So another year has come to an end. Surely I can’t be the only one who wonders where 2018 went? It was a busy year and as I look back on everything I experienced it hardly seems possible we are ready to usher in 2019.
Last year, I chose the word “Create” as my word for the year. I followed through with putting creativity front and center in my work.
Writing
I wrote 25 articles in 2018. This number was down from previous years because I spent more time writing and developing online courses (see below). Besides my gigs as a regular contributor to Internet Genealogy, Your Genealogy Today, and Family Tree Magazine, I contributed articles to genealogy society publications and newsletters and wrote blog posts for Legacy Family Tree. I also worked on updating a book on Eastern European genealogy for Family Roots Publishing.
In November I completed NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) working on a True Crime story. The project will require dedicated and extensive revisions, but I’m hoping to publish the book sometime in 2019.
Webinars
In 2018, I presented webinars to various societies and organizations in the United States and to worldwide audiences via Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
Online Teaching and Coaching
In September I launched my new online course site, Research, Write, Connect and have enjoyed the opportunities to coach many aspiring family history writers in The Write Stuff: Telling the Story and The Write Stuff II: Advancing the Story. These courses are available now (no start or end dates) and you can sign up at any time.
In addition, The National Institute for Genealogical Studies launched the Eastern European Genealogy Research Certificate consisting of courses I wrote in 2017 and 2018 (this was a a true accomplishment). I also continued as an online course moderator for Family Tree University.
Conferences
In 2018, I traveled to present sessions (over 50 of them) at genealogy conferences in Burbank*, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Salt Lake City and Northwest Washington and was a featured speaker for genealogy or library events in Baltimore, Illinois, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Olympia (Washington). The highlight of my year was giving the banquet talk for the 25th annual Foundation of East European Family History Studies conference in August. I will be hitting the road again in 2019 to present at many genealogy events.
Watch this blog for more information!
Ready for 2019!
I have selected the word “Simplify” as my word for 2019. One of my favorite books I read during 2018 is Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life.
I have attempted to put many of the tips in that book into practice, clearing away physical and mental clutter to simplify all aspects of my life. I have started to work on making some major changes and releasing whatever does not bring me joy.
I would like to extend a special thank you to my readers for your continued support in 2018.
I wish you all good things for 2019!
Copyright 2018, Lisa A. Alzo, All Rights Reserved
[Disclosure: The above post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission].
