Did you ever think about writing your history as a fictional story?
Meet Gerard Hindmarsh. He calls this ‘faction’ – fiction based upon fact.
I first met Gerad 20 years ago after I read his book Angelina – From Stromboli to D’Urville Island: a family’s story.’ He wrote this story about his grandparents Angelina and Vincenzo Moleta. Here’s the info about this truly amazing story:
‘In 1906, at just 16 years of age, Angelina Moleta left the tiny volcanic island of Stromboli off Sicily to travel to an even remoter island on the other side of the world. From the age of eight she had been betrothed to her cousin, Vincenzo Moleta, who was now twice her age and taking her to a new life on D’Urville Island in New Zealand.
Facing the fierce tides and weather of this wild island on the edge of Cook Strait, and having to cope with loneliness, the incessant toil of a pioneer farm, and the bitterness of a developing family feud, Angelina found solace in an unlikely friendship with a high-born Maori woman, Wetekia Ruruku Elkington, who lived nearby. Together they shared their own struggles, their different cultures and their lack of English language; a process that awakened Angelina to her own inner strengths.’
This book is currently out of print, but more are coming soon, partly because my actor friend Martine Baanvinger turned it into a play. She’s currently touring her solo show ‘Red Heavens’ – based 100% upon ‘Angelina’ – around New Zealand, to sell out audiences thanks to Arts on Tour.
Her play is powerful. That book is powerful. And I wanted to tell you that ‘faction’ is a wonderful way to lead people through a true story, and to make it real for them.
I have at least one student who is writing a family history as ‘faction.’ I read some of it and it’s gonna be juicy. What I love about it is that it brings the people and places to life.
For those of you who are just starting out, think about writing it ‘faction’ style.
And for those of you who are up to your neck in story writing already – just keep going! Just keep writing! Your story is so very important and will continue to be, generation after generation.
Charlotte xPS – if you’d like to learn from Gerard, you can! He’s appearing as a guest speaker for participants of my Write Your Memoir August 20th. We’re going to talk about his book writing process (he’s published six books with Potton and Burton Publishing). Join Write Your Memoir before August 1st to become part of the Winter 2024 memoir group. You’ll get to start alongside others, one-on-one conversations with me to help you along, and a 10% discount. Click here to join up.
Charlotte Squire 