Write Stories

You can contribute to Emmet by writing a new story or editing one that already exists.

Great Emmet stories don't need to be long or even well written. Even a simple story--a few paragraphs and one or two pictures--can capture the hope, joy, messiness, humor, tragedy, and creativity of human history.

The Emmet community will expand and refine what you contribute.

What To Say

First and foremost, the story must be true. We rely on the integrity of each member of the community to post what's true and to alert us whenever you find something on the site that's not.

The best stories – whether they be histories or cave paintings – have a constant “throughline.” The story doesn’t veer off into irrelevant territory. It’s measured and controlled, and progresses cleanly from beginning to end. The story will likely talk roughly equally about each protagonist. It will be evocative; an event of two or a few quotes can go a long way to help the reader clearly see the story and the people in it.

Look at the following stories. Each reveals much about each person and the importance of the connection they shared:

  • Rod Serling and Charles Beaumont
  • Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
  • Milton Hershey and Forrest Mars
  • Louis Armstrong and Joe “King” Oliver
  • Bonnie and Clyde

First, decide about whom you want to write. It can be a famous person, a family member, or anyone from the past who interests you (see “Why Not Write About Myself?”). Next, make a list of people who mattered in his or her life. For instance:

  • Who helped to shape into the person he became (intellectually, creatively, morally)?
  • Who provided guidance, leadership, or support at transition points in his life?
  • Who were the most important friends?

Questions like these will lead you to the small (or large) set of "relationships that matter."

The anatomy of a great Emmet story looks something like this:

  • Set the Scene: What were the two people like when they met? Where were they? What were they doing with their lives?
  • Explain What Happened: How did they become associated? What was the association like? What happened?
  • Describe the Significance: What did the two people mean to each other? How were they changed? Why did this relationship matter?

Editing a Story

To edit any story on Emmet, click the “Edit” link. You can edit the story as you would any document, by inserting changes and/or deleting words and phrases. When you're satisfied with the changes, click “Save.” Emmet keeps a record of the changes. You can view who has made changes, and when, by clicking “Revisions.”