Trying Again: Another Chance at the Genealogy Do-Over ~ Review of The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook

Thank goodness for genealogy second chances….

I need to re-do my Genealogy Do-Over I tried last year. I confess I did not get very far and had to stop just two weeks into it. But this time I have a secret weapon, and it is called The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook, recently published by Thomas MacEntee.



Finally…the book so many genealogists (myself included) have been waiting for is here! I have been a genealogist for more than 25 years, but when I started out, I didn’t know much about methodology or how to properly format source citations, or even how to find the best resources. I learned through trial and error and by making plenty of mistakes along the way. 

So in January 2015, when Thomas MacEntee shared this concept with the genealogical community, I made the decision that a “do-over” was just what I needed. [See my post, “Embracing My Mistakes: Why I Am Participating in the “Genealogy Do-Over” in 2015“]. 

But life got in the way and I had to stop after just a few weeks. While the guidelines for the Genealogy Do-Over were posted online and through a Facebook group, many genealogists were asking for a book version. 

Newly released, The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook is an easy-to-follow, success driven program designed to help genealogists improve their skills, Whether you have been working on your genealogy for two months or 20 years, The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook will help you learn and/or review the key research concepts and techniques, and discover the tools and technologies you need to be a better genealogist so that you can effectively share your family history information with future generations. The best part is that if I get sidetracked again, I can always use the workbook to start the Do-Over at a time that is more convenient for me.

Now that I have this Kindle version, I am armed and ready to “redo” my own “Genealogy Do-Over” in 2016!

Yes, thank goodness for genealogy second chances…and in some instances, third and fourth…

UPDATE AS OF 06 JANUARY 2016: The paperback version of the The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook is now available to order at Amazon.

[Note:  I purchased this Kindle book on my own and have not received any form of compensation in exchange for this review. The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Disclosure: Articles on this website may use affiliate links.  Please see my Disclosure Policy in the About section for more information]
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Are You Ready to Write that Family History? Get Started in January with Genealogy Intensive™ – The Write Stuff Spring 2016

Do you need a push to finally write that family history book in 2016? Will weekly motivation from writing coaches and fellow writers help you to put those fingers to the keyboard? 


Then, don’t miss your chance to sign up for The Write Stuff Spring 2016 Genealogy Intensive™  offered through HackGenealogy.com. In this six week, interactive course (11 January – 15 February 2016), you will build your skills as a writer and learn about the tools and techniques to produce a quality family history. [And yes, the course starts in January, but we are calling it the Spring 2016 session – we prefer to “Think Spring” instead of Winter!]




Previous sessions (including the Fall 2015 installment) of The Write Stuff sold out quickly! Reserve your spot for the new session now by clicking here to register.



Why Am I Doing This?

As avid genealogists, we collect names, dates, places, and sources, and these are all essential to us learning about who we are. But a total family history is so much more just charts and graphs, boxes and lines, or references. Writing about our ancestors and our heritage gives context, meaning, and purpose to all of the facts we have collected, and I want to help you to learn how to lose the intimidation and let go of your fears about writing so that you can dig deeper into your family stories. As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Creative Nonfiction Writing program, I learned from many of the best in the business, and I have spent years building my own career as freelance writer. I want to share my experience with you.

Why the “Intensive” Concept?

In the genealogy field, there are countless opportunities for learning about what records are available and how to search them. In addition, there are many study groups out there to help you build upon the methodology and research practices. However, when it comes to writing, there is not the same in-depth type of instruction readily available. Even presentations given at conferences and via webinars are typically only lectures that will “tell” you about some of the key techniques, but don’t always “show” you what to do (I know this because I have given many of these presentations). With six weeks of concentrated focus in this “intensive” format, you will receive “take away” assignments to put into practice what you learn, and get the kind of one-on-one interaction with the instructor that is not always possible in a conference or webinar setting.

Specifically, in “The Write Stuff” experience, you will:
  • 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.
  • Learn to overcome fears and anxiety about writing.
  • Have fun!

Through on-line instructional sessions, weekly assignments, and collaboration with other participants, attendees will have access to an instructor with more than 24 years of writing experience, who will teach key nonfiction writing techniques used to produce a “can’t put down” family history that will keep the pages turning for generations.

The intimidation-free learning environment will offer you the chance to find your voice, and write without worry or fear that you are doing something wrong. You will learn the essential skills you need to be accurate and thorough in your writing while maximizing your creativity!

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.

Click here for more details and to register. But don’t delay…there are only a limited number of seats available, and you will want to be sure to get the early bird discount. 

I hope you will join me so I can help you to stop worrying and start writing!

©2015, copyright Lisa A. Alzo. All rights reserved.


[Disclaimer: I have been hired as a freelance instructor this intensive by HackGenealogy, and I will be receive payment for leading this intensive.]
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Overwhelmed by Family Documents and Treasures? Join Me for the Genealogy Clutter Buster Mini Boot Camp – Saturday, January 16, 2016

Is your genealogy life spinning out of control? Is your “inner packrat” taking over your life or precious family history research or writing time? If so, trust me, you are not alone.


I’ve spent the past year sorting through personal papers, family photographs, books and other items that haven’t seen the light of day in over 10 years. When you work in a field that is all about preserving the past, the lines often blur between being a genealogist and becoming a packrat. If you feel this way, then the Genealogy Clutter Buster Mini-Boot Camp could be the boost you need to be a better organized and more effective researcher. I have partnered with Thomas MacEntee of HackGenealogy and will be sharing my experiences and some of my favorite organizational tips and resources. 

Here is the official announcement from HackGenealogy:


***
Taming Your Inner Packrat: Genealogy Clutter Buster Mini Boot Camp –                       Saturday, January 16, 2016


Are you drowning in a sea of papers, documents, old photographs and other research materials? Feeling like a family history hoarder? If you want to start the New Year off right as a more efficient and organized genealogist, then you won’t want to miss this genealogy mini boot camp. Author, lecturer, and instructor, Lisa A. Alzo will show you how to purge your inner packrat and bust through the clutter. In this 90-minute workshop you will learn:

  • How to organize family history documents, photographs, for quick retrieval
  • The pros and cons of going paperless
  • Stress-free filing strategies and creating checklists to stay on track
  • Effective ways for distributing and sharing genealogical information with others
  • Tools, apps and resources for taming your paper and electronic monsters

Click here to sign Up for the Genealogy Clutter Buster Mini Boot Camp Today!

With the Genealogy Clutter Buster Mini Boot Camp you’ll receive 1.5 hours of educational content for a special low price of $7.95! You’ll receive an extensive handout, a special “freebie” created by instructor Lisa Alzo, as well access to the recorded version of the webinar for up to one year!
Register by Monday, 11 January 2016 and receive $2 off the registration price for a low $5.95! Space is limited and if you register but can’t attend, you’ll still receive the handout, the freebie and access to the recording!

Saturday 16 January 2016
Duration: 1.5 hours
11:00 am EST /10:00 am CDT
Taming Your Inner Packrat
Presenter/Moderator: Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A.
For more information and the registration, link, click here.
I hope you will join me for this mini-bootcamp and make the pledge to purge the clutter and start out 2016 on the right path!
BootCamp Information ©2015, copyright Thomas MacEntee. All rights reserved.
Blog Post ©2015, copyright Lisa A. Alzo. All rights reserved.
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Finding Ancestors in FindMyPast – Save 75% Off World Subscription – Offer Expires 30 November 2015

Hurry! Save 75% off  World Subscription for FindMyPast 

While shoppers were out embracing Black Friday madness, I was at home enjoying my coffee and logging some serious genealogy research time thanks to FindMyPast.


No big deal, right? Well, this wasn’t just any genealogy research day for me, it was a chance to take advantage of my FindMyPast account to explore many of their great collections and make some unexpected discoveries. I never would have expected to find my Slovak ancestors in a database that I mostly associate with records from England, Ireland, etc. To my surprise and delight I located some records for ancestors from my paternal grandmother’s side of the family in two databases. 

The first was the Passenger Lists Leaving UK 1890-1960.This database shows has names of people who left Ireland and Great Britain between 1890 and 1960 and offers details such as where they were going and where they were coming from, where they called home as well as their age, occupation and whether they were married or single.

(I found Mike Finchack and his wife sailing to the United States on the City of Chester in 1891. From other research I learned he was a “bird of passage”–someone who came to the U.S. to work and earn money so that he could eventually return home with a goal of using the money to buy land).

I also went back to the British Newspapers database to review a coroner’s inquest notice in the May 10, 1884 – Liverpool Mercury newspaper – Liverpool, Merseyside, England I had found some time ago. The brief article summarized the tragic death of an infant Michal Fenchak who died after accidentally falling in a pan of hot water.

I just love finding more pieces for my family history puzzles, don’t you?

Lesson learned here; You never know which databases your ancestors will show up in. If you haven’t explored FindMyPast, now is the perfect time to do so. This weekend the World Subscription is only $49.87 for 1 year when you use promo code THNKSGNG15 or THANKSNOV15.  (This offer is for subscribers from US only). Once you following the link to the site, click the “Subscribe” button and then select the World 12 month membership and enter either of the codes above is the discount code box to the right and click apply), then follow the instructions to finish the sign up process).

But, hurry, the offer ends on 30 November 2015


[Disclosure: I am a FindMyPast Affiliate. What does this mean? If you click on the link and purchase a subscription I will receive a small commission for each subscription purchased.]



©2015, copyright Lisa A. Alzo. All rights reserved.

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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

  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 AncestorsWriting 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 MagazineFamily ChronicleInternet 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.]


Blog ©2015, copyright Lisa A. Alzo. All rights reserved
Genealogy Intensive Information: ©2015, copyright Thomas MacEntee. All rights reserved.

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Got Eastern European Genealogy Brick Walls? Learn Research Tips in Free Legacy Webinar 2 September 2015

Anyone who has attempted to trace their ancestors back to Eastern Europe understands how border changes, language differences, and exotic-sounding surnames often complicate the research process. It is likely you have encountered some brick walls in your genealogy research along the way. If tracing your roots back to Eastern Europe has you stuck, you will want to register for my upcoming Legacy Family Tree webinar Break Down Brick Walls in Eastern European Research – Tips, Tools and Tricks on 2 September 2015.  In this webinar I will share some of the secrets from my 25 years of experience performing Eastern European genealogical research. Click here to register for free.
In the meantime, here are three tips to help you find even your most elusive Eastern European ancestors.
Štátny Archív V Prešove, June 2012 (Photo by Lisa A. Alzo)
1. Get the name right.  “But…our name has always been spelled that way.”  Don’t listen to relatives who insist on the spelling of a surname because it is more likely than not that your immigrant ancestor’s surname is spelled differently in European records.  For example, my grandfather “John Alzo,” is listed as Ján/János Alyzsó in Slovak/Hungarian records. Be aware that many Eastern European surnames are difficult to spell and pronounce and there can be issues with indexing and transcriptions when dealing with online records.  Also, keep in mind that many immigrants changed their names upon settling in North America (Names were not purposely changed at Ellis Island. This is a myth. Read the article “American Names: Declaring Independence” by Marian L. Smith to learn more).  Knowing what the immigrant’s original name was in the old country (and how it was spelled in his or her language) is essential when searching for records in Eastern Europe. To help flush out those elusive ancestors, consider changing your search criteria for a favorite database by experimenting with different fields, or using alternate views to display results (where available).

2. Determine the exact place of origin. Typically, knowing that an ancestor came from Budapest, Kiev, or Prague is not good enough.  Because the records that you need to do your research in Europe were kept on a local level, your research cannot proceed unless you know the specific name of the town or village of origin.  To obtain this information, start your search for records in the United States and Canada.  If possible, talk to living relatives of your immigrant ancestor.  Look for personal information in sources you may have at home or you can get from family members, such as:  Bibles, journals, letters, pictures, family correspondence, military service papers, funeral home records, or naturalization documents. Look for clues in census records (for example, US Censuses from 1900, 1910, and 1920, will list the year of immigration as well as the country of origin. This will help narrow your search for immigration records).  Two excellent resources to help you find passenger lists online are Ship Passenger Lists and Immigration Records: A Genealogy Research Guide, (Joe Beine) and Olive Tree Genealogy(Lorine McGinnis Schulze).  Then, expand your search to locate vital, military, and other key records. Once you determine where your ancestor was from, you must verify the spelling and determine where that town or village is now (taking account of any number of border changes). You will also want to know what province, county or district had jurisdiction over the place. Maps and gazetteers (geographical dictionaries) are the best way to sort out locality questions or discrepancies.  Several outstanding old gazetteers are now available online (type in your country of interest and the term “gazetteer”). FamilySearch and you can use their site to see what Eastern Europe gazetteers are available through the Family History Library, and search the FamilySearch Wiki by country to learn about record collections and other useful tips.

3. Check for online records. Your eventual goal will be to find documentation for your ancestors in civil and church records located in Eastern Europe. In the past this was exclusively done by writing to the records office or church, hiring someone to obtain documents on your behalf or traveling to the location to do on-site research.  But these options can be expensive and time-consuming, so you should first check to see if any records for your ancestral locality have been digitized either by FamilySearch, or on individual archival websites (countries leading the way in these efforts include Estonia, Czech Republic, Latvia, and Poland).  Keep in mind that not everything is online, so you might need to search the Family History Library Catalogfor microfilmed records, or revert back to one of the other strategies noted above (send a written request, go on-site yourself, or hire a professional researcher). Remember: Once you start researching records across the ocean, be prepared to see them written in a variety of languages including Latin, German, Hungarian, Russian, among others. Check for links to available Word Lists on the the country’s FamilySearch Wiki page.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Collaborate with others through message boards, community pages, and on social media.  Join an ethnic genealogical society to interact with others researching the same localities, and when needed, hire an expert based who lives in the area you are researching.
Want even more tips? There are several Legacy QuickGuides™ available on Eastern European Genealogy, (these guides are available for purchase in PDF format).*

Finally, remember to be patient and persistent.  Records access is improving for many areas in Eastern Europe.  Many archives and repositories are bringing their records online or forming partnerships to do so, resulting in new and updated collections in private or commercial databases.  Your Eastern European genealogy brick wall could soon start tumbling down.
  

*[Disclosure: I am a paid freelance instructor for Legacy Family Tree webinars and receive a speaker’s fee for my webinars. I am also a member of the Legacy Family Tree Affiliate Program. What does this mean? If you click on the link and make a purchase, I get a small sales commission].
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And…We’re Back! Jumpstart Your Genealogy Education in 2015 with New Genealogy Boot Camps

Are you ready to learn some new skills or recharge your genealogy research in 2015? Then check out the two January Boot Camps Thomas MacEntee and I will be offering:  Research Right – Tracking and Evaluating Your Genealogy Research Boot Camp and Getting Started with Scrivener Mini Boot Camp.

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Research Right – Tracking and Evaluating Your Genealogy Research Boot Camp – 17 January 2015



Schedule

Saturday 17 January 2015
Duration: 3.5 hours (with a 30 minute break)

11:00 am EST /10:00 am CST
Welcome / Meet & Greet
11:15 am EST / 10:15 am CST
Using and Managing a Genealogy Research Log
Thomas MacEntee

12:30 pm EST/11:30 am CST
Break

1:00 pm EST /12:00 pm CST
Citing Sources and Evaluating Evidence

Thomas MacEntee
2:30 pm EDT / 1:30 pm CDT

Closing and Thank You

Do you struggle with tracking your genealogy research and staying organized? Do you have trouble finding an image or document you downloaded last week? And what about source citations . . . do you panic when it comes time to document your research?
You are not alone. More and more genealogists and family historians have a strong desire to break bad habits and research using more efficient methods. The Research Right Boot Camp offers a simple way to track research, cite sources and analyze data before it gets added to your genealogy database software.
Through this special Boot Camp you’ll learn not just better research habits but tips and tricks to become a better researcher.

  • Learn how to use a research log that suits your research habits.
  • Understand the basics of source citations and become efficient at creating citations on the fly.
  • Maintain good research habits and adapt them when encountering new records sets.
  • Learn how to state a proof, evaluate evidence and reach a conclusion for each specific data points on records.

Duration: 1.5 hours11:00 am EST /10:00 am CDT

Register:

Reserve your spot athttp://hackgenealogy.com/research-tracking-evaluating-genealogy-research-boot-camp-17-january-2015/

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Getting Started with Scrivener Mini Boot Camp – 31 January 2015


Schedule

Saturday 31 January 2015
Duration: 1.5 hours
11:00 am EST /10:00 am CDT
Getting Started with Scrivener

Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A.


Just what is this program called Scrivener* that everyone keeps talking about? And how can you use it for your genealogy and family history projects? Scrivener by is a combination word processor and project management tool that’s affordable and simple to use. Priced under $50, this powerful application seamlessly takes you from idea to outline to finished product. Whether you are a blogger, an aspiring author, or a genealogist looking to share your family history findings, Scrivener can help you plot, organize, and publish your writing.
Already using Scrivener? You might be surprised at even some of the “secrets” you may not know that are important for a solid understanding of how to make Scrivener work for you. Here’s what you’ll get from this new Boot Camp:
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you download the free trial version of Scrivener (Available for Mac or Windows) before the boot camp in order to maximize your learning experience. Visit the Literature and Latte web store at http://www.getscrivener.com for your free trial.
With the Scrivener Mini Boot Camp you’ll receive 1.5 hours of educational content for a special low price of $7.95! You’ll receive an extensive handout, a special Scrivener “freebie” created by instructor Lisa Alzo, as well access to the recorded version of the webinar for up to one year!
Register by Monday, 26 January 2015 and receive $3 off the registration price for a low $4.95! Space is limited and if you register but can’t attend, you’ll still receive the handout, the freebie and access to the recording!
Register 

Copyright 2015, Lisa A. Alzo and Thomas MacEntee
All Rights Reserved
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2014 Year in Review: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Is it just me, or did 2014 zoom right on by? In just a few hours, it will be 2015, and it is time to review where I have been, and turn my energy and outlook to where I hope to go in the coming year.



Last year, I did not blog about specific goals.  Instead, I wrote that I wanted to embrace a theme of “Focus and Selectivity” for 2014.  [See “2013 Year in Review: Lucky or Unlucky?”]. 

So…How did I do? 

2014 seemed like such a whirlwind.  On the plus side, I was always busy and never without an abundance of work; on the minus side—I was always busy and often overworked.  Being self-employed presents unique challenges including self-discipline, time management, self-motivation, and more. There is also a huge degree of uncertainty—worrying about getting the next writing or teaching assignment, or speaking engagement, meeting enrollment minimums for courses, selling books and other products to make sure there is a steady stream of royalties/income.

I left my 2014 goals general on purpose: They can be summarized as follows: Focus more on my writing, spend time with the people I love, and try to enjoy more of the good things in life. I did well in the writing area. I have not counted them, but I wrote a substantial number of magazine articles.  I published my own QuickSheet on Scrivener, and wrote a guide on Teaching College and Online Education Programs for GenBiz Solutions™.  I also wrote two new courses for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Lecturing was another way I spent my time in 2014. I presented at numerous genealogy conferences that took me to Salt Lake City, Richmond, San Antonio, Burbank, as well as other locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, and I taught at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. I presented more webinars than I ever have, and also presented for Family Tree University’s two virtual conferences. 

In addition, I continued my partnership with Thomas MacEntee, presenting several genealogy Boot Camps on topics such as Blogging, Self-Publishing, and Evernote for Genealogy. I was also an instructor for his new Genealogy Intensive initiative. The first offering of my course, “The Write Stuff: Build Your Family Writing Skills,” (Fall 2014), sold out in 3 days! [Note: I am starting a new session of this Writing Intensive on Monday, 5 January 2015—there are just a few seats left for anyone who would like to improve their family history writing skills.  Click here to register].

As for the personal goals, I did make time for family and friends, but it didn’t seem to be enough.  I need to work on doing better in this area.

So, yes…it has been quite a year, and I am only now able to catch my breath—for a day or so before I start work on 2015 projects.  Did I accomplish everything I set out to in 2014? No.  I wanted to blog more, wanted to publish a kindle version of my book Three Slovak Women, and still haven’t finished a lingering nonfiction book project (I took baby steps in 2014, but need to take the BIG steps in 2015 to finally get it done). I plan to ramp up my writing in 2015—articles, books, guides, blog posts…you name it.  And, venture more into self-publishing. As a genealogist, I will also be participating in the Genealogy Do-Over starting 2 January 2015 (see my post “Embracing My Mistakes: Why I Am Participating in the “Genealogy Do-Over” in 2015”].

My Theme for 2015

For 2015, I have settled on the theme of MOVE/MOVEMENT.  I feel a huge need to move more, both in my personal and professional life. I have divided the “Movement” theme into four categories:

Physical – More exercise.  I love to walk, so I plan on doing more of it in 2015. Besides the health benefits, walking helps me to clear my head and think through ideas.

Mental  – I must move out of the space of negative thinking, and of listening to a lot of the “noise” that is out there in the world and on social media. 

Location – One of my hopes is to relocate somewhere other than where I currently reside. I have one specific locality in mind, but am leaving my options open.

Productivity – I must move to a place of more fulfilling work for better and more consistent pay. One of the keys to doing this is to thinking less like a creative and more like an entrepreneur.

Thank you 2014, it has been an interesting year, but I am ready to MOVE on to 2015!


Copyright, 2014, Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved

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Embracing My Mistakes: Why I Am Participating in the “Genealogy Do-Over” in 2015


Hey world, I’m not perfect, and neither is my genealogy. But, I’m getting a chance to be better in 2015, and it is called the “Genealogy Do-Over.

Image Credit: Thomas MacEntee
When my colleague and friend, Thomas MacEntee, first informed me of his plans to launch a 13-week Genealogy Do-Over, on 2 January 2015, (please read his post on Geneabloggers), I immediately said, “I’m in!”

I never intended to become a genealogist.  When I began exploring my family history more than 25 years ago, I thought that the process would simply be a means to an end.  I was focused on being a writer, studying for my Master of Fine Arts Degree in Nonfiction Writing at the University of Pittsburgh, and I needed a topic for my thesis. Enter genealogy. I began asking my mother questions about my grandparents and my Slovak/Rusyn heritage. And so it began. [For more information, read my post The Accidental Genealogist from 2 July 2006]. I wrote my thesis about my grandmother’s immigration story, and eventually turned my thesis into a book, Three Slovak Women.

Three Slovak Women. Image Credit: Lisa Alzo
When I began exploring my roots, genealogy was pretty much a solitary activity.  I didn’t know how or where to start, and I couldn’t Google the answer. There was no Ancestry.com, no FamilySearch website, and no Ellis Island Database. Because there was no World Wide Web, I spent long hours in libraries and traveling to repositories, writing letters/requests for records, and chasing down relatives to interview.  Eventually I connected with a few other genealogists thanks to queries in publications and by joining the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International. I didn’t have a genealogy database (I did my Pedigree charts by hand). I fumbled my way through the research, winging it as I went along. I made my share of mistakes, including blindly collecting names, buying too much into family lore, and neglecting to cite my sources. Now I have an opportunity to for a “Take Two.”  
Why Do the Do-Over?

Why would I want to put aside 25 years of research to start again? Well, I haven’t lost my mind, and it is not because I desire to “follow the crowd.” Here are my personal reasons for wanting to make a fresh start with my genealogy. 


1. Accountability.  Recognizing all of the errors I made as a “newbie,” I view this exercise as a cathartic process during which I embrace my mistakes and learn from them to become an even better genealogist.

2. See the Holes in My Research. With all of the starts and stops in my research over 25 years I have more holes than I can count.  With more thorough and thoughtful research practices, I hope to fill them in. With a research log I will be able to keep better track of what, when, where, and how I search.

3. Documentation and Proof Analysis. When I first began my research, I had to document the key sources I consulted to prepare
 a bibliography for my thesis. Did I record source citations for every single document or piece of information I found?. No (I only recorded those that made it in to the final document).  Did I use the proper format as designated for genealogy? No. Did I conduct a thorough analysis of each and every record?  Not always.

4. Gain a Deeper Understanding of My Ancestors. I was never about just gathering names, dates, and places.  I always wanted “the story.”  And I did get the “stories” for many of my ancestors, but some of them still remain a mystery.  I want to learn more about those ancestors. I would like to develop a better knowledge of who they were, and as a result, have a deeper understanding of who I am.
5. Walking the Walk. As a genealogy writer, instructor, and lecturer, I share research tips, techniques, and advice.  My audience often includes many beginners.  I want to be a good example to those who read my articles, attend my seminars and webinars, or take my courses.

One of the best aspects of this Genealogy Do-Overis that you can make the experience your own. There is a schedule of topics that outlines suggested tasks for each week, and an interactive collaborative group on Facebook for connecting and sharing with others who are participating in the 13-week journey, but nothing is mandatory.
If I Knew Then, What I Know Now…
My ancestry goes back to Eastern Europe. When I began genealogy, finding information “over there” was challenging and difficult. My choices were to: 1) Travel to Slovakia myself (something I was not in a position to do at the time, but have since done—see “Sojourn in Slovakia”); 2) Hire a researcher (which can get expensive), or 3) Rely on the microfilms that could be ordered from the Family History Library.  While I was able to do option #3, and view church records from my ancestral villages, there were a limited number of records available.  Now, most of the records I previously viewed are online and there are also new collections that have been digitized and put online at FamilySearchand other websites.
Documenting My Journey
While I won’t be sharing publicly every step of my own journey, I will focus my posts on some of the common myths and misconceptions in genealogy and how I worked through them. 
I am preparing in advance for the Genealogy Do-Overby setting up a new database in my genealogy software program, customizing my research log template, and creating a special notebook in Evernote where I will store notes, and other important documents and materials. 

I want to make 2015 my best genealogy year ever. I can’t wait to get started!


Copyright 2014, Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved
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Whose Story Will You Explore in 2015? New Session of The Genealogy Writing Intensive Begins 5 January

Have you been putting off writing that family history?  Do you want to make 2015 the year you finally tell your ancestors’ stories?  Perhaps you have doubts or fears about how to get started, what to write about, or how to craft a compelling narrative. If so, then join me for a new session of The Write Stuff: Build Your Family Writing Skills,  Genealogy Intensiveoffered through HackGenealogy.com. In this six week, interactive course (5 January – 9 February 2015), you will build your skills as a writer and learn about the tools and techniques to produce a quality family history.




The Fall 2014 version of The Write Stuff sold out in 3 DAYS!  Reserve your spot now by clicking here to register.

Why Am I Doing This?

As avid genealogists, we collect names, dates, places, and sources, and these are all essential to us learning about who we are. But a total family history is so much more just charts and graphs, boxes and lines, or references. Writing about our ancestors and our heritage gives context, meaning, and purpose to all of the facts we have collected, and I want to help you to learn how to lose the intimidation and let go of your fears about writing so that you can dig deeper into your family stories. As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Creative Nonfiction Writing program, I learned from many of the best in the business, and I have spent years building my own career as freelance writer. I want to share my experience with you.

Why the “Intensive” Concept?

In the genealogy field, there are countless opportunities for learning about what records are available and how to search them. In addition, there are many study groups out there to help you build upon the methodology and research practices. However, when it comes to writing, there is not the same in-depth type of instruction readily available. Even presentations given at conferences and via webinars are typically only lectures that will “tell” you about some of the key techniques, but don’t always “show” you what to do (I know this because I have given many of these presentations). With six weeks of concentrated focus in this “intensive” format, you will receive “take away” assignments to put into practice what you learn, and get the kind of one-on-one interaction with the instructor that is not always possible in a conference or webinar setting.

Specifically, in “The Write Stuff” experience, you will:
  • 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.
  • Learn to overcome fears and anxiety about writing.
  • Have fun!

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

The intimidation-free learning environment will offer you the chance to find your voice, and write without worry or fear that you are doing something wrong. You will learn the essential skills you need to be accurate and thorough in your writing while maximizing your creativity!

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.

Click here for more details and to register. But don’t delay…there are only a limited number of seats available, and you will want to be sure to get the early bird discount. 

I hope you will join me so I can help you to stop worrying and start writing!


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

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