Category Archives: family history writing

Five Free Scrivener Resources to Help You Share Your Stories

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Are you struggling with writing your family history? Looking for a tool that can streamline the process? 

If you haven’t yet tried Scrivener–a multifaceted writing and project management tool that you can use to plan, organize, and write your family history–then perhaps 2018 is the year you will want to take it for a test drive. 

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Scrivener, developed by the company Literature and Latte.  I started using Scrivener back in 2011 and first mentioned its usefulness as a writing tool for genealogists in a webinar for Legacy Family Tree Webinars in 2011. I frequently present on how to use Scrivener at genealogy conferences and for webinars.

I have rounded up a list of five FREE Scrivener resources to help you get started so you can share your stories. Three of the resources are products I have created and the remaining two are general resources.

1. Scrivener Software Free Trial.  You can try Scrivener for free for 30 days (and that is 30 days of actual use, not calendar days). And if you decide you like it, and wish to buy the full version, I have a special discount code for you.

Use LisaAlzo at checkout to save 20% off of your purchase of a regular license using the links below:

Scrivener for Mac

Scrivener for Windows

The coupon is NOT valid for Scrivener for iOS (iPhone/iPad). Learn more here.

2. Storyboard Your Family History with Scrivener. Get a basic overview of how to use Scrivener to create a visual outline (storyboard) for all of your writing projects. Click here to access the free presentation and accompanying handout.

3. Scrivener for Genealogists Facebook Group. Interact with fellow genealogists who use Scrivener in a closed Facebook group. In Facebook, search for Scrivener for Genealogists and send a request to join.

4. Scrivener Handouts and Templates. Visit the Free Scrivener Resources page on my website to download the free handout “25 Scrivener Hacks Every Genealogist Should Know“ and the free Ancestor Profile Scrivener template.

5. Free Previews: Scrivener for Genealogists Webinar Series – Legacy Family Tree Webinars. If you are a bonus member of Family Tree Webinars ($49.95 per year), you can watch the five full-length webinars I presented on Scrivener.  You can preview a snippet of each one on Legacy, but must be a bonus subscriber to watch the recordings in their entirety.

 Other Resources

Scrivener QuickSheets (PDF) – Because I want you to love using Scrivener as much as I do, I am discounting my popular Scrivener for Genealogists QuickSheet (you can choose Mac or Windows) – Save 50% through 24 January 2018.

Click here to purchase the Mac version PDF – use coupon code: scrivmac50

Click here to purchase the Windows version PDF – use coupon code: scrivwin50

The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive. Put your writing plan into action through my six-week course that you can start and complete whenever it is most convenient for your schedule. In Week 2, participants are encouraged to use Scrivener to create a storyboard for their writing project. For the month of January, I am offering a $40.00 discount off the regular price. Learn more here.  Use coupon code: writenow to get your discount.


With so many free resources available, there are plenty of ways to learn more about Scrivener. I know once I started using it my writing productivity soared!  Now I can’t imagine starting any writing project without it!

[Disclosure: Thank you for supporting The Accidental Genealogist by using the affiliate links on this website. While I receive a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase, this does not increase the cost to you in any way. See my full disclosure page for more information.]
Copyright, 2018, Lisa A. Alzo, All Rights Reserved
http://theaccidentalgenealogist.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Announcing Fall into Family History Month Webinar: Saturday 30 September 2017!

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I’m pleased to announce that registration is open for a special Fall into Family History Webinar on Saturday, 30 September 2017. 


I will be teaming up with my friend and colleague, Denise Levenick aka The Family Curator, and we want to help you kick-off your next family history writing or photo project.

Yes, we know this is short notice, but Denise and I were talking last week about how we could combine our areas of expertise to encourage and inspire genealogists to share their family photographs and stories. Since October is Family History Month, we decided to seize the moment!

The online seminar will take place on Saturday 30, September 2017 starting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific time. Cost is just $19.95. There will be two sessions, which will include Q&A and we will also draw for some fun prizes.

Session 1: Organizing Your Family History Writing Project 
with Lisa Alzo, will show you how to:

  • confront and conquer writer’s block
  • use storyboarding to organize your ideas
  • find and use pro writer’s tools for outlines, timelines, mind maps and more
  • generate and discover new ideas to bring your stories to life 


Session 2: Selecting and Preparing Images for Your Family History Project 
with Denise Levenick, will help you know:

  • what to look for when choosing snapshots and digital images
  • minimum requirements for image size and resolution
  • how to organize images for easy access and publication
  • the three photo edits every picture needs
  • how to convert file formats for your project 

Limited seats available. All paid registrants will receive links to watch the recordings and will receive the handouts, so if you can’t attend the live webinars on Saturday, you can still register and watch later on your own schedule.

Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, 29, September 2017.  Click here to register or learn more. 



If you are ready to jumpstart a project this October, then register TODAY for the Fall into Family History Month Saturday Seminar.


[Disclosure: The above post is an advertisement for a paid webinar I will be presenting]

Copyright 2017, Lisa A. Alzo, All Rights Reserved

http://theaccidentalgenealogist.blogspot.com/atom.xml

10 + 1 Year Blogiversary for the Accidental Genealogist

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Normally people don’t make it a point to celebrate the 11th milestone of anything.

 For wedding anniversaries, steel (which represents strength), is the traditional material of the eleventh anniversary. It is not shiny (like gold, silver, or diamonds), but rather it is a practical, sturdy material.

 Today, I mark 11 years posting as The Accidental Genealogist. Last year I completely missed acknowledging my 10th blogiversary (ten is one of those milestone numbers). I don’t know how I forgot, but the date came and went without any post from me.  So this year, I was determined to remember and write a post marking my years blogging.


 However, while searching online for information about the number 11, I came across some interesting information, including about how the number is recognized in numerology. Apparently,  11, 1, 11, 111, and 1111 in “Angel Numbers” all mean: “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts are manifesting instantly into form. Focus only upon your desires and not upon your fears.”

 So I have chosen this as a sort of appropriate theme for my 11th year of blogging–a decade +1 year of blogging and still going strong.

 As a brief retrospective, I have selected the following 11 posts as my favorites (not necessarily in any particular order).


1. Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History Month (The very first post launching my popular blogging prompts series I have hosted every March from 2010-2017; posted February 28, 2010)

 2. Sojourn in Slovakia (Series about my first visit to Slovakia, posted June 15, 2010)

 3. Sojourn in Slovakia: The Sequel (series about my return trip to Slovakia, posted July 01, 2012)

 4. Ten Genealogy Lessons I Learned from My Mother (posted May 10, 2015) 

5. Ten Genealogy Lessons I Learned from My Father (posted June 21, 2015).

 6. Ten Things I Miss About Dad: Remembering John Alzo 1925-2005 (posted  November 27, 2015)

 7. Free Video for The Write Stuff: Using Nonfiction Writing Techniques to Write a Better Family History(the post I wrote about celebrating 25 years as a nonfiction writer, posted March 20, 2015)

 8. Family History Writing on the Go! Review of Scrivener for iOS (posted July 20, 2016)

 9.The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive Returns! (posted February 23, 2017)
For more information on my popular course, click here.

 10. Advent Calendar: December 1, 2009 (my first post for the Blogging prompt series Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories, posted December 1, 2009)

 11. No Looking Back: Why I’m Choosing Myself in 2016! (posted December 31, 2015)
Even though an event (such as my 10th blogiversary) passes without recognition, there is no harm in revisiting it.  Also, as I move on from year 11, I am looking forward to what new topics about genealogy and writing will inspire future posts for this blog. 

 Copyright 2017, Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved

http://theaccidentalgenealogist.blogspot.com/atom.xml

The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive Returns! Save 30% Now – Build Your Family History Writing Skills

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It’s back! The popular family history writing course, The Write Stuff, returns with a new format. 

Recently, The Write Stuff Spring 2017, sold out with more than 40 total participants!
Is writing a family history based on many years of genealogy research one of your “I’ll get to it someday” goals? Are you looking for more than just the standard genealogy report . . . do you want something that you can publish and share with family? Are you interested in crafting ancestor profiles and allowing their stories to “pop” off the page? Then you need to be a part of The Write Stuff – a Genealogy Intensive™ offering.
What Is a Genealogy Intensive™?
A Genealogy Intensive™ is a small group of similarly-minded genealogists with the same project goal—to write and share family stories.  The redesigned course is a self-paced online learning experience with instructional videos and five writing assignments that are interesting, engaging, and collaborative without being burdensome.  Participants are coached by nonfiction author and genealogy educator Lisa Alzo who will be on hand to offer encouragement and facilitate online discussions to lend inspiration, solve problems and help you to make that ever-elusive project a reality.  A private Facebook group serves as your “online classroom” where you can interact with your coach and fellow family history writers to share ideas, seek encouragement, and ask questions at any time of the day or night.  The online platform will also serve as the “workshop” space—an intimidation-free environment where you can post your writing for feedback as well as read and comment on the projects of your fellow writers.  In addition, Lisa will periodically hold live chats in the Facebook group where you can get answers to your questions about writing and publishing.
And the best part is since it is a self-paced, there are no set dates and you can begin the course whenever it is convenient for you!
So, bring your obsession. Bring your ideas, no matter how impossible they may seem. Bring your enthusiasm. Get ready for results. We’re talking action and doing. We’re talking feedback and support. 
If you missed out on previous versions of The Write Stuff (which sold out quickly) then here is your chance! Read below for more information on this revamped, collaborative, results-driven, group coaching environment focusing on writing family history narratives.  Once you make your purchase, you’ll have access to the recordings, handouts, and the Facebook group indefinitely.  In addition, the first 25 participants to purchase The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive course will receive one (1) free 15-minute personal Skype consultation with your coach Lisa Alzo.
What’s New?
In an effort to constantly improve our products and educational services, we have changed the format of The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive to make it easier than ever for you to succeed! Key features of our revised program include:
  • No official start or end date! You receive an email with links to all videos and assignments and YOU choose when you start and finish.  However, for you to get the most out of this experience and meet your writing goals, it is recommended that you aim for one lesson and assignment per week (approximately 6 weeks of dedicated work).
  • The private Facebook group is the main hub of activity – you decide how much or how little you want to interact with your coach and fellow writers
  • Periodic Facebook Chats replace the scheduled live GoToWebinar sessions included in previous offerings of The Write Stuff. These Facebook events may be announced in advance or may be impromptu as decided by your coach. Facebook-hosted events will be recorded so you can view them if you can’t attend live.
Testimonials
While our format has changed, our commitment to helping you in your writer’s journey has not. But don’t just take our word for it. Here are some comments from previous Write Stuff students:
“Your Write Stuff Seminar empowered me to write my family history.   Your gentle guidance and a supportive group helped me see that I am indeed a writer!  I appreciated the weekly meetings, the prompts, and the opportunity to share my work with others.  And I loved exploring the variety of forms one’s family history might take. You inspired me to express myself and in so doing leave a family legacy.   Thank you Lisa.” – Kathy
“Genealogy Intensive gave my family history writing a big boost. From it, I developed the habit of writing every day. Genealogy Intensive led me to understand just how important that is to do. After the class was over, I started a family blog to publish some of that writing and to get it ‘out there’ for others to read. The blog provided other rewards, including increasing their interest and involvement in our family’s history. One of the cousins that I do genealogy work with told me “I love the way you write”. Most importantly, I decided how to write my family history book by choosing a format to use through the storyboarding technique taught in the classes.” – Mary-Angus Yanke
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 of resources to help keep you on track.
Through on-line instructional videos, weekly assignments, and collaboration with other participants, you will have access to an instructor with more than 27 years’ 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. NOTE: While Facebook is not required, participants will reap the most benefits from the collaborative environment by accessing the Facebook Group for The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive.
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.
  • Work at your own pace.
  • 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 and has been a genealogist for more than 27 years. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and is the author of eleven 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 see http://www.lisaalzo.com.
Schedule
(A guideline for working at your own pace)
Topic 1
  • Video: Setting Writing Goals
  • Assignment #1
    1) Outline your family history writing goal. Various tools will be provided to explore different ways to create an outline.
    2) Compose a short elevator pitch (no more than 2-3 sentences) that succinctly summarizes your project. A sample will be provided.
  • Facebook Group: Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor.
Topic 2
  • Video 2: Plot, Plan, and Scheme: Storyboard Your Family History Project
  • Assignment #2
    Storyboard your project idea. Write by hand on index cards and then scan them or photograph them to share; or use a program such as Scrivener or Index Card App or StorySkeleton.
  • Facebook Group: Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor.
Topic 3
  • Video 3: Tap into Family Treasures
  • Assignment #3
    Tap into Family Treasures: write 500 words using a photo or document or heirloom or keepsake as your prompt. Instructor will provide a sample.
  • Facebook Group: Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor.
Topic 4
  • Video 4: Character Development through Oral History and Profile
  • Assignment #4
    Choose one
    1) Write from a memory or an oral history interview (500 words). Instructor will provide a sample.
    2) Write a profile or character sketch of an ancestor of your choice (500 words). Instructor will provide a sample.
  • Facebook Group: Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor.
Topic 5
  • Video 5: Shaping Your Story Using Plot and Structure
  • Assignment #5
    Putting it all together. Building on the skills you learned in the previous weeks, and using your outline, write a 1200 word narrative (approximately 2 pages) about your ancestor or family. Instructor will provide an example.
  • Facebook Group: Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor.
Additional Materials
  • Bonus Video: Top Ten Tips for Family History Writing
Register
The cost to participate in The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive™ is $129 per person. A special discounted price of $89 will be available during the early registration period. Early registration ends on Tuesday, February 28th at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time! You must use promo code FRUGALGEN at checkout to get this special deal!
If you’re ready to be a part of The Write Stuff, 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.
30-Day 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 you are not satisfied with the content or format of the Genealogy Intensive™, we’ll gladly refund your money within 30 calendar days from date of purchase.

Copyright 2017, Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved
http://theaccidentalgenealogist.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Black Friday Special – Save an Extra $10 on The Write Stuff Genealogy Writing Intensive Spring 2017!

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It’s back! Our popular family history writing course, The Write Stuff, returns for the Spring 2017 season starting January 2nd! Come join me, Lisa Alzo and my colleague, Thomas MacEntee on a a six-week collaborative, results-driven, group coaching environment focused on writing family history narratives.  And for BLACK FRIDAY ONLY, save an extra $10 on your registration fee!


Is “write up all of my years of genealogy research” one of your goals for 2017? Are you looking for more than just the standard genealogy report . . . do you want something that you can publish and share with family? Are you interested in crafting ancestor profiles and allowing their stories to “pop” off the page? Then you need to be a part of The Write Stuff – a Genealogy Intensive™ offering.

Here are the details from the HackGenealogy Website:

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 GoToTraining (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 Fall 2016 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™.
Testimonials
Here is what past students of The Write Stuff have to say:
“Your Write Stuff Seminar empowered me to write my family history.   Your gentle guidance and a supportive group helped me see that I am indeed a writer!  I appreciated the weekly meetings, the prompts, and the opportunity to share my work with others.  And I loved exploring the variety of forms one’s family history might take. You inspired me to express myself and in so doing leave a family legacy.   Thank you Lisa.” – Kathy
“Genealogy Intensive gave my family history writing a big boost. From it, I developed the habit of writing every day. Genealogy Intensive led me to understand just how important that is to do. After the class was over, I started a family blog to publish some of that writing and to get it ‘out there’ for others to read. The blog provided other rewards, including increasing their interest and involvement in our family’s history. One of the cousins that I do genealogy work with told me “I love the way you write”. Most importantly, I decided how to write my family history book by choosing a format to use through the storyboarding technique taught in the classes.” – Mary-Angus Yanke
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. NOTE: While Facebook is not required, participants will reap the most benefits from the collaborative environment by accessing the Facebook Group for The Write Stuff Spring 2017.
Key Goals of the Course
  1. Learn writing skills and techniques to produce a quality family history; build on the skills each week.
  2. Focus on getting a working draft.
  3. Receive constructive and helpful feedback.
  4. Overcome fears and anxiety about writing.
  5. Have fun!
Coach Bio – Lisa Alzo
Lisa A. 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 see http://www.lisaalzo.com.
Schedule
Week 1: 2-8 January 2017
  • Video: Setting Writing Goals
  • Assignment #1
1) Outline your family history writing goal. Various tools will be provided to explore different ways to create an outline.
2) Compose a short elevator pitch (no more than 2-3 sentences) that succinctly summarizes your project. A sample will be provided.
  • Facebook Group
    • Introductions
    • Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week).
Week 2: 9-15 January 2017
  • Online Session: Introductions, Goal Setting and Review Assignment #1
    9 January 2017 via GoToTraining
    9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
    Topic: What do you want to accomplish? What’s important to you? What does writing success look like to you?
  • Video: Plot, Plan, and Scheme: Storyboard Your Family History Project
  • Assignment #2
    • Storyboard your project idea. Write by hand on index cards and then scan them or photograph them to share; or use a program such as Scrivener or Index Card App or StorySkeleton.
  • Facebook Group:
    • Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week).
Week 3: 16-22 January 2017
  • Video: Tap into Family Treasures
  • Assignment #3
    • Tap into Family Treasures: write 500 words using a photo or document or heirloom or keepsake as your prompt. Instructor will provide a sample.
  • Facebook Group:
    • Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week).
Week 4: 23-30 January 2017
  • Online Session: Review Assignments #2 and #3
    23 January 2017 via GoToTraining
    9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
    Topic: Review Assignments #2 and #3.
  • Video: Character Development through Oral History and Profile
  • Assignment #4
Choose one
1) Write from a memory or an oral history interview (500 words). Instructor will provide a sample.
2) Write a profile or character sketch of an ancestor of your choice (500 words). Instructor will provide a sample.
  • Facebook Group:
    • Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week).
Week 5: 31 January-6 February 2017
  • Video: Shaping Your Story Using Plot and Structure
  • Assignment #5
    • Putting it all together. Building on the skills you learned in the previous weeks, and using your outline, write a 1200 word narrative (approximately 2 pages) about your ancestor or family. Instructor will provide an example.
  • Facebook Group:
    • Participants ask questions on assignment; share resources; respond to prompts from instructor (2 prompts each week).
Week 6: 6-13 February 2017
  • Online Session: Review Assignments #4 and #5, Wrap-Up.
    13 February 2017 via GoToTraining
    9:00 pm EST / 8:00 pm CST 1 Hour, recorded
    Topic: Review Assignments #4 and #5 and Wrap-Up.
  • Video: Top Ten Tips for Family History Writing
  • Facebook Group:
    • Thank 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. Early registration ends on Monday, December 19th!
Black Friday Special: Use coupon code bf2016 at checkout, and save an extra $10! Your final price is $89! Offer good through Friday, November 25th, 2016!
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, Spring 2017 (2 January – 13 February 2017), 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.

Copyright 2016, Lisa A. Alzo and Thomas MacEntee, All Rights Reserved

http://theaccidentalgenealogist.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Family History Writing on the Go! Review of Scrivener for iOS

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Well, fellow genealogists, if you have anxiously been waiting as I have for the release of the Scrivener for iOS App (for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch) the wait is finally over!  The Scrivener for iOs App was released today (20 July 2016) and is available for purchase in the Apple App Store. Unfortunately, Android users, you are out of luck for now.  Click here to learn more.

Scrivener for iPad App, photo by Lisa A. Alzo



Let me tell you…it was definitely worth the wait! I was so excited to get this app that I set an alarm and downloaded it in the early hours of the morning! I immediately (well, after coffee, of course) started testing it out and below are my thoughts so far.  If you are on the fence about dropping the $19.99 for this app, I hope this review will help you decide.


What is Scrivener?

If you are not already familiar with Scrivener, it is a powerful combination word processing and project management tool by Literature and Latte. You can purchase Scrivener for Windows ($40 USD) or Scrivener for Mac ($45 USD). [I am a Scrivener affiliate, so if you happen to click the links and purchase the program, I will receive a small commission].

I have been using Scrivener since the early days, and first talked about it in a webinar I presented on Writing Your Family History for LegacyFamilyTree Webinars (2011). I have presented Scrivener workshops at conferences and in two online boot camps for HackGenealogy.  [You can purchase the digital downloads here]. 

I also wrote a Scrivener for Genealogists QuickSheet (available for Mac and Windows in laminated print versions and as a PDF digital download). Click here for more information or to purchase.

Getting Started

When you first open the app, there is a brief walk through.  Then you will see the main screen, which is where you will see your projects. You can “tap” to create and name a new project.

Projects Screen in Scrivener App. Photo by Lisa A. Alzo



Initial Housekeeping and Syncing 

If you intend to work with Scrivener both on your iOS devices AND your PC (Windows) or Mac, you will want to do some initial setup.  First of all, make sure you update to the latest version of Scrivener for the platform(s) you use.  For Windows, this is Scrivener 1.9.5. Select “Check for Updates” from the “Help” menu within Scrivener itself and follow the on-screen instructions. For Mac,the latest version is 2.8. Under Scrivener in the File Menu, select “Check for Updates” and follow the instructions.


Scrivener for iOS supports Dropbox syncing and this makes it easy to share projects between your iOS device and Scrivener for Mac or PC. You will need to link your Dropbox account (if you don’t have one you will need to sign up at Dropbox.com).  By default, Scrivener will create and sync with the Dropbox/Apps/Scrivener folder. You can change this and sync with any folder you wish (but it is best to choose an empty folder or one with only Scrivener projects).

Views

The top-level project view shows the binder on the left with a folder for the manuscript itself, the Research folder and the Trash (and other folders depending on your project template/setup). This view will be very familiar to anyone who uses the full Scrivener programs. 

In the project view, you can expand the contents of as many of these folders as needed to see everything at once. To do this in the iOS version, you simply swipe left on any section and an ‘Expand’ option appears. (this takes a little time to get used to since most other apps use that action for ‘delete’). You can also collapse sections. 

Fearless Females eBook written in Scrivener. Photo by Lisa A. Alzo


You can do this with sub-folders too, revealing as much or as little as you like in the binder. The indents are not as prominent since there is limited space on an iPad. 

Text view on Scrivener iOS app. Photo by Lisa A. Alzo

Swiping left on an individual document pulls up a sub-menu, that shows “More” and “Move”. You can then choose “More” and “Move to Trash” (Scrivener’s equivalent of “Delete”).  Tapping “Move” will let you move the item to another folder (including Trash).  You can retrieve the document if you need to; to really delete it you will need to go into the “Trash” folder itself and choose “Delete”. The plus sign to add new documents is there, as is the search (magnifying glass). Pinch to make the text larger or smaller in the main editor. 

Corkboard

Scrivener’s awesome Corkboard view is only available when you are using Scrivener for iOS on an iPad (not iPhone). You can see it indicated by the icon with the four small squares. Simply tap on the icon to see access the Corkboard view. You can also go to the top bar and click between the Corkboard icon and page icon.

Corkboard view in Scrivener iOS app (iPad ONLY). Photo by Lisa A. Alzo



And good news for those looking for the Inspector—it’s in the iOS version too.  Click on the “i” icon across the top to toggle it on (it will show up on the left instead of the right-hand side as in the full version). Click it again to toggle off. (On iPhone you have to look for the “i” at the bottom when you click on a document–you can set labels and add notes here too).

In the full version of Scrivener, there is the very helpful Scrivenings view that allows you to scroll through the complete manuscript. There is a similar view in the iOS version—click on the icon with the three lines on it on the bottom bar to open “Draft Preview”, but note that this is read-only: you currently can’t edit text in this mode (because of memory limitations and other constraints on an iOS device). However, if you do find something you would like to edit, you can double-tap on the text in this view and it will open the relevant document to allow the edits.

Labels

One of my favorite features of Scrivener is being able to add color-coded and status labels to help me easily visualize different parts of a writing project and track my progress. I was pleased to see this ‘Label’ function, is supported by the iOS version. 
Adding colored or status labels is accomplished with doing a long-hold on a document and choosing “Labels” (and the desired colors) or Status as desired. This also allows you to add notes, which show up in the corkboard view.


Saving and Syncing

The “autosave” feature of Scrivener has always been a favorite of mine. Also, the ability to sync (via Dropbox) to Scrivener on my Mac or PC has really provided flexibility for me as a writer, so I am glad that the sync features work on iOS too. On iOS, Scrivener auto-syncs every time you return to the main screen or open a project. However, if you are obsessive about syncing, you can perform a manual sync at any time by tapping the gear icon bottom-left and then “Sync Now.”

If you are an experienced Scrivener user, you likely know that the program warns against having two copies of your project open at the same time on different devices. If you do try to open it on a second computer while it’s already open on another one, Scrivener will warn you not to proceed and tells you what the consequences will be if you do. I find it good practice to close completely out of any projects I have worked on in one device before I access it on a different one.  

Other Favorite Features

On the bottom of the binder at the left you will see some icons to help you with various tasks such as project settings, compile, adding folders or files, etc.  The iOS version also shows your word count (so important for writers!). 


Tutorial

I highly recommend going through the built-in iOS tutorial (it is under “Help” in the Projects screen) to familiarize yourself with all of the key features and nuances.

Scrivener iOS tutorial. Photo by Lisa A. Alzo


Stay Tuned

As I continue to use Scrivener for iOS for my writing (and I know I will be using it a lot), I will write additional posts here on specific features.  Watch for some video tutorials too!  

For now I will just say how much I love seeing that little Scrivener icon on my iPad (on my iPhone too, although to be honest I don’t do much heavy writing or editing on my iPhone). As noted above, and as you will read in the Scrivener for iOS documentation, the iPhone version is slightly different and may not have all of the functionalities you are looking for if you are used to other versions of Scrivener.

But this is not a deal breaker for me. Previously, I had been using a few third-party apps that acted “like Scrivener” but they really just didn’t cut it. It also makes me happy that I can take my family history and creative nonfiction writing projects with me wherever I go without having to always carry my laptop.  I am so glad that team at Literature and Latte took their time developing this app—it is every bit worth the wait and the price! 


Copyright, 2016, Lisa A. Alzo, All Rights Reserved
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