Taped interviews can be left in an oral history format with questions and answers, or they can be transformed into a narrative.

The narrative completely removes the interviewer and can be written either in third person or in your first-person voice. If the finished product is auto-biographical, the latter applies quite effectively.

If the work is compiled from multiple contributors, is laden with historical references and genealogical research, writing in the third person is a must. Interviewees words are then handled as quotes. This approach sets the stage for adding creative vinettes about ancestors whose words are lost, but can be brought to life with a little creative writing that is supported by factual historical and social research.

Go to WRITING SAMPLES to review creative writing style written in first perrson.