PictureMy research desk. The cats are strangely NOT in the picture.

A good story on an interpretive sign is similar to an iceburg. When done well, there's a mountain of research in front of, underneath, behind, and beyond what's visible in the short story told on the sign.
The tasks are: 
  • Suss out the foundational stories.
  • Comprehend the overarching concepts.
  • Gather relevant facts - mindful of the main story.
  • Check the facts. Facts ARE real.
  • Find the good, bad and the naughty bits.
  • Remember to keep in mind the story the CLIENT asked for.
  • Remain open for unexpected stories that will pop up.
  • Sort through all the research for the most interesting and relevant parts.
  • Be a multi-task wizard.
Once the research has been gathered and ingested, it's back to the original purpose, to tell the story in simple and easily accessible - but not dumbed down - language in three paragraphs or less. Oh, and in a very structured hierarchy of concepts and format.

I've acquired a love of, and as my kids would say, "mad skills' for digging up stories.
Let me dig up yours.
I'll write your story too.