Jennifer Jensen's Blog
Posted by Jennifer Jensen
For genealogists, there's nothing like finding your family listed in a public record like a US Census, especially if that record contains information you didn't have before. I found out one New York ancestor had parents who were born in Ireland, and another who had two children I didn't know about--each had been born and died between censuses.
So where do new genealogists start? Which federal census year contains what information, and where can you find the census records?
US Federal Census Years Contain Different Data
Here are several articles that describe what information is in each federal census, plus tips on where you can access the census data.
- 1920 & 1930 US Federal Census
- 1900 & 1910 US Federal Census
- 1880 US Federal Census
- 1850, 1860 & 1870 US Federal Census
- Free Census Portions & Other Resources at the USGenWeb
Using the Census Data for Further Research
Where can the census data take your research? Read How to Use Genealogical Clues in US Census Data to find out what to do next. And good luck with your searching!
Posted by Jennifer Jensen
What are the challenges of writing fantasy? How do you create worlds? How do new writers find agents and get published? Any advice for aspiring authors?
New writers who dream of creating their own world filled with magic, dragons, elves or vampires would love to see inside the lives of successful fantasy authors. Here are articles with established fantasy writers to help you out. More interviews will be added as they are available.
Daniel Abraham:
Sarah Monette:
Shiloh Walker (paranormal and fantasy romance):
Posted by Jennifer Jensen
I was given a copy of John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story, and wow! It’s far deeper than the usual how-to-write-a-novel book that I come across. I’ve highlighted passages, and I’ve re-read two particular chapters several times, applying what he says to my own stories.
Truby is a very successful screenwriter, but the book is written for novelists and playwrights as well. A story is a story, and whether you’re writing a quietly intense literary novel or an action-packed blockbuster, Truby’s storytelling techniques will make you think.
I’ve been getting some serious writing time in lately (a good thing!), but am trying to keep up with my education as well, and The Anatomy of Story is worth the time if you’re up for it. But I wouldn’t really recommend it for new writers until they’ve read a few of the typical how-to’s and tried to apply the basic skills in their own stories.
Posted by Jennifer Jensen
One of the things new writers like about writer’s conferences is to hear the stories of novelists who have been published. How they got their first publishing contract, how new writers can get a foot in the door, and anything that creates a connection or gives insights into the life of a “real” writer.
I’ve been enjoying interviewing a variety of romance writers lately, asking just those questions to share with you. But since I can’t link each interview article to all the others, here is a list for your convenience. I’ll keep adding to it as I interview more authors.
- Celeste Bradley: Getting Published, Finding the Right Agent
- Celeste Bradley: Talks About the Writing Life and Advice
