Family History Month Writing Challenge Wrap-Up
How did you do this month on writing your family history? I (Jennifer Holik) personally did not hit my daily goal of 500 words for my family history. I did get some client family history written and other things written though. What did I learn through this process of trying to write daily?
- I’m busy. This means I must schedule at least 30-60 minutes a day to focus on writing.
- The more I write the more I realize I am missing information OR it was input into my family tree years ago before I knew to cite my sources. But this is a good thing! That realization pushes me to get back to the records to locate the source to input into the fact in the family tree. Citing my sources produces a better family history.
- There are some days I am just not inspired to write. Some will say to push through it and others say just walk away. Personally, I’ve found that when I am inspired, the words flow and it isn’t a struggle, therefore it is enjoyable. On days when the words don’t come, it is ok for me to walk away from it until another time.
What did you learn through this process? Did you hit your goals? Do you have any tips to share with those of us writing our histories? Please share in the comments.
© 2013 Lorel Kapke, Sort Your Story
Wisdom Wednesday – Writing Your Story #2
As a follow-up to last week’s post about Lorel’s photograph and sketch of her grandfather, I was thinking of other ways photos and sketches could be used by kids to illustrate their family histories.
In most schools kids around 4th or 5th grade have to do some sort of family history project. Often these are oral reports that must be turned in as a written report, PowerPoint presentations, or tri-fold board presentations. Regardless of which medium is used, students have the opportunity to illustrate their presentation. We all know a picture is worth a thousand words.
Photographs can be added to a Word document that must be submitted to the teacher. Photographs, clip art or scanned sketches can be added to a PowerPoint presentation to add life to the words on the screen and the presentation given. Tri-fold boards can also include blocks of text and photos or scanned sketches or the student may draw directly on the board.
If a student uses Sort Your Story and has not included these photos or sketches into their ancestors’ profiles, they can do so when the project is in progress or complete. Adding text used in the project to an ancestors file allows students the opportunity to continue growing that individuals story over time.
Kids love to draw and use photographs, so why not encourage them to do so in conjunction with their family history writing?
How do your kids use photos or sketches in their research?
© 2013, Lorel Kapke, Sort Your Story
Follow Friday – January 18, 2013
The new year is off to a great start! How many of you have already given up on your resolutions? How many have created new goals to work towards? Have you considered writing your family history? Not sure where to start? Here are two places to look where you can get started!
Lynn Palermo has posted a Family History Writing Challenge for February! Take a look and consider signing up for this challenge. You can grab a badge for your website or blog on Lynn’s blog, the Armchair Genealogist.
Also explore the Sort Your Story software which allows you to write family stories and include photos and documents within an ancestor’s profile. Very easy to use and organize your information and thoughts.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab Lynn’s badge and start writing! By the end of February you may be motivated enough to keep going and write a family history book!
© 2013 Sort Your Story, Lorel Kapke
