Break Through Family History Writer’s Block with Genealogy Writing Intensive Fall 2015

What’s stopping you from writing your family history? You’ve done the genealogy research, but perhaps you are not sure where or how to begin chronicling your discoveries. Maybe you lack confidence in your writing skills or feel intimidated by the process involved in writing a compelling and accurate narrative. You likely have a litany of excuses at the ready: Not enough time, unfinished research, or the proverbial “writer’s block” that stops you before your fingers even touch the keyboard.

If you find yourself identifying with any of the above scenarios, then the six-week Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive™ could be that answer to help you break through those barriers preventing you from sharing the stories of your ancestors, honoring your heritage, or preserving your own memories. Once again I am happy to be partnering with my colleague, Thomas MacEntee, to coach another session of this collaborative, intimidation-free learning experience that begins 5 October 2015 and runs through 9 November 2015.

Don’t delay–virtual seats are filling up quickly! Here’s all the information from HackGenealogy.com.

What Is a Genealogy Intensive™?

A Genealogy Intensive™ is a small group of similarly-minded genealogists with the same project goal. The group meets virtually over a six-week period. Once a week, participants meet online using GoToMeeting (similar to GoToWebinar which is popular with genealogy webinar attendees). There are work assignments that are interesting, engaging, and collaborative without being burdensome. In addition there is an online platform to share ideas, encouragement and ask questions at any time of the day or night. The group is closed, private and led by genealogy educators and authors, two of whom you probably already know: Lisa Alzo and Thomas MacEntee. These “coaches” offer encouragement and facilitate online discussions to lend inspiration, solve problems and make that ever-elusive project a reality.

So, bring your obsession. Bring your ideas, no matter how wacky they may seem. Bring your enthusiasm. Get ready for results. We’re talking action and doing. We’re talking feedback and support. Click here to read more about the Genealogy Intensive™ concept.

If you missed out on the Spring 2015 version of The Write Stuff (which sold out quickly) then here is your chance! Read below for more information on this six-week collaborative, results-driven, group coaching environment focusing on writing family history narratives. Like all of our Genealogy Intensive™ offerings, you’ll have access to the recordings, handouts, and the Facebook group during and even after the classes end. At Hack Genealogy there is never an “upcharge” for a collaborative environment and if you act now, you can register for the Early Bird price!

Note: A minimum of eight (8) paid participants are needed in order for a Genealogy Intensive™ to be successful. If the minimum is not met, your tuition will be refunded in full and you’ll be notified of the next Genealogy Intensive™.

Special Offer – Free Registration!

If The Write Stuff Fall 2015 fills up, with 13 registrants, we’ll draw one name and offer them a freebie – a full rebate on the registration fee!

Description

Are you excited about (or perhaps even a little obsessed with) the idea of getting your family history down in writing? Maybe you have self-doubts and fears about how to get started, what to write, and how to put it all together in a compelling way? If so, then this workshop is for you! During this six-week intensive, you will learn the key steps for producing a quality family history narrative from outline to finished product, ways to use “storyboarding” to plot your project, and how to build your writing skills, as well as your confidence as a writer. In addition, you will receive helpful tips, project management tools and a productivity toolbox to help keep you on track.

Through on-line instructional sessions, weekly assignments, and collaboration with other participants, you will have access to an instructor with more than 23 years of writing experience, who will teach you about key nonfiction writing techniques you can use to produce a “can’t put down” family history that will keep the pages turning for generations.

Key Goals of the Course

Learn writing skills and techniques to produce a quality family history; build on the skills each week.
Focus on getting a working draft.
Receive constructive and helpful feedback.
Overcome fears and anxiety about writing.
Have fun!

Coach Bio – Lisa Alzo

Lisa A. Alzo is a freelance writer, instructor, and lecturer with over 20 years’ experience in the field of genealogy. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and is the author of nine books, including: Finding Your Slovak Ancestors, Writing Your Family History Book, and the award-winning Three Slovak Women. Lisa has written hundreds of articles and her work has appeared in Family Tree Magazine, Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy,APG Quarterly, among others. An internationally recognized speaker, Lisa blogs as “The Accidental Genealogist” blog http://www.theaccidentalgenealogist.com. For more information seehttp://www.lisaalzo.com.

Schedule

Schedule

Week 1 – 5-11 October 2015

Online Session: Introductions and Goal Setting.
5 October 2015 via GoToMeeting
9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
Topic: What do you want to accomplish? What’s important to you and to the group? What does writing success look like to you?

Assignment Creating outlines and summaries

Facebook Group ActivitiesParticipants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week)

Week 2 – 12-18 October 2015

Online Session: Review Assignment.
Monday 12 October 2015 via GoToMeeting
9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
Topic: Review Assignment.

AssignmentStoryboarding

Facebook Group Activities Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week)

Week 3 – 19-25 October 2015

Online Session: Review Assignment.
Monday 19 October 2015 via GoToMeeting
9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
Topic: Review Assignment.

Assignment 500 words about a family treasure or photo.

Facebook Group Activities Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week)

Week 4 – 26 October – 1 November 2015

Online Session: Review Assignment.
Monday 26 October 2015 via GoToMeeting
9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
Topic: Review Assignment.

Assignment Oral history interview or ancestor profile sketch.

Facebook Group ActivitiesParticipants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week)

Week 5 – 2-8 November 2015

Online Session: Review Assignment.
Monday 2 November 2015 via GoToMeeting
9:00 pm EST / 8:00 pm CST 1 Hour, recorded.
Topic: Review Assignment.

Assignment Putting it all together – 1200 word narrative

Facebook Group ActivitiesParticipants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week)

Week 6 – 9 November 2015

Online Session: Wrap-up
9 November 2015 via GoToMeeting
9:00 pm EST / 8:00 pm CST 1 Hour, recorded.
Topic: Conclusion and what we’ve learned.

Facebook GroupThank you, good-byes, next steps

Register

The cost to attend a The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive™ over a six week period is $129 per person. A special discounted price of $99 will be available during the early registration period.

Before you register and make payment, please read the Genealogy Intensive™ Terms and Conditions as well as the Participant Policies.

If you’re ready to be a part of The Write Stuff, Fall 2015 (5 October – 9 November 2015), then click here to register and pay via PayPal*

* You do not need a PayPal account to make payment; you can use a credit card via PayPal.

Money-Back Guarantee

We get it. You’re taking a chance with us on a new, radical format for online genealogy education. If you are willing to do the work and commit to the format of a Genealogy Intensive™, we’re certain you’ll be happy. More than happy. More importantly, you’ll finally get that project done!

If at any time you are not satisfied with the content or format of the Genealogy Intensive™, we’ll gladly refund your money.

[Disclosure: I have been hired as a freelance instructor for this intensive by HackGenealogy, and I will receive an instructor’s fee for leading this intensive.]

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