Category Archives: Genealogy Writing Intensive

Are You Ready to Write Your Family History in 2018?

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Is writing a family history one of your goals for 2018?  Are you ready to compile all those years of research into a compelling narrative? Need a project to complete while waiting for your DNA test results to arrive? The New Year is the perfect time to dive in and share those family stories!


My popular course, The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive–a six-week writing workshop will show you how!  Click here to register before 31 December 2017 to save over 30% off the regular price: Normally $129.00, now just $89.99 – Use code NYEWRITE at checkout.

What is The Write Stuff Genealogy Intensive?

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.
Start Whenever You are Ready
There is no official start or end date for the Write Stuff workshop, so you can work at your own pace and still receive valuable feedback on your writing from your coach!
Through online instructional sessions, 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!
For more information and to register, visit https://www.lisaalzo.com/writestuffdetails and remember to use promo code NYEWRITE at checkout to save 30%! Sale valid through Sunday, December 31st.

[Disclosure: The above is a paid course where I am the coach/instructor and receive an instructor’s fee as compensation].

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

Back to School: The Write Stuff Genealogy Writing Intensive – Starts 10 October 2016!

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It’s hard to believe summer is over we are in “Back to School” mode again!

If you spent your summer doing genealogy research, or visiting with your living kin, perhaps you are ready to write your family history! 

And, just in time, another session of the The Write Stuff: Genealogy Writing Intensive will be starting on 10 October!  



Below is the official announcement from Hack Genealogy. Click here to reserve your spot today!

###

It’s back! Our popular family history writing course, The Write Stuff, returns for the Fall 2016 season starting October 10th!
Is “write up all of my years of genealogy research” one of your goals for 2016? 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. 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 Spring 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:
“I loved the Intensive. This is not just a “get an assignment, talk once a week” type of course. The very active Facebook group where Lisa checked in all the time helped keep up the energy all week long. Besides the standard handouts, many other resources, articles and other helpful tips and links were shared during the week. This is the perfect way to get your writing started or get it back on track if you’re stalled.” – Diana Ritchie
“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
Special Offer – Free Registration!
If The Write Stuff Spring 2016 fills up, with 20 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
  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” bloghttp://www.theaccidentalgenealogist.com. For more information see http://www.lisaalzo.com.
Schedule
Week 1: 10-17 October 2016
  • Online Session: Introductions and Goal Setting.
    10 October 2016 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: Setting Writing Goals
  • Week 2 Assignment1) 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: 18-23 October 2016
  • Video: Plot, Plan, and Scheme: Storyboard Your Family History Project
  • Week 3 Assignment
    • Storyboard your project idea. You may choose to prepare your storyboard in whatever format that works for you:  For example: Write by hand on index cards and then scan them or photograph them to share; or use Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or 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: 24-30 October 2016
  • Online Session: Review Week 2 and 3 Assignments.
    24 October 2016 via GoToTraining
    9:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CDT 1 Hour, recorded.
    Topic: Review Week 2 and 3 Assignments.
  • Video: Tap into Family Treasures
  • Week 4 Assignment
    • 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: 30 October – 6 November 2016
  • Video: Character Development through Oral History and Profile
  • Week 5 Assignment
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: 7-13 November 2016
  • Video: Shaping Your Story Using Plot and Structure
  • Week 6 Assignment
    • 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: 14 November 2016
  • Online Session: Review Week 4 and 5 Assignments.
    14 November 2016 via GoToTraining
    9:00 pm EST / 8:00 pm CST 1 Hour, recorded
    Topic: Review Week 4 and 5 Assignments 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, October 3rd!
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 2016 (10 October – 14 November 2016), 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
Genealogy Writing Intensive promotional materials, copyright 2016, Thomas MacEntee
All Rights Reserved

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Why You Should Write a Family History in 2016: Last Call to Register for The Write Stuff Genealogy Writing Intensive

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Have you been putting off writing that family history?  Is it a task you keep leaving on your “I’ll get to it someday” list? 

Here are three tips to make 2016 the year you FINALLY stop procrastinating and start writing. 

Image Credit: Fotolia.com (Author: thinglass)


And if you need some encouragement, there’s still time to register for The Write Stuff Genealogy Writing Intensive that begins on 11 January 2016.


No More Excuses!

Most genealogists I know are dedicated, passionate, and persistent.  We’ll spend countless hours researching online databases, in courthouses or libraries, travel across the country or around the world to walk in our great-grandma’s footsteps, and even go to extreme measures to “dig up the dirt” on that “black sheep” uncle. But, when it comes to compiling the years of research, charts, photographs, and other data into an interesting, informative, and captivating format, how many of us become creatively paralyzed before our fingers even hit the keyboard?  Perhaps, we don’t know where to start, we’re overwhelmed by the amount of information we’ve gathered, or we simply say “I don’t have time.” 

If you are ready to get serious about documenting the stories of your ancestors, here are three tips.

1. Think like a writer, not a genealogist. The first thing you need to do is get over your “fear of writing.”  Many people mistakenly believe they need to have formal training in order to write a family narrative.  I was a writer before I was a genealogist (this is the reason I call my Blog “The Accidental Genealogist”), and I consider myself more of a story gatherer as opposed to a name collector, so I’m always looking for the best ways to record, store, and share information. You may not have the same training or experience, but don’t be intimidated.  You can do it—you may just need more practice!

2. Have a focus.  Decide what it is you want to write.  Is it a 250-page book?  A series of profiles, or character sketches?  A house history?  Do you want to focus on one particular ancestor, one family, or several generations?  Take some time to think about what story you want to tell and write down your writing goals and the steps you will take to achieve them. Then, set reasonable and realistic deadlines and stick to them.

3. Play Favorites.  A popular piece of advice given to writers is: “Write what you know.” You can apply this to family history writing as well.  It will be much harder to write about an ancestor for whom you have very little information, so choose a good candidate.  You can also select a favorite ancestor or one who has a “juicy” backstory.  Start with the “easy” subjects before you tackle the harder ones.

These are just a few of the topics I will address in The Write Stuff Genealogy Writing Intensive starting on 11 January 2016.

There are still a couple of spots left, so if you are willing to take writing a family history off of the “someday” list, now is your chance. Click here for more details and to register.


You CAN do this!

[Disclosure: I have been hired as a freelance instructor this intensive by HackGenealogy, and I will be receive payment for leading this intensive.]

©2016, copyright Lisa A. Alzo. All rights reserved.

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