FAMILY STORIES: Part 1

I was felled by a wicked case of the flu. But, recovered just in time to make my 200 mile trek down the coast to be with my family. Christmas morning, I was still finishing up the last of my gifts- a years worth of family genealogy updates. (Last year, I gave them a binder with my condensed family tree research.)

All the last minute rushing was worth it, as my gift made a big hit. I am writing this during the quiet week between Christmas and New Year's. I have time to review what I have accomplished and where I want to go in my research. Next Christmas, I want to add something extra to my gifts. And now is the time to start working on it.

More than a list of names, dates and a few notes, I want to add the stories that make up our family's history. This week, my article is about how to get started on this. As the family genealogists, we are in a unique position to write the family history. I think that is what has drawn many of us to genealogy; the stories that are behind all of our research.

Here are a few of my personal tips:

1. Don't overwhelm yourself by setting huge goals. Take it one story at a time.

2. Set aside a time slot each week or month to work on a story. You can set a certain number of words as your goal, or a certain amount of time.

3. Save editing for later. The most important goal is to get the stories down on paper.

4. Be sensitive to others. Some of the stories that you may find hilarious, may embaress others. If it is about someone else, ask if it is okay to include it.

Here are some good site to get your ideas flowing:

Quick Overview & Gathering the Memories from the Center for Life Stories Preservation, Publishing Family Stories

Write the Story Behind the Photo, by Cathy Fulton from Capturing Memories

Writing Your Personal History: Fanning the Memories by Dear Myrtle

Happy Writing!

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