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!

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.]

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:

• 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!

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.

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

Schedule

Schedule

Week 1 – 5-11 October 2015

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

• Assignment Creating outlines and summaries

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

Week 2 – 12-18 October 2015

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

• AssignmentStoryboarding

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

Week 3 – 19-25 October 2015

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

• Assignment 500 words about a family treasure or photo.

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

Week 4 – 26 October – 1 November 2015

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

• Assignment Oral history interview or ancestor profile sketch.

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

Week 5 – 2-8 November 2015

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

• Assignment Putting it all together – 1200 word narrative

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

Week 6 – 9 November 2015

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

• Facebook GroupThank you, good-byes, next steps

Register

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

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

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

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

Money-Back Guarantee

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

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

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

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

Genealogy Intensive Information: ©2015, copyright Thomas MacEntee. All rights reserved.

Štátny Archív V Prešove, June 2012 (Photo by Lisa A. Alzo)

• Croatian Genealogy QuickGuide
• Czech Genealogy QuickGuide
• Germans from Russia GenealogyQuickGuide
• Hungarian Genealogy QuickGuide
• Polish Genealogy QuickGuide
• Slovak Genealogy QuickGuide
• Ukrainian Genealogy QuickGuide

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.

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

• 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 at: http://hackgenealogy.com/research-tracking-evaluating-genealogy-research-boot-camp-17-january-2015/

###

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 

Reserve your spot at: http://hackgenealogy.com/scrivener-mini-boot-camp-31-january-2015/

Copyright 2015, Lisa A. Alzo and Thomas MacEntee

All Rights Reserved

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

Image Credit: Thomas MacEntee

Three Slovak Women. Image Credit: Lisa Alzo

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. 

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 Intensive™ offered 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.