Research reports are not just for professionals, but are a great tool for anyone who wants to answer their research questions. Write a research report to yourself to organize your thoughts, analyze the evidence, document your findings, and solve your puzzles. Using an example from the Netherlands, this presentation demonstrates how you can organize a research report to spot more clues in records, discover and resolve discrepancies, and build reliable conclusions.
Research reports are not just for professionals, but are a great tool for anyone who wants to answer their research questions. Write a research report to yourself to organize your thoughts, analyze the evidence, document your findings, and solve your puzzles. Using an example from the Netherlands, this presentation demonstrates how you can organize a research report to spot more clues in records, discover and resolve discrepancies, and build reliable conclusions.
Genealogical Research & Writing: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?
As researchers, family historians, compilers, bloggers, or writers of other ilk, genealogists face legal and ethical perils they often do not anticipate. This crash course offers practical guidance to enhance your skills and keep you safe as you explore history, reconstruct lives, and “write up” your findings. While the issues are serious—from the legal issue of copyright to the ethical issue of plagiarism—the lessons are taught with a light heart and humor.
As researchers, family historians, compilers, bloggers, or writers of other ilk, genealogists face legal and ethical perils they often do not anticipate. This crash course offers practical guidance to enhance your skills and keep you safe as you explore history, reconstruct lives, and “write up” your findings. While the issues are serious—from the legal issue of copyright to the ethical issue of plagiarism—the lessons are taught with a light heart and humor.
Genealogists write. Their written narratives include stories of ancestral families, biographies of individual ancestors, and explanations supporting genealogical proofs. For their writing to succeed, genealogists—like all effective writers—repeatedly self-edit everything they write. The process results in polished products that the genealogist’s readers will understand, enjoy, and cherish.
Emphasizing genealogical narrative, these two webinars will address the self-editing process. Part 1 will focus on “big-picture” editing, including stages of self-editing; focus; keeping the writer out of the narrative; editing the writing’s overall structure, organization, and flow; and improving major and minor subdivisions of written genealogical narratives, including paragraphing. Part 2 will focus on “nitty-gritty” editing, including capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, word choice, and reducing word count.
Genealogists write. Their written narratives include stories of ancestral families, biographies of individual ancestors, and explanations supporting genealogical proofs. For their writing to succeed, genealogists—like all effective writers—repeatedly self-edit everything they write. The process results in polished products that the genealogist’s readers will understand, enjoy, and cherish.
Emphasizing genealogical narrative, these two webinars will address the self-editing process. Part 1 will focus on “big-picture” editing, including stages of self-editing; focus; keeping the writer out of the narrative; editing the writing’s overall structure, organization, and flow; and improving major and minor subdivisions of written genealogical narratives, including paragraphing. Part 2 will focus on “nitty-gritty” editing, including capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, word choice, and reducing word count.
Genealogists write. Their written narratives include stories of ancestral families, biographies of individual ancestors, and explanations supporting genealogical proofs. For their writing to succeed, genealogists—like all effective writers—repeatedly self-edit everything they write. The process results in polished products that the genealogist’s readers will understand, enjoy, and cherish.
Emphasizing genealogical narrative, these two webinars will addresses the self-editing process. Part 1 will focus on “big-picture” editing, including stages of self-editing; focus; keeping the writer out of the narrative; editing the writing’s overall structure, organization, and flow; and improving major and minor subdivisions of written genealogical narratives, including paragraphing. Part 2 will focus on “nitty-gritty” editing, including capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, word choice, and reducing word count.
Genealogists write. Their written narratives include stories of ancestral families, biographies of individual ancestors, and explanations supporting genealogical proofs. For their writing to succeed, genealogists—like all effective writers—repeatedly self-edit everything they write. The process results in polished products that the genealogist’s readers will understand, enjoy, and cherish.
Emphasizing genealogical narrative, these two webinars will addresses the self-editing process. Part 1 will focus on “big-picture” editing, including stages of self-editing; focus; keeping the writer out of the narrative; editing the writing’s overall structure, organization, and flow; and improving major and minor subdivisions of written genealogical narratives, including paragraphing. Part 2 will focus on “nitty-gritty” editing, including capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, word choice, and reducing word count.
Power of place – using MyHeritage to tell the stories of buildings & places
This workshop will guide researchers through a series of steps and stops to find the history of buildings and places. Follow some case studies and learn how to find excellent records in MyHeritage, the steps to follow followed, and the ideal interplay between primary and secondary sources. Also, learn pro-tips for writing a compelling narrative. This presentation will inspire attendees with the power that the places of our ancestors have to draw us near and to strengthen a sense of community.
This workshop will guide researchers through a series of steps and stops to find the history of buildings and places. Follow some case studies and learn how to find excellent records in MyHeritage, the steps to follow followed, and the ideal interplay between primary and secondary sources. Also, learn pro-tips for writing a compelling narrative. This presentation will inspire attendees with the power that the places of our ancestors have to draw us near and to strengthen a sense of community.
Crafting vivid scenes from a few dry facts – class 3 of 4
We’ve learnt how to craft vivid sentences but how do we combine them to produce a vivid scene, especially when we have little information to work with? This webinar describes the process of doing so, using practical examples from Carol’s own writing. It shows how she began with very little information then followed one path after another in a desperate attempt to find something … anything … to make her description interesting. It shows how you too can apply the same strategies to your own research and writing, whatever the subject.
We’ve learnt how to craft vivid sentences but how do we combine them to produce a vivid scene, especially when we have little information to work with? This webinar describes the process of doing so, using practical examples from Carol’s own writing. It shows how she began with very little information then followed one path after another in a desperate attempt to find something … anything … to make her description interesting. It shows how you too can apply the same strategies to your own research and writing, whatever the subject.
Crafting Vivid Sentences that hook our readers – class 2 of 4
Financial planners advise that the best way to acquire more money is to make the most of what we already have – aka, don’t fritter away our money. The same can be said for writing. The simplest way to craft an interesting family history, or other piece of prose, is to make the most of the words in our language. There’s no need to send our readers to sleep when a simple word replacement or two can bring a sentence, a paragraph, a story to life. This webinar discusses the basic tools in our writing toolbox, the tools that were once monopolised by fiction writers but are now used by nonfiction writers to hook our readers.
Financial planners advise that the best way to acquire more money is to make the most of what we already have – aka, don’t fritter away our money. The same can be said for writing. The simplest way to craft an interesting family history, or other piece of prose, is to make the most of the words in our language. There’s no need to send our readers to sleep when a simple word replacement or two can bring a sentence, a paragraph, a story to life. This webinar discusses the basic tools in our writing toolbox, the tools that were once monopolised by fiction writers but are now used by nonfiction writers to hook our readers.
Many researchers are daunted at the thought of publishing a family history or memoir or “how to” book because they lack knowledge about their publishing and marketing options. Carol has been associated with the publishing industry since the 1980s and her 24 books have been variously mainstream, boutique, indie, and self-published. In this webinar she discusses the editing processes that all works of prose should experience before they are published, whether it be in a journal article or a family history. She discusses publishing and printing options, along with marketing approaches to family members and the broader public. She also covers the practical aspects of self-publishing: writing and publishing programs, font choices, paragraph and column layouts, page sizes, book weight and postage requirements.
Many researchers are daunted at the thought of publishing a family history or memoir or “how to” book because they lack knowledge about their publishing and marketing options. Carol has been associated with the publishing industry since the 1980s and her 24 books have been variously mainstream, boutique, indie, and self-published. In this webinar she discusses the editing processes that all works of prose should experience before they are published, whether it be in a journal article or a family history. She discusses publishing and printing options, along with marketing approaches to family members and the broader public. She also covers the practical aspects of self-publishing: writing and publishing programs, font choices, paragraph and column layouts, page sizes, book weight and postage requirements.
To write a family history, we must convert our ancestral information into paragraphs of prose. But how do we group the resulting paragraphs to produce a coherent structure? We start by asking ourselves what we wish to achieve. Are we writing a history that focuses on a surname line? Or one that covers all of our ancestors, or all of our descendants, or all of the ancestors and descendants of a particular person? And how do we craft an individual biography? Do we produce a family history that is a group of stand-alone biographies or one that has a narrative-style flow? These and other subjects are discussed in this simple guide to structuring a family history.
Classes 2-4 will be part of our October 2022 conference on Saturday, October 29. Visit https://familytreewebinars.com/conference/ for the details.
To write a family history, we must convert our ancestral information into paragraphs of prose. But how do we group the resulting paragraphs to produce a coherent structure? We start by asking ourselves what we wish to achieve. Are we writing a history that focuses on a surname line? Or one that covers all of our ancestors, or all of our descendants, or all of the ancestors and descendants of a particular person? And how do we craft an individual biography? Do we produce a family history that is a group of stand-alone biographies or one that has a narrative-style flow? These and other subjects are discussed in this simple guide to structuring a family history.
Classes 2-4 will be part of our October 2022 conference on Saturday, October 29. Visit https://familytreewebinars.com/conference/ for the details.
Genealogy best practice is to start with you, and who better to introduce yourself to future generations than YOU? In this webinar, we will go beyond factual information typically found in family trees to include the essence of who you are. Using easy and fun writing prompts, you will learn to create a unique and revealing written portrait of yourself. You can also share these prompts with other family members, adding their written portraits to your family tree. Your future generations will get to know you, and thank you!
Genealogy best practice is to start with you, and who better to introduce yourself to future generations than YOU? In this webinar, we will go beyond factual information typically found in family trees to include the essence of who you are. Using easy and fun writing prompts, you will learn to create a unique and revealing written portrait of yourself. You can also share these prompts with other family members, adding their written portraits to your family tree. Your future generations will get to know you, and thank you!
Being the recognized originator of the term “Writing as You Go” since 2009, Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL finds that people who adopt and adapt the process report that it really an efficient way to plan, record, and analyze research findings. Although the static concepts are standard, her recommendations on the placement and process order in which to work needs to be demonstrated and is often a “light bulb” moment for researchers.
Being the recognized originator of the term “Writing as You Go” since 2009, Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL finds that people who adopt and adapt the process report that it really an efficient way to plan, record, and analyze research findings. Although the static concepts are standard, her recommendations on the placement and process order in which to work needs to be demonstrated and is often a “light bulb” moment for researchers.
Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!
Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!
Manage large writing projects through optimistic start, muddled middle, and triumphant finish
Wed, September 10 2025: 15:30 UTC
Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.
Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.
There are 5 writing systems in the world. These are abugida, syllabary, logography, abjad, and alphabet. These writing systems have been used anciently through today. As genealogists go back in time and across the globe, they may run into these different types of scripts. This lecture briefly explains the differences, gives examples, and directs you where to find more information. Scripts that will be covered include but are not limited to Cherokee, Baybayin (Filipino script), Egyptian, Hebrew, and Old English.
There are 5 writing systems in the world. These are abugida, syllabary, logography, abjad, and alphabet. These writing systems have been used anciently through today. As genealogists go back in time and across the globe, they may run into these different types of scripts. This lecture briefly explains the differences, gives examples, and directs you where to find more information. Scripts that will be covered include but are not limited to Cherokee, Baybayin (Filipino script), Egyptian, Hebrew, and Old English.
Using Historical Context in Your Genealogy Writing: A Gettysburg Soldier Case Study
Wed, September 10 2025: 18:00 UTC
This presentation addresses the challenge of creating compelling genealogical narratives beyond simple lists of names and dates. By utilizing historical records, archives, research methods, and integrating historical context, participants will learn how to transform their family histories into engaging stories. The presentation will teach genealogists how to perform historical research and incorporate first-hand narratives, pension files, and other historical data using the example of a Gettysburg soldier. Participants will be guided through the research journey, highlighting key decision-making moments and demonstrating where and why to include historical context. This innovative approach will help genealogists add depth and authenticity to their writing, making narratives more vivid and meaningful. The presentation will inspire attendees to share their passion for family history, fostering a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for genealogical research.
This presentation addresses the challenge of creating compelling genealogical narratives beyond simple lists of names and dates. By utilizing historical records, archives, research methods, and integrating historical context, participants will learn how to transform their family histories into engaging stories. The presentation will teach genealogists how to perform historical research and incorporate first-hand narratives, pension files, and other historical data using the example of a Gettysburg soldier. Participants will be guided through the research journey, highlighting key decision-making moments and demonstrating where and why to include historical context. This innovative approach will help genealogists add depth and authenticity to their writing, making narratives more vivid and meaningful. The presentation will inspire attendees to share their passion for family history, fostering a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for genealogical research.
Bring your ancestors to life with this webinar! Author Nathan Dylan Goodwin will teach you the basics of how to write your own genealogical crime mystery. He will cover outlining a story, creating believable characters with realistic dialogue and show how to incorporate genealogy into your story.
Bring your ancestors to life with this webinar! Author Nathan Dylan Goodwin will teach you the basics of how to write your own genealogical crime mystery. He will cover outlining a story, creating believable characters with realistic dialogue and show how to incorporate genealogy into your story.
Disclosing Use of AI for Writing Assistance in Genealogy
Fri, September 26 2025: 18:00 UTC
When is it okay to use artificial intelligence tools for writing assistance? If it’s okay to use AI, how and when should we disclose the use of AI tools? Learn how various applications of generative AI — from grammar assistance to generating new text — may need to be approached differently. We will go over specific methods for disclosing and citing AI tools, such as mentioning the use of generative AI in the limitations section of a report and citing the specific AI tool in a reference note citation.
When is it okay to use artificial intelligence tools for writing assistance? If it’s okay to use AI, how and when should we disclose the use of AI tools? Learn how various applications of generative AI — from grammar assistance to generating new text — may need to be approached differently. We will go over specific methods for disclosing and citing AI tools, such as mentioning the use of generative AI in the limitations section of a report and citing the specific AI tool in a reference note citation.
Ancestors on the Margins: tracing misfortunate ancestors in Britain
Wed, September 3 2025: 9:00 UTC
This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.
This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.
In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.
In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.
Exploring Mecklenburg’s Rich History and Genealogical Treasures
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
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