My Maine Stories
Story Prompts
Having trouble getting started? Try using some of these story prompts. You don't have to answer all of them, but choose the ones most relevant to your story. If you are having trouble selecting a topic—for example you are a veteran and an immigrant—choose the most relevant topic, or use the "Maine" topic to tell your story.
- How did you come to live in Maine?
- Where did you grow up?
- What is your favorite place in Maine?
- What do you think is unique about Maine?
- Is there a person who "means" Maine to you?
- Is there an important family or town tradition you want to tell?
- Is there an important date or event in your history involving Maine?
- What keeps you in Maine?
- Is there a story about your family, ancestors, or town you'd like to tell?
- Is there a specific event you want to talk about?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you.
- How has the pandemic affected your daily routine?
- How are people in your circle adapting?
- How has providing for yourself or your family been affected?
- What does social distancing mean to you?
- How have your experiences getting food or supplies changed?
- How are you staying healthy
- How is this affecting your schoolwork or graduation?
- What are you learning from the pandemic?
- Are your hands raw from washing them?
- What inspires you to create work in Maine?
- How did you start creating your work?
- Do you consider your work contemporary? Is it based in a tradition?
- How does living in, or being from Maine influence your work?
- What drives you to continue making or creating?
- What materials do you use? Do you gather and use natural materials in your creative work?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you.
- How did you come to live in Maine?
- What keeps you here?
- How does living in Maine differ from your country of origin?
- Is there an important family tradition you'd like to tell?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you.
- Where did you grow up?
- How did you come to live in Maine?
- Has being a Mainer (or living in Maine) impacted your identity as a queer person?
- Have you ever participated in LGBTQ activism in Maine?
- Does your town or community feel like a safe and supportive place to live as a queer person? Why?
- Is there a specific event [in LGBTQ history?] that you'd like to share your experience with?
- Has your experience of being a queer person in Maine changed over time with the advancement of LGBTQ visibility and rights?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you.
- How did you start working at the mill?
- Why did you decide to work there?
- How long did you work at the mill? What jobs did you do?
- Were you involved in the Union or any of the extracurricular groups, like the bowling league? Tell us about those experiences.
- How did working at the mill change your ideas or perception about Maine?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you.
- Where did you grow up? Did you live in Maine prior to entering the military?
- Were you drafted or did you enlist? Why?
- In which branch of the military did you serve?
- Did you receive specialized training that you'd like to discuss?
- How did you adapt to military life?
- How do you think being from Maine affected your experiences at basic training or in service?
- How did joining the military, or into war during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan change your perception of Maine?
- Did other members of your family serve in the military? Did this influence your service?
- Would you like to discuss your homecoming? How did you adjust to civilian life?
- How do you feel now?
- If you are a family member of a veteran or a citizen who lived during a conflict, can you discuss your experiences?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you.
- Where did you grow up?
- How did you come to live in what is now Maine, or have you always lived here?
- How does living in what is now Maine impact your identity as a Wabanki person?
- Do you and/or your family members feel a strong connection with your tribe ?
- Has your experience of being a Wabanaki person in Maine changed over time?
- Is there a specific event that you'd like to share your experience about?
- How do the objects or photos you uploaded help to tell your story? What's their significance? Rather than describe the item, tell us what the item or photo means to you, your family, and/or your sense of Wabanaki belonging.
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