Writing Genealogy and Family History

Comment

Comment by Caro Nally on July 20, 2009 at 12:03pm

Priscilla:

That is exactly what the book "Roots" is. Most of the book is made up but based on a few historical facts about his particular family. (Actually, there is a lot of plagiarism in the book, too, but that's really beyond the point.) So it's definitely been done before! I think that idea sounds wonderful.

If you're writing a family history book, but really want to a historical fiction book, you could combine them, assuming of course you want to share that book with others. Or you could simply just print out a large chart of your family tree to take to the next reunion. That why you can really dive into your book. If that is where your heart is, I think we all know that it will be a much better and detailed book than just a family history book, especially since you will have more motivation to complete it.

Your idea sounds like great fun! Good Luck and do keep us posted on how that goes (-:

Comment by Trudy Doolittle on July 20, 2009 at 8:03am

Lynda,

That is an interesting job. Do you also do videos for your clients? In the last year and a half I've done 4, my aunt/mother (twins), boss' father-in-law & wife, the son of a co-worker. Those make good celebrations of life.

Welcome to the group. I'd say any help and/or support will be accepted.

Comment by Lynda Ord on July 20, 2009 at 4:39am

Good evening all

I'm interested in joining your group but from a slightly different perspective. I'm interested in writing my own family history but at the moment I work as a Civil Celebrant and, as part of my work, I write eulogies or reflections on life for my clients. I'm hoping by sharing with you I might be able to improve my skills and my service to my clients and hopefully make a contribution to the group too. What do you think? regards

Lynda

Comment by Priscilla Swaney on July 19, 2009 at 9:17pm

Hello, I am new to your group. I have been researching for over 35 years. At my reunion I was asked to write a family history book, and I do plan to do that, but something in my heart wants to write a historical fiction book. If I can get the first one done, then I would like to continue with the other women in the family. Has anyone else done a historical fiction book so they can fit the pieces together in a way to tell more about the way people survived during a certain period of time. One of my grandmothers had 14 children, and her mother-in-law had 11 children. What joys they certainly experienced and the hardships they faced. I can remember my father telling me there were so many kids, yes she raised 4 orphan boys in addition to her 14, he had to eat off a syrup can lid. He said when his mom put the plate of biscuits on the table you forked them, or you didn't eat. In doing the book as historical fiction, I can tell all the stories I have been told over the years and also include my genealogy research. Have any of you done this type of writing? Any advice.

Comment by Caro Nally on July 19, 2009 at 8:58pm

Welcome to the group! You sure do have a lot of experience and I'm sure you have much to bring to our group!

Comment by Trudy Doolittle on July 19, 2009 at 8:16pm

Welcome Anita, I've sure you can help those of us who just starting. Good Luck with your presentation.

Comment by Anita Wills on July 19, 2009 at 8:10pm

I am the author of two books on my family history, Pieces of the Quilt: The Mosaic of An African American Family, and Notes And Documents of Free Persons of Color. I spent over twenty years researching and documenting my maternal lines. I have recently started documenting my father's side of the family. Several members of my family, and myself have taken DNA tests, which were not surprising, but very interesting. I am also hosting a blogTalk Radio Show, titled Anita Talks Genealogy,. I will doing a Book Presentation at George Washington Birthplace ...

Comment by Caro Nally on July 19, 2009 at 3:28pm

I divided mine by family lines, going in the "traditional order" of father then mother. It seems to work out for me, at least so far. But then again, doing it that way, I have (at the moment, bc I could discover I missed someone and add another section) 29 sections to my book. Huge. I know.

You could also do one family at a time. Start with the family with which you have the most information. If you have a lot on your maternal grandmother's paternal grandmother, then start with her family and just focus on that. It really all depends on what your goal is and what your focus is.

Comment by Trudy Doolittle on July 18, 2009 at 2:34pm

Meilissa,
I've started a discussion topic. If you slect "view All" in the Discussion Forum you can check out the discussion there. Add your thoughts and maybe we all can share.

Comment by Melissa Doum on July 18, 2009 at 12:39pm

I would love to write a book on my family history, but I don't know where to start. I have this information, but I'm not exactly sure how to organize it for a book.

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