Search the internet for how to write your family history and
dozens of results will appear. Maybe you have toyed with the idea of writing
and have never quite got around to it. Before you get completely turned off by
this article, just know I am not going to browbeat you into anything. I will
simply delve into why we have this need to write.
In 2015 The New York Public Library put together a list on
why you should write your family history. [1]
In it, the Library put forward 20 quotes from a variety of writers which I have
now printed out and placed on my office wall. Why? Because these people “get”
what it is to be a researcher and a family historian. I am sure you too.
For me documenting my life, my stories, my adventures are very
therapeutic. I am putting down on paper items I want to remember, or I feel
passionate about. It is my hope that in the future my scribbles and musings will
enlighten a descendent, or fellow researcher, into the life of an ordinary
person. Too often we only read about those who are famous in one way or
another. There are not many journals from the common person showing what it was
like to live during their era of history.
While writing the biographies of our ancestors is a goal for
many genealogists I am always sad when I find that few of them take the time to
write their own stories. I mean, honestly, who is the best person to write
about your life? Your third great-grandchild or you? I hope you said you!
That being said, start small and simple as with any writing
project. Many people feel comfortable simply keeping a journal and writing in
it as important life events happen. Others like writing prompts to get them
going. Whatever you choose, the important thing is to keep it going. For one,
the more you write the better you will become. Two, the more you write the more
it becomes second nature and it will feel off when you do not write!
In the sources listed below are several links to writing
prompts to get you started. Of course, getting started is the hardest part for
many people. I suggest you set aside a specific time each day or week where you
can write. If you need a special pen or notebook, great. If you need to get
away from the house and write at a special place, even better. Do what makes
you feel comfortable and relax you enough to put pen to paper.
Now, get out there and leave a record for future generations
of researchers. Just think how excited you would be to find these types of
journals for any of your ancestors. So good luck and get writing!
More to Read:
Ales Honeysett, “Here’s Why Writing About Yourself is so
Freaking Hard,” The Muse https://www.themuse.com/advice/heres-why-writing-about-yourself-is-so-freaking-hard
Carmen Nigro, “20 Reasons Why You Should Write Your Family
History,” The New York Public Library,
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2015/02/09/reasons-to-write-your-family-history
Emer McKeon, “Why You Should Consider Writing an
Autobiography,” Bookstr https://www.bookstr.com/why-you-should-consider-writing-your-autobiography
James Hamblin, “The Power in Writing About Yourself,” The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/12/ew-feelings/383475/
Michael Gonchar, “500 Prompts for Narrative and Personal
Writing,” The New York Times https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/500-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing/
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