Thinking of writing a memoir or personal history? Or do you want to interview a loved one about their life? Here are 150 questions to jump-start the process.
In February 2016, we launched a Daily Writing Challenge to encourage everyone to begin a daily habit of writing, for at least 15 minutes a day. The goal was to have a collection of stories about your life (or that of a loved one) in rough form by the end of 2016.
If you missed out on the Daily Writing Challenge, here is the self-guided version in a handy free e-book now available for download.
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I'm loving the new Google Photos - for certain things. Here's the skinny on what to use it for and when to avoid it.
Google Photos has free unlimited storage and some really cool features. But what's the catch? Should I be using it to store and share my family history photos?
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Writing a life story is easier than you think.
Writing a memoir or autobiography is a daunting, overwhelming task, one that requires hours/days/years of uninterrupted time. Not to mention a degree in English. And a trust fund so you can quit your day job.
Wait, but...NO!.
It doesn't have to be that way. Writing a story can be really quite simple, like washing your hair. Three simple steps: Lather, rinse, repeat.
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Here are our top five reasons to visit the RootsTech 2017 Conference this year, even if (especially if) you are not that "into" genealogy. Also, a chance to win a free RootsTech 2017 4-day pass!
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A tribute book is a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday.
When my wonderful mother-in-law Joyce Taylor turned 90 this summer, Tom's sister and her daughters had a great idea for celebrating her birthday -- a neighborhood parade!
We also created a tribute book to celebrate her life. Here's how we did it.
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If you haven't been, or don't know about the RootsTech conference, let me introduce you.
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A tribute book about an extraordinary, ordinary man.
Some projects grab us emotionally more than others. This was one of those projects that left me weeping over my keyboard. And that inspired me to try to be a better human.
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Family stories have a unique power in bringing--and keeping--families together.
Sometimes a project will come along that affects us deeply, that reminds us yet again why we do this. Working closely with families to preserve their stories gives us a window into family dynamics--sometimes poignant, often hilarious. Each family has their own special dance to which only they know the steps.
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Like an apricot tree, your family history stuff has to be pruned to be enjoyed.
If you don't "prune" your family history assets, the sheer volume of them will obscure the "fruit" that is worth keeping. Without care and pruning, you could lose the whole "tree."
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We had a great time talking to host Chris Redgrave about our business for a "Speaking on Business" radio spot. The spot will air on April 16 on KSL 102.7 FM or 1160 AM at 7:22 am, 11:49 am and 5:22 pm. Check it out!
You can also hear it at the Speaking on Business website or KSL.com.
Read moreHow do you get from dry genealogy facts to a compelling story? This presentation from RootsTech 2020 will hopefully inspire you as well as give you tools to write your ancestors’ stories. (Audio with slides) Join me on a fascinating journey as I find one of my ancestors and write her story.
We are so excited to be back at RootsTech live this year! Come by and see the Pictures and Stories booth (#1609) and see some of the many new books we’ve helped our clients create. Alison is giving two in-person classes: The Seven Deadly Sins of Building a Digital Archive, and Making a Genealogy Story Book. Hope to see you there!