Recording interesting family stories is essential if you want future generations to read your family history book. This course will help you write the story of your life or of your ancestors lives. Techniques for researching the facts, remembering the events, writing the text, adding visuals with graphics or photographs, and finally reproducing your book will all be discussed.
Course Content
Module 1
Introduction
Introduction to Writing
Techniques for Researching the Facts
The Art of Storytelling
Family Trees versus Family Story
Why Bother?
Organizing Your Material
Ancestor Chart
Family Group Sheet
Ancestor Data Sheet
Organizing Family Documents, Photographs, and Other Items
Photographs
Miscellaneous/Other Items
Genealogy Software
Twenty-First-Century Family Trees
Miscellaneous Resources
Module 2
Formatting Your Family History
Charts and Reports
Scrapbooks and Journals
Ancestor Profiles
Books
Sample Book
Booklets and Newsletters
Electronic Publishing
Presentations
Websites and Blogs
Module 3
Time Management
Introduction
Writing Obstacles/Distractions
Setting Goals
Blocking Time to Write
In Fifteen Minutes or Less . . .
Summary
Module 4
Writing The Text
Writing from Documents
Writing from Photographs
Writing from Family Research/Interviews
Finding and Interviewing Relatives
Becoming a Good Interviewer
During the Interview
Conducting the Interview
Questioning Techniques
Transcribing Interviews
Problems with Contacting Relatives
Obtaining Permission
Limitations on Use
What Material to Include
Selecting the Best Details
Inserting Charts, Graphics, and Photographs
Linked/Embedded Objects
Putting Your Family in Historical Context
Historical Research
Personal Events
Historical Facts and Events
Using Timelines
Chapter Excerpt from Three Slovak Women
Writing Your Story
Ready, Set, Write!
Putting It All Together
Reference Materials
To Publish or Not to Publish?
Module 5
The Research is Done, Now What?
Introduction
Publishing Options
Publishing Goals - Recouping Costs
Blogging
Print On-Demand
Espresso Book Machine
Self-Publishing
Steps to Self-Publishing
Amazons CreateSpace
Amazons Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Barnes and Noble Press
Blurb
Kobo
Lulu.com
Traditional Publishing
Photo Books
My Canvas
WinkFlash
Final Thoughts on Publishing
Course Summary
Writing Exercises for Writing Your Family History
Life Story Guide
Childhood
Family
School
Work
Faith
Fun
World Events
Suggested Reading
Appendix
|
