I have to write 12 entries for a journal about the oregon trail. Need help with first entry. Read details.?

Question

So I need help with the first entry. The journal is to be the thoughts of a person leaving for Oregon through the oregon trail then continuing his journey. In the first part I want to write about the leaving for Oregon.
1st entry must also contain introduction to you and your family and your motivation to do what you are doing.


thanks.

Answer 1

Our family is so excited to begin this new part of our lives, an
adventure beyond all to the new frontier. We have heard of free land and we are willing to make the trip to see our dreams come true. Selling everything on our farm, we have brought our wagon and trusty oxen, and have provisioned for the three months it will take us to make this journey. We will be leaving in April to take advantage of the summer weather and should get to the coast in time to make ready for winter.
Uncle Jed, Grannie, and Ellie Mae are all excited and they are calling to me now. Go to go!

Jethro Bovine

Answer 2

I think it's a good start. When i tried to imagine myself setting out on that sort of journey, i would have a mix of emotions: hope, expectation, joy, but also fear, sadness at leaving and so on. Try to put yourself into the shoes of the people leaving and imagine how a grandfather might feel knowing that he'll never again see the place where he was born and raised his children (also, he might be worried about his gout!); he might be very thoughtful and a bit sad. the dad might be worried about feeding his family; the kids might be excited for the adventure.

try to capture the mix of the journey from different viewpoints. maybe make one entry from a 10 year old boy, one from a mom, one from a grandpa; that way, each "person" will write only 3 or 4 entries, which might be easier for you.

check out William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying for some insight into how to do the multiple personalities writing.

Good luck,
:-)
m