| Creating interesting family history stories involves adding details of your ancestors life that go beyond just names and dates. What was their occupation? What religious and political beliefs did they hold? Did they serve in the military, and why did they do what they did? This is an interesting way to start fleshing out the bones of your genealogy and to make your family history come alive.
In this course we will explore how to find and incorporate information about your ancestors life to how to write and publish your family history story. Not sure how to go about writing the story of your ancestor? We cover the very beginning steps of writing to the final product.
Course Content
Module 1
The Basics of Writing
Introduction
Who is My Reader?
How will My Family Feel?
Why should we write family stories?
What about other stories outside of straight genealogy?
What is the FOCUS of the writing project?
The Memoir
The Individual Project
The Family Project
What General Research Materials Can We Use?
Ethics and Copyright
A Brief Look at Ethics and Copyright
Copyright on Oral Histories
Deed of Gift or Usage Agreements
Writing Assistance
Books
Websites
Next Steps
Suggested Reading and Resources
Module 2
Exploring the Individual or Family
How to Explore the Individual or Family
Memory and Story Lists
Writing Exercise
Jog Your Memory
Incorporate Life Lessons
Writing Exercise
First Ideas on Writing and Storytelling
Writing Exercises
The How
Writing Exercise
The Format
Writing Exercise
Creating the Outline and Timeline for the Story
Adding Meat on the Bones
Writing Exercise
The Research
Country of Origin
Explore the Emigration and Migration
Ethnic Considerations
Newspaper Research
Military Research
Organizations
Photographs
Family Dynamics
Other Resources
Next Steps
Suggested Reading and Resources
Module 3
Many Facets of Historical Context
Thinking Outside of the Box
Historical Context
Writing Exercise
Historical Events
Cultural Resources and History
Writing Exercise
Geographical History
Political History
Economic History
Religious History
Social History
Technological History
Historical Research Considerations
Conducting Historical Research
Researching and Recording Information
Next Steps
Suggested Reading and Resources
Module 4
Telling the Story
Managing the Writing Project
Project Management and Goals
Time Management
Writing Tips
Same time and place each day
Follow the Muse and Inspiration
Choose a Stopping Point
Outlining
Write To Find Errors
Turn Off the Censor and Let it Flow
Continue Researching
Step Away For A While
Telling the Story
What is the goal of the story or book project?
Is there a theme?
How do we handle rewrites?
How do I plan to disburse this story?
Story Examples
Module 5
Publishing
Introduction
Various components of publishing
Self-Publishing Examples
Example 1: A Family History
Example 2: Books of Military Stories
Writing and Editing
Beta Readers
Layout - Preparing the Text and Images
Cover Design
Proofreaders
Publishing Options - Print and Print On Demand
Final Thoughts on Publishing
Suggested Reading and Resources
Module 6
Getting Support for Writing
Introduction
Education
Australian Writers Centre
The National Institute for Genealogical Studies
Oxford University Summer Writing Program
University of St. Andrews in Scotland
University of Toronto - Continuing Studies
Writers Digest University
Writing Groups, Residencies, Retreats, and Studios
Writing Groups
Writing Residencies and Retreats
Writing Studios
Writing Competitions
Special Topic Programs and Lectures
Books, Blogs, Journals, and Magazines
Find a Friend
Conclusion
Suggested Reading and Resources for Writing
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